Voltage Processing Unit Eliminates Power Switching Sparks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interference caused by electric sparks during the power on/off process in hardware testing leads to undesired triggering of oscilloscopes, resulting in inefficient testing and the need for repeated measurements.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a power unit, voltage processing unit, and PSU is used to eliminate electric sparks by providing a stable operating voltage and converting it into direct current, utilizing isolated power supply modules, RC delay circuits, and MOSFETs in series-opposing connection to control power-on and power-off smoothly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical switch is used to switch power supply to the board, then the power on/off operation is simple and direct, but electric sparks are generated during switching which cause interference signals and undesired triggering of the oscilloscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical switch as an intermediary component between the power source and the board. This switch is designed with specific characteristics (contact structure, material) to reduce spark generation during power on/off transitions, thereby mediating between the need for simple power switching and the need to minimize electric spark interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical switching of power to the board with an electronically controlled switching mechanism. The mechanical switch controls a power supply circuit that uses electronic components (transistors, resistors, capacitors) to smoothly transition power delivery, substituting the harsh mechanical power connection with a controlled electronic power management system
2Measurement precision
If the oscilloscope is set to edge-triggered mode to capture hopping waveforms, then the waveform capture capability is improved, but the oscilloscope is easily triggered by interference signals from electric sparks instead of the desired signal hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power supply circuit monitors the board's power state and signal activity, then adjusts power delivery accordingly. This feedback loop ensures power is maintained during signal hops while being reduced or eliminated during idle periods, creating a reliable distinction between actual signal events and noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors and preparing the power supply circuit before actual power delivery to the board. This preliminary preparation ensures that when power is delivered, it does so in a controlled manner that minimizes transient spikes and interference, allowing the oscilloscope to reliably distinguish between intentional signal hops and power transition artifacts
3Measurement precision
If repeated testing is performed to capture effective signal hops, then the likelihood of obtaining valid measurements is improved, but test time increases significantly resulting in low test efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the board in a sustained powered state during the entire testing process. The power supply circuit is designed to provide stable, continuous power without repeated on/off cycling, allowing multiple signal hops to be captured in sequence without interruption. This eliminates the need for repeated test cycles and significantly improves testing throughput while maintaining measurement validity
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 solution reduces electromagnetic interference, allowing the oscilloscope to capture effective waveforms without interference signals, thereby improving test efficiency and maintaining the original function of the mechanical switch.
Implementation Method 1
isolated power supply module
Implementation Method 2
RC delay circuit
Implementation Method 3
MOSFETs in series-opposing connection
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit and a method for reducing interference of power on/off to hardware test. The circuit includes: a power unit, a voltage processing unit, a PSU and a to-be-tested hardware. An input terminal of the voltage processing unit is connected to the power unit, an output terminal of the voltage processing unit is connected to an input terminal of the PSU, and an output terminal of the PSU is connected to the to-be-tested hardware; the power unit is configured to provide an operating voltage; the voltage processing unit is configured to eliminate electric sparks caused by instability of the operating voltage at an instant of power on/off; the PSU is configured to convert a stable operating voltage outputted from the voltage processing unit into a direct current voltage required for the to-be-tested hardware; and the to-be-tested hardware is configured to receive the direct current voltage outputted from the PSU.