Regulator Diagnostic Circuit for Capacitor Connection State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic circuits for capacitors connected to a regulator's output terminal require power interruption to diagnose the connection state, making it difficult to diagnose during operation.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic circuit that switches the output voltage of the regulator to a higher voltage during a specific period, allowing for the detection of output current variations to determine the connection state of the capacitor without interrupting power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power is interrupted to diagnose the external capacitor, then the diagnosis can be performed accurately, but the power supply to the circuit is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator output voltage is dynamically changed from a first voltage to a second voltage during a first period to enable diagnosis. The switching circuit adjusts the voltage level temporarily to create diagnostic conditions while maintaining power supply to the circuit, resolving the contradiction between accurate diagnosis and continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnosis is performed during a specific first period when the regulator outputs a different voltage, while normal operation continues in a second period. This periodic diagnostic action allows accurate capacitor diagnosis without permanently interrupting power supply to the circuit.
2Reliability
If the output voltage of the regulator is switched to a higher voltage, then the connection state of the capacitor can be diagnosed, but the power consumption increases temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage switching for diagnosis is performed only during a limited first period, rather than continuously. This periodic action enables reliable capacitor connection diagnosis while minimizing the duration and impact of increased power consumption, as normal voltage levels are restored in the second period.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage is switched to a higher level in advance during the first period to create the necessary conditions for diagnosis before normal operation resumes. This preliminary action allows the determining circuit to detect capacitor connection state through current variation without maintaining high power consumption continuously.
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 the diagnosis of capacitor connection states during operation, ensuring stable and reliable power supply by avoiding power interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a diagnostic circuit diagnosing a connection state of a capacitor connected to an output terminal of a regulator
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic circuit is provided that diagnoses a connection state of a capacitor connected to an output terminal of a regulator that outputs a first voltage, the diagnostic circuit including: a switching circuit that performs, during a first period, a switching control process of switching an output voltage of the regulator to a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage; a detecting circuit that detects a variation in an output current of the regulator caused by the switching control process; and a determining circuit that determines the connection state of the capacitor, based on a detection result of the detecting circuit.