Regulator Circuit Oscillation Detection for Capacitor Disconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting disconnection failures of external capacitors in regulator circuits require intentionally changing the output voltage, which is not suitable for circuits vulnerable to power voltage fluctuations, limiting their application range.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an oscillation detector and a failure determination unit that passively diagnoses disconnection failures by monitoring the oscillating state of the regulator circuit, allowing for stable operation without suspending the circuit and minimizing voltage fluctuations during diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output voltage of the regulator circuit is intentionally changed to detect disconnection failure, then the disconnection failure can be detected, but the circuit operation must be temporarily suspended causing voltage fluctuations and limiting application range
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation detector continuously monitors the regulator circuit for oscillating states without interrupting normal operation. The detector passively observes whether the circuit enters an oscillating state that indicates capacitor disconnection, allowing continuous detection while maintaining continuous circuit operation and voltage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillation detector acts as an intermediary that translates the physical state of the regulator circuit (oscillating vs. normal) into a detectable signal. By monitoring for oscillating states rather than directly measuring capacitor connection, the system can detect failures without disrupting circuit operation or causing voltage fluctuations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the output voltage is changed for failure detection, then disconnection can be diagnosed, but circuits vulnerable to power fluctuations cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The detection method operates continuously without interrupting circuit function, maintaining stable voltage supply to vulnerable circuits while still enabling failure detection through passive oscillation monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator circuit's own oscillating state serves as the detection signal. When the external capacitor disconnects, the circuit naturally enters an oscillating state that the detector monitors, eliminating the need for external voltage changes that would harm voltage-sensitive circuits.
3Reliability
If conventional detection method is used, then disconnection failure can be detected, but the circuit must be temporarily suspended reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation detector enables continuous monitoring of the regulator circuit without suspending operation. The detection process occurs passively in the background, allowing the circuit to maintain full productivity while failure detection capability is continuously available.
Data Source
AI summary
In a conventional electronic device, it is difficult to passively diagnose disconnection of an external capacitor added to an output terminal of a regulator circuit. An electronic device in this embodiment includes a regulator circuit 2 that outputs a constant voltage while external power supplied from the outside is input thereto, an external capacitor 3 connected to an output terminal of the regulator circuit 2 as an external component, an oscillation detector 4 that detects an oscillating state of the output voltage of the regulator circuit 2, and a failure determination unit 5 that outputs a failure signal when the oscillation detector 4 detects the oscillating state of the regulator circuit.