Mass Spectrometer Power Supply Using Optocouplers for Compact High Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies for mass spectrometers are bulky due to their switching circuitry, making them undesirable for the device's compact design requirements, and there is a need for an improved power supply system that can deliver high voltage efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system utilizing optocouplers and a controller to provide variable electrical conductance for alternating voltage and current control, allowing for efficient delivery of positive and negative supply voltages, and the option to adjust for voltage or current output, thereby optimizing the system's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional power supply switching circuitry is used to meet voltage and current requirements, then the power supply can deliver the required high voltage and current, but the system becomes bulky and undesirable for mass spectrometer integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic switching circuitry with optocoupler-based optical isolation technology. The optocouplers use light to transfer control signals while providing electrical isolation, eliminating the need for bulky conventional switching components and enabling a compact power supply design that can be integrated into mass spectrometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optocouplers as intermediary devices between the control circuitry and the high voltage output stage. These optocouplers act as mediators that transfer control signals optically while maintaining electrical isolation, allowing compact design while still delivering the required high voltage and current to the mass spectrometer components.
2Volume of moving object
If the power supply uses a compact design with optocouplers, then the volume is reduced for mass spectrometer integration, but the complexity of controlling multiple optocouplers in different modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the controller to perform multiple functions: it can operate in PWM mode for simple alternating voltage output, in analog mode for precise voltage control with feedback, and in constant current mode for specialized applications. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate control circuits, managing complexity while providing versatile operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller receives feedback signals from the power supply output and adjusts the optocoupler control signals accordingly. This feedback loop simplifies control by automatically regulating the output, reducing the need for complex manual control circuitry while maintaining precise voltage and current delivery.
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
The system achieves a compact design suitable for mass spectrometers by using optocouplers and a controller to manage voltage and current, enhancing the power supply's efficiency and adaptability, thus addressing the bulkiness issue of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first optocoupler which is configured to couple the positive voltage terminal to the system output terminal electrically by a variable electrical conductance which is set in response to a first control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Power supply systems and methods A power supply system (1) for a mass spectrometer. The system (1) comprises first and second optocouplers (19, 20) which are controlled by a controller (3). The controller (3) is configured to operate in at least one of three control modes to control the optocouplers (19, 20) to deliver a system output signal to a component (7) of a mass spectrometer.