DE102010064027A1 - Interface with potential isolator in the receiving branch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for setting a receiving channel (1) designed for the reception of preferably digital signals, with a potential isolating element (2) connected thereto with active basic electrical power, preferably for controlling an operating device (6) for a lamp (7), comprising Steps: - receiving, through the receiving channel (1), of a plurality of signals from an internal or an external signal source, and - lowering or increasing the basic power supplied to the potential isolating element (2) until a defined signal parameter on the with a control unit (13, 23 , 3) connected secondary side of the potential isolation element (2) falls below or exceeds a threshold value.

Description

The invention relates generally to the field of interfaces for operating devices of building technology, in particular for lighting (gas discharge lamps, halogen, LED, OLED, ...) and control gear with such interfaces. The interface has a reception branch for incoming signals, for example from a bus, and optionally also a transmission branch. The interface can be designed to receive digital and / or analog signals. The signals may have amplitudes in the low-voltage range (for example below 15 volts) and / or mains voltage range (220 V to 250 volts). The incoming signals can be DC or AC signals.

The reception branch of the interfaces addressed by the invention has a potential separation element.

From the WO 2006/010416 For example, a bidirectional interface is known, via which a control device for a light source can exchange digital data via a bus with a control center. The interface consists of a receiving channel with subsequent potential separation element and a transmission channel. The reception branch and the transmission channel are combined at the ports intended for connection to the bus. This allows the receive channel to read the data given by the transmit channel onto the bus, which is also desirable. Namely, the receiving channel should check the data output from the transmitting channel and - if time errors are detected - correct.

The invention is concerned with another problem which is not limited to the combination of the receiving channel with a transmitting channel, but is related to the presence of an adjacent to the receiving channel potential separation element, which is necessary for a galvanic isolation between input and output of the receiving channel is.

The potential separator is typically an optocoupler. However, other implementations are possible for a potential separator, for example a transformer operated at a fundamental frequency, modulating a frequency on one side of the transformer for signal transmission, which frequency can then be read out on the other side. The signal states can be discriminated digitally via the modulated frequency.

The potential separation elements of the type considered here, which are to be inexpensive components, have the property in common that they have relatively large manufacturing tolerances and are also highly temperature-dependent during operation. Until now, the very different power requirements of the individual potential isolators have been taken into account by the fact that they were always supplied with the maximum power, with the result that the power loss was correspondingly high.

Another aspect is that potential isolators of the type considered here, in particular optocouplers, only have an acceptable transmission behavior in the form of still tolerable signal distortions, if they are operated with a certain minimum power. In the case of optocouplers, which are operated with an impressed current from a power source, this means that there is a certain minimum operating current value for each specimen, which must not be fallen below. Otherwise, the signal distortions during the transmission can lead to the fact that the received useful signals can not be evaluated.

The invention is therefore based on the object to make the receiving channel of an interface with potential separator more efficient.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims further advantageously form the central idea of the invention.

• – Empfangen, durch den Empfangskanal, von mehreren Signalen von einer internen oder einer externen Signalquelle, und
• – Absenken oder Erhöhen der dem Potentialtrennglied zugeführten Grundleistung, bis ein definierter Signalparameter auf der mit einer Steuereinheit verbundenen Sekundärseite des Potentialtrennglieds einen Schwellenwert unterschreitet bzw. überschreitet.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for setting a receiving channel designed for the reception of preferably digital signals with an electrical potential element connected thereto, preferably for controlling an operating device for a lighting device, comprising the steps:

• Receiving, by the receiving channel, multiple signals from an internal or external signal source, and
• - Lowering or increasing the potential separation member supplied basic power until a defined signal parameter on with a Control unit connected secondary side of the potential separation element exceeds or exceeds a threshold.

Alternatively, lowering or increasing the base power supplied to the potential separation member when the received signal is a pulse train can be performed even when pulses are detected by a control unit in the signals appearing on the secondary side of the potential separation member specific protocol (eg DALI or DSI) or specific commands (eg "dimming", "discharge lamp ON", or "corridor function") from these protocols. The identification of the signals mentioned can (but does not have to) take place as a result, a defined signal parameter on the secondary side of the potential separation element connected to a control unit falls below or exceeds a threshold value.

The control unit can evaluate the defined signal parameters and set the basic power of the potential separation element depending thereon.

The potential separator may be a transformer operated at a fundamental frequency which is modulated to transmit a higher frequency for signal transmission and in which the fundamental frequency and / or its amplitude and / or the amplitude of the modulation are adjusted to minimize the power requirement of the receiving channel ,

The signals can be transmitted by a transmission branch of the same interface whose reception channel has the potential separation element, or by an external source, such as, for example, a central processing unit or another operating device

The setting of the basic performance can be carried out, for example, during the fabrication of the interface, during commissioning, and / or at defined intervals.

The adjustment of the basic power may be performed when a temperature fluctuation detected by the control unit exceeds a threshold value.

The basic power can be set depending on a detected temperature.

The distortion experienced by a bit pulse supplied to the receiving channel as it passes the potential isolation member can be detected and evaluated, and the power supplied to the potential separator can be set so low that the skewed bit pulse just has certain minimum conditions as regards its shape, in particular fulfilled in terms of its amplitude and / or pulse width

The front pulse edge of the bit pulse supplied to the reception branch can be compared with that of the bit pulse distorted by passing the potential separation element, and the delay time can be determined therefrom, and the power supplied to the potential isolation element can be adjusted as a function of the delay time.

The adjustment of the power isolator supplied power can be repeated periodically.

In addition, the temperature of the potential separation element and / or its surroundings can be measured and taken into account for the adjustment of the power supplied to the potential separation element.

The bit pulse may be a test bit pulse or a payload.

Expediently, an optocoupler is used as potential separator, whose operating current is set in order to minimize the power requirement in the sense described above.

In application of the method for the bidirectional data exchange of an operating device for a light source via a bus with a central station, the receiving branch can be interconnected with an adjacent potential separating element together with a transmitting channel, wherein the receiving channel generates a test bit pulse, which from the receiving branch for determining the Read delay time. The receive channel is also provided with time information on the start edge of the test bit pulse so that the system can determine the delay time between the time of occurrence of the start edge of the original test bit pulse and the time of occurrence of the start edge of the pass the potential separator distorted test bit pulse is.

The start edge of the distorted test bit pulse is typically less steep than that of the original test bit pulse. This also means that the pulse width of the distorted test bit pulse is less than that of the original test bit pulse. If the distortion is particularly strong, this can also result in an amplitude reduction. This fact can be used to determine if the amplitude of a distorted test bit pulse still reaches a certain minimum value. By appropriate dimensioning of the minimum amplitude value, it is possible, irrespective of the delay time, to make a decision as to whether an increase in the power supplied to the potential isolating element is necessary or not.

The delay time and / or the amplitude value are therefore also suitable for validating the useful signals supplied to the receiving channel.

The invention further relates to a receiving channel with subsequent potential separation member, with which the task defined above can be solved device technology.

An aspect of the invention in this case provides measuring means for measuring the distortion which a bit pulse supplied to the receiving channel during Passing the potential separation element learns, and further adjusting means for the potential separation member supplied power as a function of the measurement result, such that the distorted bit pulse just yet meets certain minimum conditions in terms of its shape, in particular with regard to its amplitude and / or pulse width.

Another aspect of the invention provides an interface for operating devices for lighting, which is designed to carry out a method of the type mentioned above.

Furthermore, the invention provides an integrated circuit, in particular ASIC, microcontroller or hybrid thereof, which is designed to evaluate at one input signals from a receiving channel of an interface via a potential separator, and at an output an electrical parameter, in particular a basic electrical power supply of the potential separation element directly or indirectly.

In this case, the circuit can be designed to set the electrical parameter as a function of a temperature detection and / or an evaluation of the signals of the reception channel transmitted by the potential separation element.

The invention also provides an operating device for lighting means, comprising an interface having such an integrated circuit.

According to one aspect, the invention also provides a lighting system comprising a plurality of operating devices for lighting means, including at least one of the above-mentioned type, wherein the operating devices communicate with one another and / or with a central unit via a signal line, in particular an analog (eg "switch dim ") Or digital bus (eg DALI).

The central unit or an operating device can be designed to emit test signals via the signal line, so that, by evaluating them in the reception branch of a unidirectional or bidirectional interface of a (further) operating device for lighting (adaptive) can set the basic electrical supply of a potential separation element of its reception branch.

In this context, it should be noted that - to avoid unnecessary repetition - the content of all claims to the disclosure of the description should include.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to drawings.

Show it:

1 a schematic block diagram of a bidirectional interface with a receiving branch and an adjoining potential separation element and a transmission channel according to the prior art,

2 (a) and (b) time histories of test bit pulses before and after passing the potential isolation element,

3 and 4 Block diagrams like 1 concerning a first and a second possibility for the practical implementation of the invention, however, in each case with an additional block for minimizing the power requirement of the receiving branch with an adjacent potential separator

5 and 6 show pulse diagrams.

1 shows a bi-directional interface according to the prior art, as according to the WO 2006/010416 is known. This interface is used for bidirectional data exchange of a control gear (ECG) 6 for a light source 7 (Preferably, a fluorescent tube) with a remote control, not shown, or another operating device via a bus 8th , At the terminals for the bus 8th are the input of a reception branch 1 and the output of a broadcast channel 11 merged, leaving from the broadcast channel 11 on the bus 8th output data from the reception branch 1 can be read. The exchanged data are all compliant with the DALI standard (DALI = Digital Addressable Lighting Interface).

To the output of the reception branch 1 closes for potential separation serving optocouplers 2 at. This is powered by a power source 3 supplied with operating energy. The system also includes a controller 4 that has an input logic 5 and an output logic 9 contains. The output signals of the optocoupler 2 are fed to the input logic, which in turn evaluates these signals and the operating device 6 supplies corresponding control commands.

The operating device 6 in turn gives status information to the output logic 9 which converts them into digital DALI signals and another potential isolator 10 the transmission channel 11 supplies. The latter transmits the digital output signals over the bus 8th to the central office. The digital output signals are - as mentioned above - from the receiving branch 1 read, checked and evaluated. The evaluation result can be used to correct the digital signals to be transmitted if time errors have been detected in the previously transmitted signals.

On the condition that in particular the at the receiving branch 1 subsequent optocouplers 2 should be a low-cost device, must be accepted that it shows considerable manufacturing tolerances in terms of power consumption. In addition, the power consumption of optocouplers is quite strongly temperature-dependent. To cover the entire spectrum of power consumption, one has the optocoupler 2 who is at the reception branch 1 connected, previously operated with the highest possible power, with the result that the power loss was correspondingly high.

As described in the beginning, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a possibility that is derived from the reception branch 1 and the subsequent optocoupler 2 To reduce the power used to operate to a minimum, without affecting the transmission characteristics so negative that the received signals are not or only incorrectly readable. This problem is now based on the 2 (a) and (b) explained in more detail.

In 2 (a) with A is the envelope one of the central office over the bus 8th transmitted bit signal sequence according to the DALI standard. This bit signal sequence has a predetermined gap of at least 10 ms at intervals.

The transmission channel sends into this gap 11 a test bit pulse B generated in it, which is the reception branch 1 mitliest.

2 B) now shows how the test bit pulse when passing the optocoupler 2 is distorted, and the stronger, the smaller the optocoupler 2 from the power source 3 supplied operating current. The distorted test bit pulse C is therefore the result of a relatively high operating current, while the more distorted test bit pulse D is the result of a reduced operating current for the optocoupler 2 is.

Already the reduced amplitude of the distorted test bit pulse can be used as a criterion for the transmission quality of the reception branch 1 with subsequent optocoupler 2 be used. However, the amplitude level is only suitable for assessing whether a predetermined amplitude threshold value is exceeded or undershot.

A more accurate evaluation allows the delay time t _v , which corresponds to the time interval between the start edge of the original test bit pulse and the start edge of the distorted test bit pulse, for a given reference voltage U _ref .

• – Intern, bspw. durch den Sendezweig der Schnittstelle selbst, und/oder
• – Extern, bspw. von einer Zentrale und/oder einem weiteren Betriebsgerät.

The analog or digital signals for setting the potential separation element can thus be generated:

• Internally, for example by the transmission branch of the interface itself, and / or
• - Externally, eg. From a control center and / or another operating device.

The circuit forming an interface according to 3 , which is preferably realized at least partially in the form of an ASIC, contains over those in 1 an additional circuit block 13 , This communicates with the input logic 5 and the output logic 9 and generates a control signal for the power source 3 that the optocoupler 2 supplied with operating energy. The output logic 9 reports to the block 13 the beginning of the starting edge of the output logic 9 generated test bit pulse B, while the block 13 receives from the input logic the information about the time at which the amplitude of the distorted test bit pulse C reaches the reference voltage U _ref . That way, the block can 13 determine the delay time t _v and the current source 3 set for the optocoupler so that a certain limit for the delay time t _{v is} just not exceeded. In this case, the operating current for the optocoupler is increased when an extension of the delay time t _{v is} detected, and conversely, the operating current is lowered when the delay time t _v shortens.

Adjusting the power source 3 for the optocoupler 2 can be repeated once or continuously.

Since the power consumption of optocouplers is highly temperature dependent, one can also provide additional or alternative current regulation for the power source 3 provide, in addition or alternatively, as the actual value parameter, the temperature of the opto-coupler to be measured and / or its surroundings is taken into account.

If the delay time t _{v is} permanently too long, this can be exploited to validate the signals received from the center, to the effect that the truth content of these signals is no longer considered secure. Conversely, it can be assumed that the signals received from the center are reliable.

When a status request comes from the central office, a bit pulse may be sent from the transmit channel 11 output instead of a separately generated test bit pulse to measure the delay time t _{v be} used.

The power reduction by the described method according to the invention can be demonstrated impressively by the following figures:
The operating current for an optocoupler, which is required to cover the entire spectrum of manufacturing tolerances and the possible operating temperatures, previously had to be set at 400 μA without the inventive measure

The operating current for an optocoupler operated according to the invention is about 50 μA under normal conditions. This results in a saved power of 230 V · 350 μA = 80 mW. That is 30% of the total losses of 250 mW in standby mode.

The circuit arrangement in the embodiment according to 4 differs from the one according to 3 in that the new block 23 no more information from the output logic 9 more needed. The information provided by the input logic suffices 5 supplies to it a control signal for the Sromquelle 3 of the optocoupler 2 to generate. The block 23 evaluates to the output signal on the secondary side of the initially working with the basic power optocoupler 2 out. This gets him from the itself to the optocoupler 2 subsequent input logic 5 made available. If it detects a specific protocol (eg DALI or DSI), it initiates the power source 3 the operating current for the optocoupler 2 immediately increase.

Alternatively, the block 23 also be designed to recognize certain commands within a protocol, such as "switch dim", "corridor function", "arc power on" or combination thereof or combination with a particular protocol.

The pulse diagram according to 5 represents the case where the interface first works in standby mode, ie the opto-coupler 2 initially only the basic power is supplied. The latter means that the optocoupler 2 to cover the standby losses only a minimum current of about 10 μA is supplied. At this minimum current, the opto-coupler transmits 2 Although the signals applied to its input, but they appear at its output only in distorted form. In the present case, this is expressed by the fact that the front negative edge of the start pulse of a DALI pulse sequence at the output of the optocoupler 2 less steep than it was at its entrance. The block 23 evaluates the edge rise time t2, which passes up to the DALI high threshold, and recognizes that the beginning of a DALI pulse train has been transmitted. The start pulse of a DALI pulse train starts with a negative-going positive edge whereas, in contrast, the start pulse of a DSI pulse train begins with a positive-going negative edge. As a result of this finding, the block increases 23 when the DALI high threshold is reached, the current for the optocoupler 2 to approx. 100 μA. Although the subsequent part of the start pulse is then transmitted shortened, the further pulses of the DALI pulse train are then transmitted undistorted.

As can be seen on the third impulse in the in 5 In this case, the rise time t3 of the leading edge is lower than in the case of the first partial edge of the start pulse. The fall time t4 of the trailing edge of the third pulse of the pulse train is again shorter than that of the leading edge. This is because of the nature of the optocoupler, which shifts slower in the transition from "light" to "no light" than in the transition from "no light" to "light".

The advantage of the evaluation method according to 5 is the lower sensitivity to interference and that switching commands such as "switch dim" and "corridor function" can be detected.

The pulse diagram according to 6 represents the case where an "ArcPower on" command (lamp power-on command) is identified within or at the end of a DALI pulse train, and for raising the operating current for the optocoupler 2 to be exploited. The block 23 is programmed accordingly. This eliminates noise from lamp operation.

The advantage of the evaluation method according to 6 is that the current for the optocoupler 2 is not raised to about 100 μA for each non-significant DALI signal or pulse, but only when the lamp is actually lit. 7 should be turned on. In addition, here all pulses of the pulse train have the same length, since they consistently with 10 uA optocoupler current or later after turning on the lamp 7 be generated with 100 μA optocoupler current.

As is possible, as described above, after the detection of a DALI pulse sequence (positive start edge), the current for the optocoupler is only started up when an "ArcPower on" command is also identified, the latter can also take place if a DSI Signal (start edge negative) detected and additionally a "switch dim" command has been identified.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2006/010416 [0003, 0042]

Claims (26)

Method for setting a reception channel designed for the reception of preferably digital signals ( 1 ) with subsequent potential separation element ( 2 ) with active basic electrical power, preferably for controlling an operating device ( 6 ) for a light source ( 7 ), comprising the steps: - receiving, by the receiving channel ( 1 ), of several signals from an internal or an external signal source, and - lowering or increasing the potential separation element ( 2 ) supplied to a defined signal parameters on the with a control unit ( 13 . 23 . 3 ) connected secondary side of the potential separation element ( 2 ) exceeds or exceeds a threshold value. Method for setting a receiving channel designed for the reception of digital signals ( 1 ) with subsequent potential separation element ( 2 ) with active basic electrical power, preferably for controlling an operating device ( 6 ) for a light source ( 7 ), comprising the steps: - receiving, by the receiving channel ( 1 ), of several signals from an internal or an external signal source, and lowering or raising the potential separator ( 2 ) supplied basic power, if by a control unit ( 13 . 23 . 3 ) in the on the secondary side of the potential separation element ( 2 ) occurring pulses correspond to a particular protocol or specific commands from these protocols. Method according to Claim 2, in which the control unit ( 23 . 3 ) is checked, whether a defined signal parameter in the on the secondary side of the potential separation element ( 2 ) occurs below or below a threshold value. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the control unit ( 13 . 23 . 3 ) evaluates the defined signal parameter and depends thereon the basic power of the potential separation element ( 2 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the potential separation element ( 2 ) is an optocoupler whose operating current in order to minimize the power requirement of the receiving channel ( 1 ) is set. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the potential separation element ( 2 ) is a transformer which is operated at a fundamental frequency, which is modulated for transmitting a higher frequency signal transmission, and in which the fundamental frequency and / or their amplitude and / or the amplitude of the modulation in order to minimize the power requirement of the receiving branch ( 1 ) is / are set. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the reception branch ( 1 ) together with a transmission channel ( 11 ) a digital bidirectional interface for data exchange, preferably an operating device ( 6 ) for a light source ( 7 ) forms with a control center. Method according to one of Claims 1 and 4 to 7, in which the signals from a transmission channel ( 11 ) of the same interface whose receiving channel ( 1 ) the potential separator ( 2 ) having. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the adjustment of the basic power is carried out during the fabrication of the interface, during the commissioning, and / or at defined intervals. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the adjustment of the basic power is performed when one of the control unit ( 13 . 23 . 3 ) detected temperature fluctuation exceeds a limit. Method according to one of claims 1 or 4 to 9, wherein the front pulse edge of the receiving branch ( 1 ) supplied with said bit pulse (B) with that of passing through the potential separation member ( 2 ) distorted bit pulse (C) and from the delay time (t _v ) is determined, and in which the potential separation member ( 2 ) supplied power in dependence on the delay time (t) is set. The method of claim 11, wherein the bit pulse (B) is a test bit pulse. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the bit pulse is a payload. Method according to Claim 14, in which the test bit pulse (B) is transmitted in the transmission channel (B). 11 ) and from the receiving channel ( 1 ) is read. Method according to claims 14, in which the information provided by the control center ( 13 . 3 ) and the broadcast channel ( 11 ) correspond to the DALI standard. Method according to claim 3, in which the front edge of the start pulse of the pulse sequence to be evaluated is used as a defined parameter, in which a DALI pulse train is detected when the slope increases from negative to positive. Method according to Claim 16, in which the potential separator ( 2 ) is increased when said edge exceeds the DALI High threshold. The method of claim 17, wherein the potential separator ( 2 ) is increased only when a lamp ignition command is additionally identified within the DALI pulse train or at the end. Method according to claim 3, in which the front edge of the start pulse of the pulse sequence to be evaluated is used as a defined parameter, and where a DSI pulse train is detected when the edge drops from positive to negative. The method of claim 19, wherein the potential separator ( 2 ) is increased, if in addition within the DSI pulse train or at the end of a "switch dim" command is identified. ( 4 ) Interface for operating devices for lamps, which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Integrated circuit, in particular ASIC, microcontroller or hybrid thereof, which is configured to receive signals from a reception channel ( 1 ) an interface via a potential separator ( 2 ), and at an output an electrical parameter, in particular electrical a basic energy supply of the potential separation element ( 2 ) directly or indirectly. Circuit according to Claim 22, which is designed to adjust the electrical parameter as a function of a temperature detection and / or an evaluation of the voltage separating element ( 2 ) transmitted signals of the receiving channel ( 1 ). Operating device for lamps ( 7 ), comprising an interface comprising an integrated circuit according to claim 22 or 23. Lighting system, comprising several operating devices for illuminants ( 7 ), including at least one of claim 23, wherein the operating devices are interconnected and / or connected to a central unit via a signal line, in particular an analog or digital bus. Lighting system according to Claim 24, in which the central unit or an operating device is designed to emit test signals via the signal line, a further operating device for lighting means ( 7 ) under evaluation of these test signals in the receiving branch of its unidirectional or bidirectional interface, the basic electrical supply of a potential separation element ( 2 ) of its receiving channel ( 1 ).

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