Ungrounded Power Supply Simulation With 4-Quadrant Amplifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for simulating the electrical properties of ungrounded power supply systems, such as IT networks, face challenges with discrete components that require frequent switching, leading to high charging currents, component stress, and latency issues, failing to accurately represent real-world conditions.

Innovation Solution

A simulation arrangement using a 4-quadrant amplifier controlled by a voltage-controlled current control loop to simulate the electrical properties of ungrounded power supply systems, eliminating the need for discrete components and enabling continuous adjustment without downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If discrete components (R and C decades, voltage sources) are used to simulate electrical properties, then the simulation can be manually operated for simple experiments, but a large number of switching operations are required to specify resistance and capacitance values, causing high charging currents that push switching devices to their load limits and accelerate component aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidcomponent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/discrete component switching with an electronic field-based solution. Instead of physically switching discrete capacitors and resistors, the invention uses a 4-quadrant amplifier controlled by a microcontroller to electronically adjust resistance and capacitance values through control signals, eliminating mechanical wear and high charging current issues associated with discrete component switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the simulation approach from fixed discrete component values to continuously variable electronic parameters. The 4-quadrant amplifier allows resistance and capacitance values to be dynamically adjusted through control voltages generated by the microcontroller, enabling parameter changes without physical switching operations that stress discrete components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If automated versions with centrally controlled decades and voltage sources are used, then extensive series of experiments can be performed, but there is always a latency between control signals and device response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexperiment throughputVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanically-based automated decades and voltage sources with an electronic field-based amplifier system. The 4-quadrant amplifier responds instantaneously to microcontroller control signals through electronic field effects, eliminating the inherent latency of mechanical switching and adjustment mechanisms while maintaining automated experiment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the simulation parameters dynamically adjustable in real-time through electronic control. The 4-quadrant amplifier can continuously vary resistance and capacitance values in response to control signals without the fixed step changes and response delays characteristic of automated decades, enabling dynamic simulation scenarios with improved response speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If discrete components are used to simulate insulation resistance and capacitance, then the basic electrical properties can be represented, but the switching operations required to change values cause high charging currents and technical problems with switching devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation flexibilityVSAvoidswitching device requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete components (resistors, capacitors, voltage sources, and switching devices) into a single integrated 4-quadrant amplifier system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate switching devices for each component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or enhancing simulation flexibility through the amplifier's electronic control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The 4-quadrant amplifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it simulates variable resistance, variable capacitance, and voltage sources all through a single device controlled by the microcontroller. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple discrete components and their associated switching mechanisms, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows flexible and effective simulation of IT network electrical properties across various applications, reducing component stress and latency, and ensuring precise simulation without discrete component switching.

Implementation Method 1

The 4-quadrant amplifier 14 is used in conjunction with a voltage-controlled current control loop 20 to simulate the electrical properties of an unearthed power supply system 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance simulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4624944A1Arrangement and method for simulating an ungrounded power supply system
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 BENDER SA
  • EP4624944A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624944A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624944A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a simulation arrangement (10) and a method underlying the simulation arrangement (10) for simulating an ungrounded power supply system (2). The electrical properties of the ungrounded power supply system (2) are simulated using a two-terminal network (12), wherein the two-terminal network (12), which is actively implemented as a 4-quadrant amplifier (14), is controlled by a voltage-controlled current control loop (20).