Superimposed Signal Circuit for Stable Current-Based Data Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric devices with multiple wires for communication and data transmission face issues with increased complexity and erroneous signal reception due to changes in power consumption by components like LEDs and diagnostic circuits, which can confuse with data signal changes.
Innovation Solution
The electric device employs a superimposed signal method where data is transmitted on an operation signal, with a current control mechanism to minimize power consumption variations, using circuits like buck circuits, current control parts, and load management to differentiate between operational state changes and data signal changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light emitting diode (LED) or self-diagnostic circuit is provided in the sensor to indicate operational state, then the user can check the sensor state, but the current consumption varies according to operational states which affects the reading result of data signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current consumption into two independent parts: a constant base current for data signal transmission and a variable current for LED/diagnostic circuit operation. By separating these functions and making the base current constant, the data signal reading accuracy is maintained while still allowing state monitoring through the LED.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of current consumption from variable to constant by controlling the data signal current to remain unchanged regardless of LED operational state. This parameter change ensures that the total current variation only reflects data signal changes, not LED state changes, thereby maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IO-Link communication method is used with separate power lines and signal lines, then communication data can be transmitted, but the number of wires increases and device complexity becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function and data communication function into a single wire by superimposing the data signal on top of the power supply current. This eliminates the need for separate signal lines while maintaining full communication capability, thereby reducing the number of wires and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wire used for power supply is given multiple functions: it simultaneously serves as the power supply line and the data communication line. This multi-functionality reduces the overall wire count while maintaining both power delivery and communication capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data signal current is superimposed on operation signal, then communication can be achieved, but current consumption variations from operational elements confuse with data signal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a constant base current for data signal transmission before any LED operational changes occur. By setting this constant current in advance and maintaining it regardless of LED state, the system prevents confusion between operational current changes and data signal changes, ensuring reliable signal reception.
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 approach ensures accurate data signal reception by suppressing power consumption variations, preventing erroneous interpretations and maintaining consistent current consumption, thus enhancing device convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
providing a light emitting diode (LED) or a self-diagnostic circuit in the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An electric device (6) capable of suppressing an influence of variation of a consumed current on a superimposed signal is provided. An electric device (6), which transmits a superimposed signal obtained by superimposing a data signal on the operation signal according to a state of an operating element to the outside, includes a current consuming part (620) configured to consume a current, and a current control part (623a) configured to control current consumption in a circuit including the current consuming part (620) such that current variation of the superimposed signal following variation of the consumed current in the current consuming part (620) is suppressed.