Optocoupler Pulse Output Circuit for EMC-Stable Flowmeters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flowmeters with pulse signal output circuits suffer from poor electromagnetic compatibility protection, leading to crashes or resets during electromagnetic compatibility tests.

Innovation Solution

A pulse signal output circuit incorporating a signal-receiving module, photoelectrical coupler, and signal conversion module to insulatively isolate the signal-receiving module from the signal conversion module, using electrical-optical-electrical conversion to enhance resistance to external interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pulse signal output circuit is added to the flowmeter, then the flowmeter can output pulse signals for accuracy detection, but the electromagnetic compatibility protection becomes poor, leading to crashes or resets during electromagnetic compatibility tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse signal output capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a photoelectrical coupler as an intermediary component between the signal-receiving module and the signal conversion module. This coupler converts electrical signals to optical signals and back, creating an isolating barrier that prevents electromagnetic interference from propagating through the circuit while still allowing signal transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between pulse signal output capability and electromagnetic compatibility stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through the photoelectrical coupler. By substituting the electrical field-based signal transmission with light-based transmission, the system achieves electromagnetic isolation while maintaining signal integrity, thereby improving reliability during electromagnetic compatibility tests

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 circuit design prevents crashes or resets during electromagnetic compatibility tests by isolating the internal processing system from external interference, ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

A pulse signal output circuit is provided, including a signal-receiving module, a photoelectrical coupler and a signal conversion module; the signal-receiving module is connected to the photoelectrical coupler, and the photoelectrical coupler is connected to the signal conversion module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectrical conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4266014B1Pulse signal output circuit and flowmeter
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 GOLDCARD HIGH TECH
  • EP4266014B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4266014B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4266014B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided are a pulse signal output circuit (50) and a flowmeter (11). The pulse signal output circuit (50) includes a signal-receiving module (21), a photoelectrical coupler (22), a signal conversion module (23); where the signal-receiving module (21) is connected to the photoelectrical coupler (22), and the photoelectrical coupler (22) is connected to the signal conversion module (23); the signal-receiving module (21) is configured to receive a source pulse signal acquired by the flowmeter (11), and send the source pulse signal to the photoelectrical coupler (22); the photoelectrical coupler (22) is configured to perform electrical-optical-electrical conversion processing on the received source pulse signal to obtain an electrical signal, and send the electrical signal to the signal conversion module (23); the signal conversion module (23) is configured to perform conversion processing on the received electrical signal to obtain and output an output pulse signal (41) corresponding to the source pulse signal.