Two-Wire Sensor Interface for Accurate Energy Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for connecting electricity meters to current transformers with memory devices are complex and costly, requiring multiple wires for communication and power, which increases installation time and susceptibility to errors.
Innovation Solution
A two-conductor interface system where a current transformer and memory device are packaged together, using a 1-Wire memory device connected in series with the transducer and isolating resistor, allowing digital communication and power application on the same wires without disconnecting the analog signal, enabling correction data retrieval and application for accurate current and energy measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wires are used for communication and power between electricity meters and current transformers with memory devices, then reliable power supply and digital communication are achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and digital communication functions into a single wire interface. The 1-Wire memory device communicates with the data acquisition circuit through one wire that also carries power, eliminating the need for separate power and communication wires. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining reliable power supply and communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wire interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the memory device, enables bidirectional digital communication, and maintains compatibility with existing two-wire sensor interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve reliable operation with reduced wiring complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple wires are used for connecting sensor units to data acquisition systems, then separate power and signal paths are provided, but installation time and error susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and digital communication into a single wire interface, reducing the number of connections required during installation. This simplifies the installation process and reduces the time required to connect sensor units to data acquisition systems, while maintaining reliable signal transmission through the integrated interface.
3Ease of operation
If DC voltage is applied to the signal line for digital communication, then memory device operation is enabled, but analog transducer operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between communication mode and measurement mode. During brief intervals, DC voltage is applied to enable digital communication with the memory device. Between these intervals, the constant current source resumes operation to maintain analog signal transmission. This periodic action allows both functions to operate without permanent interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically switches between different operational states: a first state where DC voltage is applied for digital communication, and a second state where constant current is applied for analog measurement. This dynamic state switching enables the system to alternate between communication and measurement functions, maintaining both capabilities without permanent interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for storing transducer information in a memory device includes a memory device connected with a transducer by a circuit that enables a meter or data acquisition circuit to access transducer signals and the transducer information from the memory device over a single pair of wires.