Electronic Device Power Failure Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication hubs in smart meter systems face challenges in detecting power failures and detachment from power meters, as they rely on power supply from the power meter, and there is a need for reliable detection mechanisms to prevent tampering and ensure continuous operation during outages.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a transformer, electric double-layer capacitors, and photo-couplers is used to detect power failures and detachment by monitoring voltage changes across terminals, allowing for independent operation and notification of network failures or tampering events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the communication hub is made detachable for maintenance purposes, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of removal by mischief or falsification
Solution Approach 1:
A detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the power supply system and the communication hub, monitoring voltage changes to detect detachment events. This allows the system to maintain the detachable design for maintenance while adding a layer of security through automatic detection and notification of unauthorized removal.
2Reliability
If the communication hub is firmly attached to prevent removal, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage detection circuit serves as an intermediary monitoring mechanism that enables the system to distinguish between legitimate maintenance removal and unauthorized tampering, allowing for secure detachable design without requiring permanent fixation.
3Device complexity
If power supply monitoring is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in detecting power failure versus detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into two separate detection circuits: one monitoring the power supply voltage for power failure detection, and another monitoring the hub connection voltage for detachment detection. This segmentation allows simple individual circuits to work together to achieve precise differentiation between power failure and detachment events.
Solution Approach 2:
Separate detection circuits act as intermediaries for different monitoring functions, with each circuit simplified for its specific task while the combination provides comprehensive and precise event detection capability.
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 solution enables reliable detection of power failures and detachment, ensuring timely notification to the network and maintaining operation for a specified period after power loss, reducing the risk of tampering and improving system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer supplied with the voltage from the external power supply device
Implementation Method 2
an electric double-layer capacitor chargeable with an output voltage of the transformer
Implementation Method 3
first and second photo-couplers supplied with the voltage from the external power supply device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This electronic apparatus which is attached to an external power supply devices (10), and operates by a supply voltage supplied from the power supply device, is provided with: a transformer (22) to which the supply voltage is supplied; electric double layer capacitors (26, 28) charged with an output voltage of the transformer (22); a transformer (36) connected to the output of the transformer; a professing unit (38) in which an output voltage of the transformer; (36) is supplies to a power supply terminal; first and second photo-couplers (56, 68) to which the voltage is supplied from the power supply device; and a capacitor (62) connected to the primary side of the second photocoupler (68). The primary side of the second photo-coupler is grounded in the power supply device via a pull-down resistor (14). The processing unit is provided with: first and second terminals (GPI1, GPI2) to which outputs of the first and second photocouplers are supplied; and a third terminal (ADC) to which charge voltages of the electric double layer capacitors are supplied. Corresponding to the combination of the states of the first, second, and third terminals, occurrence of a power failure or removal of the electronic apparatus from the power supply device is detested.