Phase Angle Detection Using Dual Voltage Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting information impressed on a supply voltage, such as phase sections, face reliability issues due to parasitic capacitances, especially at zero crossings, making it difficult to accurately determine phase cuts in lighting systems without separate control lines.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with separate voltage dividers for each half-cycle of the supply voltage generates independent measurement signals, which are processed to form a differential signal, rectified, and evaluated using a comparator or integrating circuit to improve detection robustness and eliminate signal errors from parasitic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single measuring resistor is used to detect phase sections by generating current flow through voltage drops, then the detection circuit is simple, but the detection reliability deteriorates due to parasitic capacitances at zero crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into two separate voltage dividers (first voltage divider for positive half-cycle, second voltage divider for negative half-cycle) instead of using a single measuring resistor. Each voltage divider independently detects voltage of its respective half-cycle, eliminating the interference from parasitic capacitances that affect single-resistor detection at zero crossings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different detection configurations for different half-cycles: voltage dividers are used for AC half-cycles while allowing different resistor configurations for positive and negative half-cycles. This local adaptation optimizes detection reliability for each specific condition rather than using a uniform approach.
2Device complexity
If phase angles are detected using a single measuring resistor with different resistor dimensions for L and N wires, then the circuit configuration is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal errors from parasitic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage detection into two independent paths: first voltage divider connected to first input connection (L wire) and second voltage divider connected to second input connection (N wire). Each divider independently measures its half-cycle voltage without interference from the other, eliminating measurement errors caused by parasitic capacitances between L and N wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces separate voltage dividers as intermediary components between the input connections and the detection circuitry. These voltage dividers act as mediators that convert the high-voltage AC signals into measurable voltages while isolating the detection circuit from parasitic effects.
3Device complexity
If information is transmitted by impressing it on the pulsating supply voltage, then separate control lines are eliminated, but detection robustness deteriorates due to disturbances at zero crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supply voltage detection into separate positive and negative half-cycle detection paths using independent voltage dividers. This segmentation allows reliable detection of phase information impressed on the supply voltage without being affected by zero-crossing disturbances, as each half-cycle is detected independently from its respective voltage divider.
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 allows for reliable detection of information impressed on the supply voltage, enhancing the robustness of phase angle or phase section detection and enabling accurate control of lighting systems even in the presence of parasitic capacitances.
Implementation Method 1
A first voltage divider is arranged between the first input connection and a ground potential of the operating device as a detection means, and a second voltage divider is arranged between the second input connection and the ground potential
Implementation Method 2
the difference between which is then rectified
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for lighting means and to a corresponding method. The operating device (6) has a first input connection L and a second input connection N, by means of which the operating device (6) can be connected to a supply voltage source. In addition, it has detection means (13) for the separate detection of a first voltage which corresponds to a positive voltage component of the "mains" supply voltage, and a second voltage which corresponds to a negative voltage component of the "mains" supply voltage, as well as an evaluation unit (14) for evaluating the detected voltages. A first voltage divider (22) for generating a first measurement signal mains1 is arranged between the first input connection L and an earth potential of the operating device (6), and a second voltage divider (23) for generating a second measurement signal mains2 is arranged between the second input connection N and the earth potential, as detection means (13). The detection means (13) for feeding the two measurement signals mains1, mains2 are connected to the evaluation unit (14)