Leakage Current Sensing via Pulsed Load Isolation in FMPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fault managed power systems require complex circuitry to detect leakage current in electronic circuits, increasing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A fault managed power system with a source controller, pulsing controller, leakage current sensor, and load end circuit that uses pulsing inputs to measure leakage current by isolating the load during current-off intervals, employing a blocking diode and holdup capacitor to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex circuitry is used to detect leakage current, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of the power supply to create alternating current-on and current-off intervals. During the current-off interval, the leakage current sensor can accurately measure leakage current without interference from the load, as the load is isolated during this period. This periodic action enables simple circuitry to achieve accurate measurements that would otherwise require complex continuous monitoring circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a blocking diode and holdup capacitor to preliminarily isolate the load from the electronic circuit before leakage current measurement begins. The blocking diode prevents current flow to the load during the measurement interval, and the holdup capacitor maintains voltage during the transition, ensuring that the leakage current sensor measures only the leakage current from the electronic circuit without interference from the load connection.
2Measurement precision
If complex circuitry is used to detect leakage current, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic pulsing mechanism allows for simplified circuit design that achieves accurate leakage current measurement during specific intervals. By using standard semiconductor switches and diodes in a periodic on/off pattern, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and time while maintaining measurement precision, as the same simple circuit can be manufactured efficiently without requiring complex continuous monitoring infrastructure.
3Productivity
If continuous power is supplied to the electronic circuit, then productivity is maintained, but leakage current measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsing of the power supply to create alternating intervals of power delivery and measurement. During the current-on interval, power is supplied to maintain productivity. During the current-off interval, the power supply is disconnected and the leakage current sensor measures leakage current with high accuracy since the load is isolated. This periodic action allows the system to maintain both continuous operational capability and accurate measurement without requiring continuous power supply during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking diode and holdup capacitor perform preliminary isolation of the load before measurement begins. The blocking diode ensures that no current flows to the load during the measurement interval, and the holdup capacitor maintains voltage during the transition, enabling accurate leakage current measurement even when the system needs to return to continuous operation afterward.
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 efficient, accurate, and cost-effective measurement of leakage current, reducing circuit complexity and manufacturing time while ensuring touch-safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The holdup capacitor is configured to reverse bias the blocking diode during the current-off time interval to isolate the load from the electronic circuit
Implementation Method 2
The leakage current sensor is configured to measure leakage current in the electronic circuit during the current-off time interval
Data Source
AI summary
A fault managed power system (FMPS) measures leakage current in an electronic circuit. The FMPS comprises a source controller, leakage current sensor, pulsing controller, and load end circuit. The source controller generates a pulsing input defining a current-on time interval and current-off time interval. During the current-off time interval, a source driver of the source controller opens a source switch to disconnect power from a power source. The leakage current sensor utilizes a leakage current sensor driver to open a leakage current sensor switch. The pulsing controller utilizes a pulsing driver to close a pulsing switch to provide a return path for leakage current during the current-off time interval. A holdup capacitor at the load end circuit reverse biases a blocking diode to isolate a load from the electronic circuit, such that leakage current flows in the leakage current sensor to enable an accurate measurement of the leakage current.