Power Supply Irregularity Detection via Zero-Crossing Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting power supply circuit irregularities, such as switching frequency variations and output oscillations, are complex and costly, often relying on intensive digital signal processing and high-accuracy analog-to-digital converters, which increase complexity and introduce noise.

Innovation Solution

A detector circuit comprising configurable filters to extract DC and AC components of a power signal, a comparator to compare these components, and a digital circuit to calculate the detected frequency based on crossings, allowing for the detection of irregularities without complex processing or conversion processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If intensive digital signal processing and high-accuracy ADCs are used to detect power irregularities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential frequency information from the power supply signal by comparing zero-crossing points of the signal with a reference waveform. This selective extraction of critical data (timing information) eliminates the need for complex full-spectrum analysis while maintaining detection accuracy for power irregularities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, high-precision ADCs and complex digital signal processors with simple timing measurement circuits that record zero-crossing events. These simple timing markers serve as disposable data points that, when accumulated, provide sufficient information to detect power supply anomalies without requiring continuous high-precision analog-to-digital conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If high-accuracy ADCs are used for signal sampling, then measurement precision is improved, but additional noise is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal measurement accuracyVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic system of high-precision ADC conversion with a temporal measurement approach. Instead of converting the analog signal to digital values (which introduces quantization noise and conversion artifacts), the system measures the timing intervals between zero-crossing events, substituting amplitude-based measurement with time-based measurement that is inherently more noise-resistant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If complex digital signal processing is used to detect power irregularities, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirregularity detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the power supply's own switching waveform as a reference for detection. By comparing zero-crossing points of the monitored signal against the inherent switching pattern, the system performs self-referenced measurement that automatically adapts to normal operating conditions without requiring external calibration or complex processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables low-cost, simple detection of power supply irregularities, providing useful frequency information about switching behavior, oscillations, and spikes without the need for complex ADCs or digital signal processing techniques, thereby enhancing operational safety and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first configurable filter to extract a first component of an input signal corresponding to a first range of frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering (DC component extraction): Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a second configurable filter to extract a second component of the input signal corresponding to a second range of frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering (AC component extraction): Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

a comparator to compare the first and second components to generate a comparator output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS11611273B2Detection of power supply circuit irregularities

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe frequency detection techniques for detecting power irregularities. These irregularities may include variations or abnormalities in switched-mode power supply circuit switching behavior, power spikes, and/or output oscillations. The frequency detection techniques may compare different frequency components of the power signal to detect irregularities.