Closed-Loop Oscillation Detector Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closed-loop systems, such as voltage regulators, fail to detect unwanted oscillations caused by the disconnection or absence of stability components during normal operation, leading to potential damage to connected circuits, and existing solutions either require periodic shutdowns or fail to distinguish between legitimate and external oscillating signals.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop oscillation detector is integrated into the circuit, utilizing a band-pass filter and comparator circuit to monitor output signals, ignoring noise floor oscillations and detecting oscillations within specific amplitude and frequency thresholds, thereby triggering a safe mode to prevent damage without necessitating periodic shutdowns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a periodic signal is used to switch off the regulator for detection, then the disconnection of the capacitor can be detected, but the regulator experiences periodic shutdown and voltage drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector circuit continuously monitors the output signal of the closed-loop system without interrupting its operation. The band-pass filter and comparator operate in parallel with the closed-loop system, enabling constant detection while the system remains active and maintains voltage regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary detector circuit is introduced that monitors the output signal without directly controlling the closed-loop system. This intermediary detection mechanism allows the system to maintain normal operation while simultaneously detecting oscillations through the band-pass filter and comparator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the detector responds to any oscillating signal, then oscillation detection is achieved, but external oscillating signals are incorrectly detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation detectionVSAvoidsignal discrimination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The band-pass filter is designed with specific frequency characteristics tailored to the expected oscillation frequencies of the closed-loop system. By optimizing the filter's center frequency and bandwidth to match the system's natural oscillation modes, the detector achieves high sensitivity to system oscillations while rejecting external signals with different frequency characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The detection parameters of the band-pass filter and comparator are optimized to match the specific operating conditions of the closed-loop system. The filter's frequency response and the comparator's threshold are adjusted to distinguish between system-generated oscillations and external interference based on their different frequency and amplitude characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 detector effectively identifies and responds to unwanted oscillations due to stability component disconnection, preventing damage to the system while operating continuously without periodic shutdowns, and differentiates between legitimate and external oscillating signals.

Implementation Method 1

A band-pass filter and comparator circuit are used to monitor an output signal of the closed-loop system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBand-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

A band-pass filter and comparator circuit are used to monitor an output signal of the closed-loop system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage comparison:

Data Source

PatentEP3470954B1Closed-loop system oscillation detector
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 NXP USA INC
  • EP3470954B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470954B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3470954B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A detector (110) detects an unwanted oscillation generated by a closed-loop system (112) due to disconnection, improper usage, or absence of a stability-controlling element (104) necessary for the closed-loop system to function properly. An integrated circuit (102) includes the closed-loop system, the detector, and a supervisory system (114) that disables the closed-loop system upon disconnection of the stability-controlling element from the closed-loop system.