Starting Circuit With Hysteresis for Stable Controller Voltage Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage supply systems for controllers in electrical power converters face challenges in ensuring a safe and reliable operation, particularly during startup when the inverter is not yet able to provide an independent voltage supply, and are prone to unstable operation due to minor interference or short-term voltage changes.

Innovation Solution

A starting circuit with multiple operating modes that dynamically adjusts voltage supply based on predefined threshold values, allowing for a flexible transition between internal and external voltage sources, preventing premature mode changes through hysteresis and ensuring stable operation by activating or deactivating the voltage supply accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inverter provides voltage supply during operation, then the voltage supply is independent and reliable, but during startup the inverter cannot yet provide voltage supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply reliabilityVSAvoidstartup period duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The starting circuit performs preliminary voltage supply action during the startup period before the inverter is capable of independent operation. The circuit includes a first input connection for receiving voltage from an external source and a second input connection for receiving voltage from the inverter, allowing it to proactively provide power during the critical startup phase when the inverter cannot yet supply voltage independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The starting circuit acts as an intermediary voltage supply component between the external voltage source and the controller. It mediates the transition from external power supply during startup to inverter-generated power supply during operation, ensuring continuous and reliable voltage delivery to the controller throughout the entire operational lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the starting circuit switches between operating modes based on voltage thresholds, then the voltage supply is stable and reliable, but frequent switching may occur due to minor interference or short-term voltage changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage supply stabilityVSAvoidoperating mode stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The starting circuit utilizes parameter changes in voltage thresholds to determine operating mode transitions. It includes a first threshold value for switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, and a second threshold value for switching back, creating a hysteresis effect that prevents frequent switching due to minor voltage fluctuations or interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on real-time voltage conditions while maintaining stability through threshold-based decision logic. The controller evaluates the voltage at the second input connection against predefined thresholds and transitions between operating modes only when sustained threshold conditions are met, avoiding premature or spurious mode changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If redundant voltage supply is provided for safe operation, then the controller has reliable power during startup, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller power supply safetyVSAvoidvoltage supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The starting circuit is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. It can receive voltage from either the first input connection (external source) or the second input connection (inverter output), and automatically selects the appropriate source based on operating conditions. This universal design consolidates multiple voltage supply scenarios into a single integrated circuit rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11996762B2Starting circuit, actuation circuit, and method for supplying a voltage to a controller
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US11996762B2 patent drawing
  • US11996762B2 patent drawing
  • US11996762B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a voltage supply for a controller of a converter. In particular, a reliable and stable voltage supply for controlling the converter is facilitated, said voltage supply allowing a stable operation, wherein a changeover is allowed between a self-sufficient voltage supply by the inverter itself and a redundant voltage supply by means of an external source.