Relay Circuit for Differential Signal Conversion Without Voltage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices require voltage conversion circuits, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A communication device that utilizes a noise removal circuit using a first conductor's electric potential as a reference to convert differential signals into a voltage signal with a second conductor's electric potential, eliminating the need for voltage conversion circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage conversion circuits are used to supply power to the conversion unit, then the communication device can function properly, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage conversion function with the existing noise removal circuit by having the noise removal circuit perform both noise filtering and voltage conversion simultaneously. This eliminates the need for a separate voltage conversion circuit, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining proper power supply functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise removal circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it removes noise from differential signals and simultaneously converts voltage levels to supply power to the conversion unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated voltage conversion hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If voltage conversion circuits are eliminated to reduce manufacturing cost, then the device becomes more cost-effective, but voltage conversion is no longer performed
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion capability is merged into the noise removal circuit's functionality. The same circuit that removes noise also performs voltage conversion by converting the differential signal voltage to a single-ended voltage suitable for powering the conversion unit, thereby maintaining voltage conversion capability without adding separate conversion circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise removal circuit serves itself by using its own output to power the conversion unit. It converts the differential signal voltage to a level suitable for power supply, and this converted voltage is then used to power the conversion unit that further processes the signal, creating a self-sufficient system.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device (relay device) is attached to a vehicle power supply apparatus, and receives a differential signal represented by a voltage difference between two electrical signals respectively propagating through two conductive wires included in a communication line. The signal processing circuit removes noise from the two electrical signals using an electric potential of a first conductor as a reference electric potential. The signal conversion unit converts the differential signal represented by the voltage difference between the two electrical signals from which noise has been removed, into a voltage signal represented by a voltage whose reference electric potential is an electric potential of a second conductor. The power supply circuit of the power supply apparatus applies a voltage whose reference electric potential is the electric potential of the second conductor to the signal conversion unit via the apparatus connector connected to the power supply apparatus.