Power Converter Monitoring via Terminal Voltage Switch Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for monitoring power conversion circuitry require direct access to components and/or processing circuitry, making them unsuitable for commercial off the shelf (COTS) power conversion circuitry.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring circuitry that can be connected to power conversion circuitry within packaging, using a comparator to detect switch states based on voltage differences at terminals, and processing circuitry to monitor the power conversion circuitry without modifying its design or structure, utilizing terminals already available to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct access to components and processing circuitry is required for monitoring, then monitoring precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses voltage at existing terminals as an intermediary parameter to indirectly monitor the switch state of internal switching circuitry. Instead of directly accessing the switch, the monitoring circuitry measures voltage at externally accessible terminals, which reflects the switch state through the relationship V = V_off - V_on. This intermediary approach enables monitoring without direct component access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct physical access to switching components with electrical voltage measurement at terminals. By substituting mechanical/electrical direct access with voltage-based detection, the system achieves monitoring capability through electrical fields rather than direct component interaction, improving ease of operation while maintaining monitoring functionality.
2Reliability
If modification of COTS power conversion circuitry is performed, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuitry uses existing terminals and voltage relationships within the COTS power conversion circuitry to perform self-monitoring. The system leverages the inherent voltage differences that occur during normal operation (V_off - V_on) without requiring additional sensors, modification of the power conversion circuitry, or external calibration, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing terminals in the COTS power conversion circuitry serve dual purposes: their original function for power connection and an additional function for monitoring switch state. By making the terminals multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated monitoring components, thus preventing increase in device complexity while enabling monitoring capability.
3Ease of operation
If existing terminals are used for monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified voltage comparison approach that only requires detecting whether voltage exceeds a threshold (V_off - V_on), rather than measuring precise voltage values or multiple parameters. This partial measurement approach is sufficient to determine switch state, achieving adequate precision for the application while maintaining ease of operation using existing terminals.
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
Enables equipment health monitoring and remaining useful life estimation of COTS power conversion circuitry components, such as capacitors, without requiring direct access or modification, using existing terminals.
Implementation Method 1
the comparator detects a switch state of the switching circuitry based on a voltage generated at the first input terminal and the reference voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is monitoring circuitry (100) connectable to power conversion circuitry (150) enclosed within packaging (152), the power conversion circuitry (150) comprising terminals providing external connections to nodes of the power conversion circuitry (150) enclosed within the packaging (152), the monitoring circuitry (100) comprising: a comparator (102) comprising a first input terminals (104) connectable to first and second terminals of the power conversion circuitry (150, 158, 450) and a second input terminal (106) connected to a reference voltage, wherein the first and second terminals provide external connections to first and second nodes connected along respective current paths each connected to switching circuitry (156) of the power conversion circuitry (150) enclosed within the packaging (152), wherein the comparator (102) detects a switch state of the switching circuitry (156) based on a voltage generated at the first input terminal (104) and the reference voltage; processing circuitry (108) connected to the comparator (102) and configured to monitor the power conversion circuitry (150) based on the detected switch state and a signal of the power conversion circuitry (150). Also disclosed are methods (300) of monitoring power conversion circuitry (150).