Smart Breaker Dynamic Trip Point for Partially Populated DSLAMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fault protection systems in telecommunications devices, such as DSLAMs, are inadequate when the devices are partially populated with line cards, leading to potential damage from excessive fault currents due to fixed trip points that do not account for varying power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A smart breaker system that includes a current detector, controller, and circuit breaking element, which adjusts the trip point based on detected current flow and stored configuration information about the number and power requirements of installed components, ensuring adequate protection while reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circuit breakers with fixed trip points are used in telecommunications devices, then protection is provided for fully populated devices, but inadequate protection occurs when devices are partially populated with line cards
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker trip point is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller automatically adjusts the trip point based on the detected number of installed line cards and their power requirements. This allows the protection level to adapt to different device population configurations, providing adequate protection whether the device is fully populated or has only a few line cards installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The trip point parameter is changed based on configuration information. The system detects current flow and uses stored configuration data about installed components to select appropriate trip values. This parameter adjustment ensures the circuit breaker provides correct protection levels for varying numbers of installed line cards with different power requirements.
2Reliability
If circuit breakers are configured for fully populated devices, then adequate protection is provided when all slots are filled, but excessive trip points cause false tripping when devices are partially populated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from current flow detection and configuration information about installed components to automatically adjust the trip point. This feedback mechanism ensures the trip point matches the actual power requirements of installed line cards, preventing false tripping while maintaining adequate protection. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts parameters based on real device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the number of installed line cards and their power requirements before setting the trip point. By knowing the configuration in advance, the circuit breaker can be pre-configured with the appropriate trip value, avoiding both false tripping and inadequate protection from the outset.
3Power
If power supply and cooling systems are sized for maximum power consumption, then adequate capacity is provided for fully populated devices, but excess capacity is wasted when devices are partially populated
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker trip point dynamically adapts to the actual power consumption of installed line cards. By adjusting the trip point based on the number and power requirements of installed components, the system ensures the power supply and cooling systems operate at appropriate capacity levels, avoiding waste of excess capacity while maintaining adequate protection and cooling for the actual load.
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
The smart breaker system effectively prevents damage from excessive currents by dynamically setting the trip point, thereby protecting the device and reducing power usage, especially in partially populated configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the current detector is a Hall Effect sensor and parallel transistors are connected to at least one Hall Effect sensor through which current enters and forms a control loop with the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A smart breaker includes a current detector configured to detect current flow from a power source to a protected device. A controller has logic and is configured to select a trip value in response to the detected current flow and stored configuration information relating to the protected device. The protected device includes at least one installed component requiring power and the stored configuration information can be at least one of data regarding the number of installed components in the protected device requiring power, the amount of power used by each of the installed components, and the expected power requirements of the installed components.