Rail Power Phase Failure Detection Using Bistable Flip-Flops

The detection system is segmented into three independent bistable flip-flops, each assigned to a specific mains phase (L1, L2, L3). Each flip-flop independently monitors its assigned phase by receiving digitized positive half-waves at its set input and digitized negative half-waves at its reset input. This segmentation allows the system to detect phase failures in a modular fashion, improving reliability through independent monitoring while keeping each individual detection unit simple and manageable.

The bistable flip-flops are self-sustaining elements that automatically maintain their state based on the presence or absence of half-wave signals from their assigned phases. When a phase fails, the corresponding flip-flop naturally transitions to and remains in a failure state without requiring external intervention or complex control logic. The system essentially monitors itself through the inherent memory property of the flip-flops.

The patent replaces complex analog measurement systems with digital logic elements. Instead of using sophisticated analog circuitry to detect and measure phase failures, the invention uses bistable flip-flops triggered by digitized half-wave signals. This substitution of digital logic for analog measurement maintains high detection precision while dramatically simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing component complexity.

The system changes the parameter representation from continuous analog voltage signals to discrete digital states (set/reset states of flip-flops). By converting the phase presence/absence information into binary states through digitizing means, the system achieves precise detection of phase failures using simple logic levels rather than requiring precise analog voltage measurements, thereby maintaining precision while reducing complexity.