Transceiver Protecting Circuit for Overvoltage Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices face challenges in achieving high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) due to fluctuations in supply voltage, static electricity discharge, and transient overvoltages, with current protection methods like diodes, varistors, and gas dischargers being insufficient or damaging.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver protecting unit is introduced, comprising a transistor unit and multiple limiting units, including diodes and varistors, to limit the input voltage of the transceiver unit to a predeterminable value, protecting against overvoltages and ensuring EMC by controlling the input voltage through a transistor and parallel diode configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diodes, varistors, or gas dischargers are used for protecting the transceiver unit, then overvoltage protection is provided, but the protection is insufficient or damaging to the transceiver unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transceiver protecting unit as an intermediary component between the transceiver unit and the harmful overvoltage sources. This protecting unit includes a transistor unit and limiting units that actively intervene to limit input voltage to a predeterminable transceiver voltage value, thereby protecting the transceiver unit without causing damage. The protecting unit acts as a mediator that transforms the harmful overvoltage into a safe voltage level for the transceiver unit.
2Reliability
If conventional protection methods are used, then some overvoltage protection is achieved, but electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are not sufficiently met
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver protecting unit is configured to preliminarily limit the input voltage to the transceiver unit before the overvoltage can cause damage or EMC issues. The limiting units and transistor unit work together in advance to ensure that even during supply voltage fluctuations or transient overvoltages, the input voltage remains within safe limits, thereby preemptively preventing EMC problems rather than reacting to them after occurrence.
3Reliability
If the transceiver unit is designed for high EMC resistance, then protection against disturbances is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protection function into distinct modular components: a transistor unit with at least one transistor and separate limiting units (including first and second limiting units). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (voltage limiting, current control) and can be independently optimized or replaced. The modular structure reduces overall complexity by making the protection circuit more manageable and easier to implement compared to a monolithic complex protection design.
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 solution effectively limits transceiver unit input voltage, preventing damage from overvoltages and ensuring reliable operation across various applications, enhancing EMC without the limitations of existing protection methods.
Implementation Method 1
the first limiting unit (9) is embodied, in the case, in which a supply voltage for the electronics unit (1) exceeds a predeterminable limit value, to control an input voltage for a control terminal (8c) of the transistor (8a) to a predeterminable control value
Implementation Method 2
multiple limiting units, including diodes and varistors, to limit the input voltage of the transceiver unit
Implementation Method 3
the transceiver protecting unit (7) includes a transistor unit (8) with at least one transistor (8a), wherein the transistor unit (8) is connected in series with the transceiver unit (2), wherein the input voltage of the transceiver unit (2) is limited to the first predeterminable transceiver voltage value
Implementation Method 4
controlling the input voltage through a transistor and parallel diode configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a containment, comprising a sensor unit and an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit includes a transceiver unit and a transceiver protecting unit for limiting an input voltage of the transceiver unit to a first transceiver voltage value. According to the present disclosure, the transceiver protecting unit includes a first limiting unit and a transistor unit, the transistor unit connected in series with the transceiver unit, wherein the first limiting unit is connected in parallel with transceiver unit and to a control terminal of the transistor and is configured to control an input voltage for the control terminal of the transistor to a predeterminable control value such that the input voltage of the transceiver unit is limited to the first transceiver voltage value.