Motor Control Device Clock Stop Signal for Leakage Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

In motor control systems using PWM control, the ΔΣ AD converter is affected by leak current, leading to inaccurate detection of motor current and resulting in undesired torque and minute vibrations, especially during servo-lock and low-speed rotation.

Innovation Solution

A motor control device and method that includes a stop signal generator to stop the AD conversion clock for a predetermined period based on the timing of PWM switching, reducing the impact of leak current on detection accuracy by temporarily halting the operation of the ΔΣ AD converter and AD conversion decimating filter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the ΔΣ AD converter continuously operates to detect motor current, then the detection responsiveness is improved, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to leak current during PWM switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection responsivenessVSAvoidcurrent detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The AD converter operates periodically rather than continuously. A stop signal is generated based on PWM switching timing to halt the AD converter during periods when leak current would corrupt measurements. This periodic operation allows continuous monitoring capability while avoiding contamination from switching transients, thus resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the AD converter operates during PWM switching, then continuous monitoring is maintained, but unwanted current components are introduced into the detection signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring durationVSAvoidunwanted current components
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful leak current components are extracted or removed from the detection system by stopping the AD converter during PWM switching events. The stop signal generator identifies switching timing and temporarily halts conversion operations, effectively separating the useful continuous monitoring function from the harmful switching interference periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the AD converter runs without interruption, then detection coverage is maximized, but motor vibration increases due to undesired torque from inaccurate current detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidmotor vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PWM switching timing, which initially causes harmful leak current, is converted into a useful trigger signal. The stop signal generator uses the PWM switching events to precisely control when the AD converter should be halted, transforming the switching phenomenon from a source of error into a synchronized control mechanism that prevents measurement corruption while maintaining overall detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces the deterioration in detection accuracy caused by leak current, thereby minimizing undesired torque and suppressing minute vibrations in the motor.

Implementation Method 1

ΔΣ (delta sigma) AD converter 92, as shown in Fig. 8, in AD conversion unit 95 has been proposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDelta-sigma modulation:

Implementation Method 2

In a general PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control system for controlling motor torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Implementation Method 3

voltage at both ends of the shunt resistance changes by this leak current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3091654B1Motor control device and motor control method
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3091654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3091654B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3091654B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor control device has a motor current detector for detecting current in windings to control the operation of a motor with a stator having three-phase windings. The motor control device includes a digital controller for outputting a PWM switching signal, a power converter for applying drive voltage to the windings using the PWM switching signal, a motor current detector for converting current flowing in the windings to analog voltage, a ΔΣ AD converter for converting the analog voltage to a 1-bit digital signal, an AD conversion decimating filter for generating a detected motor current value from the 1-bit digital signal, a clock generator for generating a clock for the ΔΣ AD converter and the AD conversion decimating filter, and a stop signal generator for generating a clock stop signal for stopping the clock of the clock generator for a predetermined period. The stop signal generator generates the clock stop signal with a predetermined pulse width based on a timing of the PWM switching signal, and the clock generator stops the clock for a period of the predetermined pulse width, using the clock stop signal.