Temperature Controller Voltage Feedback Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature controllers connected to personal computers via USB face instability due to voltage fluctuations, where the feedback circuit pauses the general power source when the USB-supplied voltage exceeds a predetermined value, potentially leading to incomplete operation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature controller design that includes a feedback circuit monitoring the 5-V voltage, adjusting the general power source supply based on voltage thresholds, ensuring stable operation by distinguishing between USB and general power source voltages, allowing operation within specific voltage ranges to prevent premature power source cutoff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the feedback circuit monitors voltage and pauses the general power source when voltage exceeds a predetermined value, then power consumption is controlled, but the temperature controller becomes unstable when connected to a personal computer
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback circuit changes its monitoring parameter from absolute voltage value to voltage difference. By calculating the difference between the monitored voltage and a reference voltage (both from the same power source), the system adapts to different operating conditions (USB power vs. general power source) and determines whether to pause power supply based on relative voltage drop rather than fixed threshold, resolving the instability issue.
2Device complexity
If the feedback circuit uses a fixed voltage threshold to control power source supply, then voltage regulation is simplified, but false detection occurs when USB power is supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage from the currently active power source and using this information to adjust power supply control. The feedback circuit compares the monitored voltage with a reference voltage from the same power source, and this closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents false detection by adapting to the actual power source characteristics rather than using a fixed threshold.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the temperature controller operates with both USB and general power source simultaneously, then power availability is increased, but voltage fluctuation causes incomplete operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into separate monitoring paths for USB power and general power source. The feedback circuit is configured to monitor only the voltage from the currently active power source, not both simultaneously. This segmentation prevents voltage fluctuation issues by isolating the monitoring function to a single power source at a time, ensuring complete and reliable operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is to provide a temperature controller capable of being stably operated at the time of being connected to a personal computer. The temperature controller is capable of being connected to the personal computer. The temperature controller is operated by supplying a power source from the computer and operated by supplying a general power source. A voltage used in the temperature controller includes a first voltage (range a) for processing a digital signal. The temperature controller includes a feedback circuit for monitoring a change in the first voltage flowing in the temperature controller and when detecting that the first voltage exceeds a predetermined value (4.9 V), lowering supply of the general power source, and a voltage (range b) of the power source supplied from the computer is smaller than the predetermined value.