Remote MOSFET Switch Synchronization via Cable Voltage Transients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power fault management systems face challenges in synchronizing remote power switch devices without physical or data communication, particularly in fault managed power (FMP) systems, where independent remote control is desired for safe pulse power delivery with no synchronization wire connection or Phase-Lock-Loop (PLL) communication.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing a MOSFET-type switch at the power source end with a MOSFET-type switch at the power receiver end using voltage pulsing, involving voltage sensing and transient detection to provide power during On-time and safety testing during Off-time, with blanking of additional switching transients to maintain synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Phase-Lock-Loop (PLL) synchronization is used, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but synchronization time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a startup phase where the PSE applies voltage pulses to the PD before normal operation begins. During this phase, the PD detects voltage transients and generates synchronization pulses to trigger its MOSFET switch. This preliminary action establishes synchronization quickly without requiring lengthy PLL locking, resolving the contradiction between synchronization accuracy and time by preparing the system in advance.
2Reliability
If additional control communication wires are added, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power cable serve multiple functions: it simultaneously transmits power and carries synchronization information through voltage transients. The same physical medium (power cable) that delivers power also provides the communication channel for synchronization, eliminating the need for separate control wires and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own power transmission signals to achieve synchronization. The voltage transients generated during power delivery are detected by the PD to generate synchronization pulses, making the system self-synchronizing without external control communication infrastructure.
3Productivity
If voltage pulsing is used for synchronization, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but noise susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PD detects voltage transients from the PSE's power pulses and uses this feedback to generate synchronization pulses that trigger its MOSFET switch. This feedback mechanism ensures the remote switch operates in precise synchronization with the source, maintaining power delivery efficiency while the transient detection provides noise immunity through its inherent signal strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a blanking circuit that suppresses spurious voltage transients and noise during critical switching periods. By blanking unwanted signals, the system maintains robust synchronization even in noisy electromagnetic environments, resolving the contradiction between efficient voltage pulsing and noise susceptibility.
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 rapid synchronization of power switches at both ends of a power cable without additional control communication, ensuring safe and reliable pulse power delivery even under noisy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage sensing circuit in the PD is AC coupled to the HV pulse voltage input and senses a cable transient voltage produced when the PSE modulator switch turns on
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided to synchronize a remote power switch at a power receiver end of a power cable with a first power switch operation at a power source end of the cable, without any physical or data communication means for synchronization. This process may involve synchronization of a MOSFET-type switch with voltage pulsing at the power source cable end to a MOSFET-type isolation switch at the power receiver cable end to provide (voltage or load) power during the On-time and safety testing for a shock hazard during the Off-time. This method synchronizes switching pulses by sensing and synchronizing on the cable switching voltage transients from the source side. This method also involves blanking the additional switching voltage transients on the cable generated after the synchronized switching begins to maintain proper synchronization. These techniques may be used for a single-pair pulse power cable or with multi-pair multi-phase pulse power cables.