Single Optocoupler for AC-DC Voltage and Fault Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC-DC conversion systems require multiple optocouplers for voltage and current feedback, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential reliability issues due to the need for electrical isolation between the primary and secondary sides of a transformer, while also lacking an efficient method to detect faults such as short circuits or overloading.
Innovation Solution
A single optocoupler is used to receive both voltage feedback and fault signals, generating a feedback signal that indicates the output voltage and fault conditions, allowing for efficient electrical isolation and fault detection, thereby simplifying the system and reducing costs by eliminating the need for separate optocouplers for voltage and current feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optocouplers are used for voltage and current feedback, then electrical isolation between primary and secondary sides is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage feedback and current feedback functions into a single optocoupler device. The optocoupler receives both voltage feedback signals from the secondary side and controls the primary side switching, eliminating the need for separate optocouplers for each feedback function. This merging approach maintains electrical isolation while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The optocoupler is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical isolation between primary and secondary sides, transmits voltage feedback signals for output voltage regulation, and enables current feedback for fault detection. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If separate optocouplers are used for voltage and current feedback, then feedback accuracy is maintained, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges voltage feedback and current feedback paths into a single optocoupler, reducing component count and manufacturing cost. The optocoupler simultaneously processes both feedback types through its photodetector and amplifier circuitry, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing overall system cost.
3Reliability
If conventional feedback systems are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but fault detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optocoupler is designed with multi-functionality, serving both traditional voltage feedback for regulation and current feedback for fault detection. The device includes circuitry that can detect overcurrent conditions and short circuits on the secondary side by monitoring current feedback signals, thereby enhancing system protection capabilities alongside its voltage regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dual feedback mechanisms: voltage feedback for maintaining stable output voltage and current feedback for detecting fault conditions. The optocoupler processes both feedback signals and transmits appropriate control signals to the primary side controller, enabling both regulation and protection functions through a unified feedback approach.
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
This solution enhances system reliability and cost-effectiveness by using a single optocoupler for both voltage and current feedback, while enabling effective fault detection and prevention, thus ensuring stable operation and reducing the likelihood of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
The optocoupler 144 couples the primary side 116 and the secondary side 120 using light (e.g., using light from a light emitting diode (LED) included in the optocoupler 144)
Implementation Method 2
The optocoupler 144, which is operatively coupled to the voltage sensor 140, includes an LED 144a optically coupled to a photodetector 144b
Data Source
AI summary
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus comprising a voltage sensor circuit configured to generate a voltage feedback signal indicative of an output voltage of the apparatus, a current sensor circuit configured to generate a current feedback signal indicative of a load current of the apparatus, a converter configured to receive the current feedback signal, and generate a fault signal that is indicative of a fault condition associated with the load current, and an optocoupler configured to receive the voltage feedback signal and the fault signal, and generate a feedback signal that is indicative of the output voltage and indicative of the fault condition. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.