Slave Pin Open-Circuit Sensing in Master-Slave Control Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
In master-slave electronic configurations, open conditions at connection points can prevent feedback information from being fed back to the master device, leading to issues like thermal runaway and damage to components due to poor connections or faulty components in the external network.
Innovation Solution
A controller integrated in the slave device activates a current source to supply current to a pin and compares the measured voltage with a reference voltage to determine the presence of an open condition, outputting a signal to the master device for detection and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feedback information is transmitted through external connection points in a master-slave configuration, then the slave device can be controlled by the master device, but open conditions at these connection points can prevent feedback from reaching the master device, leading to thermal runaway and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary open condition detection circuit integrated within the slave device that monitors the health of external connection points. This intermediary detector acts as a mediator between the slave device and master device, detecting open conditions before they cause harmful effects and communicating this information back to the master device to prevent thermal runaway and component damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection of open conditions at connection points by continuously monitoring voltage levels or current flow through dedicated detection circuits. By detecting potential open conditions before they lead to thermal runaway or component damage, the system can take preventive action by notifying the master device to adjust control parameters or shut down the slave device.
2Reliability
If open condition detection is implemented within the slave device, then the master device can be notified of connection issues, but additional detection circuits and signal processing increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the open condition detection circuit to perform multiple functions: it monitors connection point health, generates detection signals, and communicates status to the master device. By making the detection circuit multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable open condition detection capability.
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 enables effective detection and reporting of open conditions, allowing the master device to initiate protective measures, preventing damage and ensuring system stability by accurately identifying and responding to open connections.
Implementation Method 1
activate a current source to supply a current to a pin of the slave device
Implementation Method 2
compare a voltage measured at the pin of the slave device with a reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting an open condition in a master-slave configuration are described. In an example, a controller can be integrated in a slave device of a master-slave configuration. The controller can be configured to activate a current source to supply a current to a pin of the slave device. The controller can be further configured to compare a voltage measured at the pin of the slave device with a reference voltage. The controller can be further configured to, based on the comparison, determine a presence or an absence of an open condition associated with the pin of the slave device. The controller can be further configured to output a signal representing the determination of the presence or the absence of the open condition to a master device.