Single-Pulse AC Zero-Crossing and Voltage Amplitude Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices require separate circuits to detect zero crossings and voltage amplitudes of commercial power source voltages, leading to increased component count and production costs, which are not cost-effective for low-cost consumer products.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a single pulse signal to detect zero crossings and voltage amplitudes by comparing the AC power source voltage to multiple reference voltages, analyzing the time duration between pulses to discriminate between zero crossings and voltage amplitudes, reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate circuits are used to detect zero crossing and voltage amplitude, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate zero-crossing detection and voltage amplitude detection circuits into a single integrated detection device. The microcontroller unit centrally processes signals to determine both zero-crossing timing and voltage amplitude, eliminating the need for multiple independent detection circuits while maintaining detection accuracy through software-based analysis of the combined signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single detection circuit and microcontroller unit perform both zero-crossing detection and voltage amplitude measurement. The system uses a universal signal processing approach that can identify multiple parameters (zero-crossing points, voltage peaks, amplitude values) from the same input signal, making the device adaptable to various detection needs without requiring separate specialized circuits for each function.
2Reliability
If separate circuits are used to detect zero crossing and voltage amplitude, then detection reliability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated circuit design, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. By using one detection device with a microcontroller to handle both zero-crossing and voltage amplitude detection, the system achieves reliable detection while lowering production costs through simplified manufacturing and reduced parts inventory requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate detection devices are used, then functional completeness is improved, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can detect zero-crossing events, measure voltage amplitude, and identify voltage peaks all through a single device. The microcontroller-based architecture allows the same hardware to perform multiple detection functions by analyzing different characteristics of the input signal, thereby reducing the component count while maintaining functional completeness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and method for detecting a zero crossing and voltage amplitude of a commercial power source voltage inputted to an electronic device, from a single pulse signal are disclosed. The apparatus for detecting a zero crossing and a voltage amplitude from a single pulse signal includes: a first calculation unit (100) that compares the commercial power source voltage to a first reference voltage to determine whether or not the commercial power source voltage is smaller than the first reference voltage; a second calculation unit (200) that compares the commercial power source voltage to a second reference voltage smaller than the first reference voltage to determine whether or not the commercial power source voltage is larger than the second reference voltage; a pulse output unit (300) that outputs a pulse if the commercial power source voltage is smaller than the first reference voltage but larger than the second reference voltage; and a detecting unit (400) that detects a zero crossing and a voltage amplitude by analyzing the pulse which has been outputted from the pulse output unit.