Programmable AC Output Impedance for Flexible Flicker Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC power supplies require hardware replacement to change resistance or inductance values, making it inconvenient and potentially affecting measurement accuracy during tests like flicker tests.
Innovation Solution
A programmable AC power supply with a control circuit and power supply circuit that simulates output impedance by calculating voltage and phase adjustments to generate a simulated output voltage, allowing for flexible testing without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware components (resistors and inductors) are used to implement test circuits, then the test circuit can meet the requirements of testing standards, but changing resistance or inductance values requires hardware replacement which is inconvenient and may affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the physical hardware parameters (resistance and inductance) into programmable electrical parameters. The control circuit calculates voltage adjustment values and phase adjustment values based on commanded resistance and inductance values, allowing continuous and flexible parameter changes without any hardware replacement. This resolves the contradiction by making parameters changeable through software control rather than physical component replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware replacement is used to change resistance or inductance values, then different test conditions can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and may affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of hardware component replacement with an electrical control system. The control circuit computes voltage and phase adjustments based on desired resistance and inductance values, enabling instantaneous parameter changes without any physical intervention. This substitution eliminates the time loss associated with hardware replacement while maintaining the ability to achieve different test conditions.
3Reliability
If external testing circuits with physical components are used, then testing standards can be met, but the system complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of external test circuits into the AC power supply itself. The control circuit integrates the calculation of voltage and phase adjustments that previously required external resistors and inductors. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining compliance with testing standards through programmable control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an AC power supply capable of programming output impedance and a method for simulating output impedance. The method comprises the following steps. The simulating command, selectively provided by a control circuit, is associated with a voltage adjustment value and a phase adjustment value of a test circuit. The control circuit calculates the voltage adjustment value and a preset voltage value to form a voltage command, and calculates the phase adjustment value and a preset phase value to form a phase command. A power supply circuit generates a simulated output voltage according to the voltage command and the phase command. The preset voltage value and the preset phase value are related to a preset output voltage provided by the power supply circuit, and the simulated output voltage is a simulation of the preset output voltage, provided by the power supply circuit, passed through the test circuit.