Scalable Master-Slave Power Supply Bridging Cable Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master-slave power supply systems react slowly to dynamic transient events due to the master unit operating in voltage-feedback mode while slave units operate in current-feedback mode, leading to performance imbalances and inefficiencies, especially during fast changes in current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A scalable power supply system where all units operate in a homogeneous voltage-feedback mode, with a bridging cable automatically defining unit roles and using CAN-BUS and hard-wire buses for feedback signals, allowing each unit to dynamically select between voltage and current feedback modes for balanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If slave units operate in current-feedback mode to follow master unit current levels, then current matching between units is improved, but dynamic response speed to transient events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the feedback parameter from current feedback to voltage feedback for slave units. By monitoring voltage instead of current and using the relationship V=IR, the system achieves both fast voltage response characteristics and accurate current sharing through the voltage feedback mechanism, resolving the contradiction between response speed and current matching precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the current feedback mechanism with a voltage feedback mechanism. This substitution allows slave units to respond to voltage changes immediately (fast response) while maintaining current balance through the voltage-controlled current regulation, eliminating the slow response inherent in direct current feedback systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If master unit operates in voltage-feedback mode while slave units operate in current-feedback mode, then system stability is improved, but overall system performance balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making all power supply units (master and slaves) operate in the same voltage-feedback mode. This creates uniform performance characteristics across all units, ensuring balanced response to transients and load changes, while maintaining system stability through the coordinated voltage feedback mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes all units capable of operating in voltage-feedback mode, giving each unit universal functionality. Each unit can independently regulate both voltage and current, allowing any unit to respond effectively to various operating conditions, thus achieving both stability and balanced performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual master-slave configuration is implemented via UI or front panel, then system controllability is improved, but configuration complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling power supply units to automatically detect their configuration status and adjust their operating modes without user intervention. The system self-configures by detecting connection states and automatically assigning master or slave roles, eliminating manual configuration steps while maintaining full system controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual configuration interfaces (UI/front panel) with automatic detection and configuration mechanisms. The system uses electrical connection detection and communication protocols to automatically determine the master-slave topology, replacing the need for user interaction with automated electronic configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a master-slave power supply system (200), which comprises: (a) a master power supply unit (210) having an output power port (211); (b) one or more slave units (220, 220a, 220b, 220c), each unit having its own power port (211); wherein the output power port (211) of the master unit (210), as well as the output ports (211) of all the slave units (220, 220a, 220b, 220c) are connected in parallel; and wherein a bridging cable (219) connects between the master unit (210) and a first slave unit (220, 220a), and additional bridging cables (219) connect respectively each of the slave units (220, 220a, 220b, 220c) to a next one, until a last slave unit (220, 220c), and wherein at least a voltage feedback signal is conveyed from master unit (210) to all the slave units (220, 220a, 220b, 220c) in parallel over said bridging cables (219).