Conditional Track-and-Hold Amplifier for Transient Peak Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring and characterizing signal transients at AC power outlets is challenging due to their short duration and the high volume of data generated by constant voltage waveform monitoring, which is resource-intensive and often unnecessary under normal conditions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a buffer amplifier, switchable unidirectional current paths, and comparator circuitry that selectively allows current flow to a capacitor, preventing discharge or charging based on voltage thresholds, allowing for stable measurement of transients without continuous data generation, and an analog-to-digital converter for periodic sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant monitoring of the supply voltage waveform is performed, then transients can be detected, but an inordinate amount of data is generated and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the transient signal component from the full voltage waveform by using a bandpass filter to isolate frequencies corresponding to transient events (typically 150 Hz to 2 kHz), separating it from the fundamental 50/60 Hz power frequency and other noise, thereby generating data only when transients occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic sampling of the voltage signal at a rate sufficient to capture transient events (e.g., 2-10 kHz sampling rate) but only processes and stores data when transient conditions are detected, rather than continuously processing all waveform data
2Adaptability or versatility
If the voltage signal is divided into multiple channels (RMS and transient peak), then both characteristics can be monitored, but additional resources such as two analog-to-digital converters are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal processing functions into a single ADC channel by first filtering the voltage signal to extract transient components, then using peak detection circuitry to identify and hold transient peak values, eliminating the need for separate RMS and transient measurement channels
Solution Approach 2:
The single ADC channel is designed to perform multiple functions: it samples the voltage waveform, detects transient events through frequency filtering, measures transient peak values, and can also derive RMS information when needed, making one channel universal for multiple measurement purposes
3Measurement precision
If transients are monitored over a very short timeframe, then accurate transient characterization is achieved, but the monitoring window is limited and data volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a hold capacitor that continuously tracks the voltage signal during the track phase, so when a transient is detected, the capacitor already contains the current voltage value ready for holding and measurement, eliminating any delay in capturing the transient peak
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
Enables efficient detection and measurement of transients by preventing capacitor discharge or charging when voltage exceeds thresholds, allowing for stable peak measurement without continuous resource usage, thus reducing data volume and processing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor having a capacitor terminal
Implementation Method 2
a first diode being oriented to prevent current flow from the output node to the capacitor terminal; and a second diode being oriented to prevent current flow from the capacitor terminal to the output
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments include an apparatus with a buffer amplifier having an output node. A first switchable unidirectional current path is provided between the output node and a capacitor, the first path allowing current flow from the capacitor to the output node. A second switchable unidirectional current path is provided between the output node and the capacitor, the second path allowing current flow from the output node to the capacitor. Comparator circuitry is provided that operates to open the first path if the capacitor voltage is above an upper threshold and to open the second path if the capacitor voltage is below a lower threshold. The capacitor voltage may be read by an analog-to-digital converter.