Parallel Digital Power Receiver Termination Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital power distribution systems using packet energy transfer protocol face challenges in safely and efficiently powering multiple parallel power receiver circuits connected to a common transmission line, as they struggle to maintain consistent line resistance and capacitance, detect faults, and prevent overloads.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a digital power distribution system with a common set of transmission lines, multiple digital power receivers connected in parallel, a termination module with adjustable capacitance and resistance, and communication between receivers and the transmitter to ensure safe operation by monitoring current, voltage, and power levels, and inhibiting power if parameters fall outside predetermined limits or if a valid termination module is not detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power receiver circuits are connected in parallel to a common transmission line, then the power distribution capacity and versatility are improved, but the difficulty of maintaining consistent line resistance and capacitance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capacityVSAvoidline characteristic consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A termination module is introduced as an intermediary device connected to the common transmission line. This module includes adjustable capacitance and resistance elements that act as a mediator to maintain consistent line characteristics despite multiple parallel receivers being connected. The termination module compensates for variations in line resistance and capacitance caused by parallel connections, ensuring stable operation of the PET protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple parallel receivers are operated without a termination module, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and safety of power distribution deteriorates due to inability to detect faults and prevent overloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel receiver operationVSAvoidfault detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The termination module implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring current, voltage, and power levels in the parallel receiver configuration. Communication between receivers and the transmitter is established, allowing the system to detect faults and identify when parameters fall outside predetermined limits. This feedback enables the transmitter to inhibit power when necessary, ensuring safe operation while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a termination module with adjustable capacitance and resistance is added, then the reliability and control of power distribution are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution controlVSAvoidtermination module components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The termination module is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated device. It provides adjustable capacitance and resistance for maintaining line characteristics, fault detection through monitoring, communication interface for receiver-transmitter coordination, and power inhibition control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive power distribution control and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration allows for safe and efficient parallel operation of multiple receivers by maintaining consistent line characteristics, detecting faults, and preventing overloads, ensuring reliable and controlled power distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a termination module with parallel connections to the common set of transmission lines, wherein the termination module includes at least a capacitor configured to establish the characteristic capacitance of the transmission lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the power transmission lines are also isolated from any stored energy that may reside at the load 2 by an isolation diode 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

The power transmission lines have inherent line-to-line resistance and capacitance, respectively represented by transmission-line resistor 6 and transmission-line capacitor 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 4

The power transmission lines have inherent line-to-line resistance and capacitance, respectively represented by transmission-line resistor 6 and transmission-line capacitor 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3405800B1Method and apparatus for parallel operation of packet energy transfer receivers
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 VOLTSERVER INC
  • EP3405800B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3405800B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A digital power distribution system comprises a digital power transmitter configured to accept analog electrical power and to convert the analog electrical power into discrete energy packets for distribution across a common set of transmission lines; a plurality of digital power receivers with parallel connections to the transmission lines, wherein the digital power receivers are configured to accept the energy packets from the digital power transmitter and to convert the packets back into analog electrical power for use by the load device; a load device electrically coupled with at least one of the digital power receivers and configured to receive analog electrical power from the digital power receiver with which it is electrically coupled; and a termination module with parallel connections to the transmission lines, wherein the termination module includes at least a capacitor configured to establish the characteristic capacitance of the transmission lines.