Wireless Transient Sensing for Switched-Mode Power Supply PWM Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) are inefficient in accurately determining key attributes of pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals, leading to suboptimal performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed that includes a conductive structure wirelessly coupled to the SMPS to capture transient responses, converting them into electrical signals, and generating a local PWM signal using circuitry with components like amplifiers, filters, and comparators to accurately reconstruct and analyze PWM attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing testing methods are used for switched-mode power supplies, then the testing process is simple, but the accuracy in determining PWM signal attributes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive structure as an intermediary element that wirelessly couples to the SMPS device. This conductor captures transient responses from the PWM signal and converts them into measurable electrical signals, enabling accurate attribute determination without direct contact with the device under test.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct electrical contact testing methods with a wireless coupling approach using electromagnetic transient response. The conductive structure captures energy changes through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical connection while improving measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If traditional contact-based testing is used, then the testing setup is straightforward, but it cannot accurately capture transient responses of PWM signals
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive structure serves as a mediator that wirelessly interfaces with the SMPS device. It captures transient energy changes through electromagnetic coupling and converts them into electrical signals that can be processed by the testing system, achieving both high reliability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a local PWM signal that corresponds to the original PWM signal used in the SMPS. This local copy is generated by converting the transient response, allowing accurate analysis of PWM attributes without directly accessing the original signal sources.
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 system enables precise determination of PWM attributes such as duty cycle, frequency, and voltage, enhancing the testing accuracy and reliability of SMPS performance.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive structure wirelessly coupled to the device such that a change in electrical energy in the device produces a transient response on the conductive structure
Data Source
AI summary
An example system is for testing a switched-mode power supply that includes a device associated with a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal. The system includes a conductive structure wirelessly coupled to the device such that a change in electrical energy in the device produces a transient response on the conductive structure, and circuitry configured to perform operations that include: converting the transient response into an electrical signal, and generating, based on the electrical signal, a local PWM signal that corresponds to the PWM signal used in the switched-mode power supply.