FR3074365B1 - ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR ACQUISITION MODULES OF A LINEAR ACOUSTIC LINEAR ANTENNA - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a module (16) for supplying electrical energy to acquisition modules (12) for acquiring sensor data (HUBs) from a constant DC power supply line (14). Said module mainly comprises a regulator stage (21) fed by the power supply line and producing a constant shunt voltage of low value; a first DC-DC converter stage (22) and a second DC-DC converter stage (23) whose startups are respectively controlled by the application of a first control signal (SHDN) and a second control signal (RUN). The module further comprises a first energy reservoir, powered by the voltage regulator stage (21) and configured to supply the energy required to start the first DC-DC converter stage (22), and second energy reservoir, powered by the first DC-DC converter stage (22) and configured to provide the energy necessary to start the second DC-DC converter stage (23).

Description

Power supply system for the acquisition modules of a towed linear acoustic antenna.

[001] The invention relates to the field of digital acoustic towed acoustic antennas, conventional electro-acoustic technology and more particularly the electronic telemetry systems ensuring the digitization of the signals generated by all the acoustic hydrophones constituting such an antenna and by non-acoustic sensors or "NAS" according to the acronym of the English name "Non Acoustic Sensor" (temperature sensors, immersion, heading, roll / pitch, etc. ....) required for signal processing Sonar tracks and their operation.

[002] The invention relates directly to a method and a system for supplying electrical energy to the various modules constituting the electronic telemetry system of a towed linear acoustic antenna.

[003] Globally in the field of anti-submarine warfare, listening capacity at very low frequencies remains a permanent challenge and a major challenge, and it is constantly sought technical solutions (hardware and / or treatments sonar signal ...) to increase the detection distances.

[004] During the past decades, detection systems based on very low frequency towed linear antenna (ETBF) technologies have radically advanced underwater listening capabilities to make it possible to detect deep-sea interest, sometimes beyond the first convergence zone.

[005] In recent years, however, there have been new risks associated with the detection and counter-detection by ultra-low frequency ("100 Hz") sound waves, which have highlighted the need to supplement the means of current listening by means adapted to this frequency range.

[006] To date, the best answer that can be made is the realization of towed linear antenna of great length, typically several hundred meters in length, with a growing number of acoustic or hydrophone sensors.

[007] However, the realization of such antennas has led to the occurrence of induced problems, particularly related to the need to have antennas of smaller diameter (section) so as to limit the increase in congestion antennas due to their increase in length. This research, which is comparatively smaller in diameter, results in a corollary search for a reduction in the density of the cabling present in the antenna, a reduction which results in a global lightening which has the expected effect of an improvement in buoyancy and better balancing. However, this attempt to reduce the density of cabling must naturally take place with the aim of not sacrificing system robustness, in terms of fault tolerance and operation in degraded mode.

Furthermore, the increase in the number of sensors leads to the search for solutions making it possible to satisfy the energy requirements of such antennas with a reduced number of power supply lines, or even with a single line, while limiting the supply voltage in such a way that not to increase the limited insulation voltage constraints beyond the usual values, particularly in terms of cable links, junction connectors of the antenna modules and at the level of the trailer rigging, as well as the constraints of antenna power supply .

However, in the current state of the art none of the structures implemented to realize the telemetry systems towed linear antennas current is able to meet these different constraints.

[008] An object of the invention is to provide a means for responding to the constraints mentioned above.

[009] For this purpose the invention relates to a power supply module for supplying power to the components of a data acquisition module produced by a set of sensors, or HUB, from a line of power supply providing a constant DC current. The module according to the invention mainly comprises for this purpose: a regulator stage configured to be powered by the power supply line and to produce a low value shunt voltage; a first DC-DC converter stage, or main converter, whose commissioning is controlled by the application of a first control signal (SHDN) on a control input, a second DC-DC converter stage, or secondary converter, whose commissioning is controlled by the application of a second control signal (RUN) on a control input.

The module according to the invention further comprises a first energy reservoir, or upstream reservoir, supplied by the voltage regulator stage and configured to supply the energy necessary to ensure a start of the first DC-DC converter stage when the first control signal (SHDN) is activated, as well as a second energy reservoir, or downstream reservoir, powered by the first DC-DC converter stage (and configured to provide the energy necessary to ensure a start-up of the second DC converter stage -DC when the second control signal (RUN) is activated.

According to different arrangements that can be considered each separately or in combination with others, the module according to the invention may include various provisions listed below.

According to a first arrangement, the module according to the invention comprises a redundant protection mechanism of the power supply line, the protection consisting of the establishment of a short circuit (bypass) between its connection terminals. to the power line in case of failure of an electronic element within the HUB.

According to another arrangement, the protection mechanism is configured such that in case of failure of electronic circuits in the HUB of a nature to interrupt the power supply chain, it ensures the isolation of the HUB compared to the power supply line of the antenna. Said protection mechanism comprises a first level of protection and a second level of protection which provides protection of the antenna supply line in the event of failure of the circuits constituting the first level of protection.

According to another arrangement, the first level of protection is implemented by a transistor circuit, and the second level of protection is implemented by a thyristor circuit.

According to another arrangement, the module according to the invention further comprises a first starting circuit which measures the charge of the upstream energy reservoir and activates the first control signal (SHDN) when the full charge of the reservoir of Upstream energy is detected, as well as a second start circuit which measures the downstream energy reservoir load and activates the second control signal (RUN) when the full load of the downstream energy reservoir is detected.

According to another arrangement, the module according to the invention further comprises a controller circuit configured to control the establishment of the output voltages Vs "of the converters of the secondary second DC-DC converter stage, so as to ensure the establishment different voltages Vsn according to a sequence for starting the programmable circuits and memories constituting the HUB.

According to another provision, the converters constituting the first and the second stage DC-DC converter are synchronized by a same frequency chosen so as not to generate electromagnetic interference conducted and / or radiated with the elements of the antenna in which the HUB is integrated.

According to another arrangement, the upstream electrical energy reservoir and the downstream electrical energy reservoir are two capacitive devices.

According to another arrangement, the power supply module according to the invention is configured to implement a phase of operation in nominal mode during which it provides power to the various elements of the HUB and a phase of operation in startup mode. transient, which ensures the gradual establishment of the voltages delivered by the module.

The second phase of operation in start mode comprises three main phases. a first phase, which consists in establishing a regulated shunt voltage Vreg of low value, from the direct current flowing on the general supply line of the antenna; the duration of this first phase being a function of the time required to obtain a perfectly established and stable voltage Vreg, and of the time Ti necessary to obtain a charge of the upstream energy reservoir sufficient to ensure the starting and the nominal operation of the first DC-DC conversion stage; a second phase consisting of starting the main DC-DC converter after the first phase has been executed; the duration of this second phase being a function of the time Tr2 required to obtain a stabilized voltage Vm at the output of the main DC-DC conversion stage, and the time T2 necessary to obtain a charge of the downstream energy reservoir sufficient to ensure start-up and nominal operation of the second DC-DC conversion stage; a third phase which consists in starting the converters of the secondary DC-DC conversion stage responsible for producing the voltages Vsn, after execution of the second phase.

Advantageously, the power supply device according to the invention makes it possible: - to create the usual voltages (5 Vdc, 3.3 Vdc, 2.5 Vdc and 1.2 Vdc for example) to power the different electronic circuits of a HUB from a local shunt voltage of reduced value (2.2 Vdc for example); to correctly manage the antenna startup phase, that is to say the start-up phase of the various circuits of the antenna, by managing the intrinsic current calls while providing the energy necessary to start up the various electronic modules; to offer a function of securing the antenna power supply via a redundant automatic bypass device, in the event of damage to the electronics of a HUB module, the device according to the invention ensuring the maintenance of the propagation of the current Global feed antenna to other HUB modules.

The device according to the invention also advantageously makes it possible to separately power each acquisition module (HUB) from a common power supply line without any specific global power supply module or any associated wiring being necessary. .

The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the following description, which is based on the accompanying figures which show: the figurel, a functional schematic representation of an original telemetry system for acoustic antenna linear, in which the device according to the invention can be integrated; FIG. 2, a functional schematic representation of the power supply module according to the invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic representation illustrating the operating principle of the power supply module according to the invention.

It should be noted that, in the appended figures, the same functional or structural element preferably bears the same reference symbol.

A conventional telemetry system of a towed linear acoustic antenna generally comprises the following functions: an antenna synchronization distribution function (antenna top sampling, fast clock, etc.); a data acquisition function consisting of a plurality of acquisition modules or DAU (acronym for the "Digital Acquisition Module"), conventionally produced by analog processing and digitization modules, distributed regularly; inside an antenna or different antenna sections following the linear arrangement of the hydrophones (or groups of hydrophones). These modules are synchronized by an antenna sync signal generated by one or more Synchronization modules and powered via power supply modules; - An antenna data collection function performing the routing of all digitized antenna data to the receiver that performs the treatment generally placed on board the vessel that tows (trailer) the antenna. This function is conventionally performed by one or more antenna multiplexing modules, synchronized by the antenna sync signal and powered via the power supply modules. - An electric power supply function, which ensures the power supply of the other modules. This function is conventionally performed by antenna power supply modules, or PSUs according to the acronym of the English name of "Power Supply Unit". These PSUs are usually powered from a constant DC edge power supply and provide power to the various acquisition modules (DAU).

In the context of the present application describes the power supply module according to the invention in an exemplary implementation for the supply of electrical energy of the elements constituting an original telemetry system for linear acoustic antenna ; system whose structure is illustrated schematically in Figure 1.

The implementation of the power module according to the invention is however not limited to this single example. The power supply module according to the invention can indeed find its application in other types of equipment, towed linear antennas or others, comprising equipment supplied by a constant current power supply line, for which one seeks, on the one hand, to limit the current draws induced on the power line at the start of the equipment powered from this line, so as not to have to oversize the power transmitted by the general power supply, and on the other hand, to prevent an element fed from the power supply line and having a malfunction from being able to interrupt (open) the power supply chain and thus prevent the supply of electrical energy to the other powered elements from this power line.

The telemetry system illustrated in Figure 1 consists mainly of the following elements: - a plurality of acquisition device 12 (HUB), each HUB cleverly combining several system functions, mainly: - the management of acquisition modules with local multiplexing of the data produced by these modules, - the collection of these data and their ascent to the aerial head and the system responsible for the processing and exploitation of these data, - the management 17 of the synchronization signals of the various constituent elements the HUB as well as the management of the power supply of these different elements.

The collected sensor data is sent back by the different HUBs according to a series chaining mechanism involving one or more data buses 15. An Antenna Synchronization Module (SYNC) delivering on a synchronization bus 13 a general synchronization used by the different HUBs to generate the synchronization signals internal to the HUBs. an electric power generation module placed on board the towing vessel and delivering a constant supply current on a feed line.

Optionally, the system may also include, when necessary, one (or more) antenna head adaptation module (Head HUB) which makes it possible to adapt the data flow reassembled to adapt, if necessary. , the transmission capabilities of the antenna tow line (antenna speed reduction, before transmission to the on-board receiver via trailer rigging). It should be noted that this (or these) module may have a structure similar to that of a HUB (personalized HUB).

The telemetry system presented here advantageously thanks to the introduction of acquisition module of the original sensor data (HUBs) having an identical structure, to simplify the mechanism of collection and recovery, to the antenna head, data delivered by the various sensors constituting the antenna, as well as the mechanism of synchronization and power supply of the assembly, both because of the standardization of the components implemented and because of the simplification of the wiring that this introduction induces .

The power supply module 16 which is the subject of the present invention may advantageously be integrated into the structure of a HUB type acquisition module 12 to ensure the management of the power supply of the different elements constituting the HUB, from the supply current delivered by the electrical energy generation module of the antenna on the supply line 14.

The advantage of the power supply module according to the invention is that it makes it possible to increase the number of acquisition modules that an antenna can count while maintaining the constant current delivered by the general power supply module of the antenna at a constant voltage. usual standard value, of the order of 2A for example.

For this purpose, it comprises various means: - means for creating the DC voltages needed to power the various electronic circuits that constitute the HUB (5Vdc; 3.3Vdc; 2.5Vdc; 1.2Vdc). According to the invention, these voltages are obtained from a local shunt voltage, of reduced value. means for managing, in a cost-effective way from the point of view of the general power supply of the antenna, the current calls intrinsic to the start-up phase of all the modules, while providing the energy necessary to start up the various functional blocks of the acquisition modules constituting the HUB. means for securing the distribution of the general power supply current of the antenna, in particular in the event of damage to an electronic circuit of a HUB element causing the current supply chain to break (open), in particular by performing an automatic isolation of the damaged HUB vis-à-vis the general power supply loop. The power supply module according to the invention thus makes it possible to maintain the power supply of the other HUBs by the global power supply module of the antenna.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the overall functional block diagram of the power supply module 16 integrated to each HUB 12.

As can be seen in the figure, this module comprises a set of distinct functional stages: a head regulator stage 21, connected directly to the general power supply line 14 and configured to deliver a regulated constant voltage Vreg of given value , equal to 2.2 V for example; a first main DC-DC converter stage 22, configured to deliver a DC voltage Vm of a given value, equal to 5V for example, from which the DC voltages necessary for the operation of the different modules of the HUB are produced; a second secondary DC-DC converter stage 23, configured to produce, from the voltage VM, the DC voltages Vsn necessary for the operation of the various modules of the HUB, a voltage Vsi of 3.3 V and a voltage Vs2 of 1.6 V for example.

According to the invention, the first converter stage 22 and the second converter stage 23 are controlled by starting modules, the module 24 and the module 25 respectively, whose function is, in the start phase, to delay the start of the stages. converters so as to limit the inrush current absorbed by the power supply module 16 on the general constant-current supply line 14.

According to the invention also, the head regulator stage 21 is configured to behave as a shunt (i.e. a low impedance element) with respect to the current supply line 14.

The implementation of the regulator stage 21 thus constituted advantageously makes it possible to use a global supply of the antenna having a reasonable usual value (of the order of 500 Vdc for example) and advantageously avoids having to deal with high voltages. at the antenna and in particular at the level of the tow line. This advantageously results in lower requirements concerning the insulation voltage withstand at the level of the wiring, the electronic card connectors and the antenna junctions ...).

In addition, the head stage 21 is also configured to behave as a redundant protection mechanism of the power supply line 14, the protection consisting of the establishment of a short circuit (bypass) between its connection terminals to the power supply line 14 in case of failure of an electronic element within the HUB.

The protection mechanism thus produced comprises for example a first level of protection, implemented via a transistor circuit, which isolates the HUB to which it belongs, the supply line of the antenna 14 in case of failure of the electronic circuits of the HUB of nature to put the supply line 14 in short circuit with the mass and a second level of protection, implemented via a circuit with thyristor, which allows to ensure an identical protection in case of failure of the elements constituting the first level protection.

The first DC-DC converter stage 22, the main converter, is a DC-DC converter of known conventional structure. However, in the context of the invention, its commissioning is controlled by a control input on which it is necessary to apply a signal to turn on the converter.

This control signal (SHDN) is produced by the starter module 24 which activates this signal when the voltage Vreg is established and sufficiently stable to withstand the current draw due to the start of the main DC-DC converter 22. .

To obtain such conditions, the regulator stage 21 comprises an energy reservoir (not shown in the figure) appropriately sized to provide in time the energy necessary to ensure startup of the main DC-DC converter 22. without any transient instability not controlled (oscillation of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter for example). This so-called "upstream reservoir" of energy reservoir is for example a capacitive reservoir supplied by the voltage regulator stage 21.

As a result, it is the detection of the full load of the energy reservoir which induces the transition to the active state of the control SHDN signal of the start of the main DC-DC converter 22.

From the point of view of the embodiment of the main DC-DC converter 22 and the starter module 24 are for example transistor stages whose structure, known elsewhere, is not detailed here.

The second DC-DC converter stage 23, secondary converter, is a DC-DC multitension converter of conventional structure also known. However, in the context of the invention, its commissioning is, as for the first converter stage 22, controlled by a control input on which it is necessary to apply a signal to turn on the converter.

This control signal (RUN) is produced by the starter module 25 which activates this signal when the voltage VM is established and stable enough to support the current draw of the DC-DC converters secondary startup.

To obtain such conditions, the first converter stage 22 also comprises an energy reservoir (not shown in the figure) dimensioned appropriately to provide in time the energy required to ensure a startup without transient instability of the DC converters. Secondary-DC secondary second stage 23. This energy reservoir called "downstream reservoir" is for example a capacitive reservoir powered by the first DC-DC converter stage 22.

As a result, it is the detection of the full load of the downstream energy reservoir which induces the transition to the active state of the control RUN signal of the start-up of the secondary DC-DC converters forming the second stage of conversion 23.

With regard to the second DC-DC conversion stage 23, a controller circuit 26 precisely sequences the establishment (ie the rise time) of the output voltages Vsn of the secondary DC-DC converters, so as to guarantee the sequence setting various voltages Vsn, the voltages Vsi = 3.3 V and VS2 = 1.6 V for example, necessary to meet the requirements of the programmable circuits and memories that may comprise the modules constituting the HUB 12.

It should be noted here that the DC-DC converters constituting the first and the second stage converter 22 and 23 are synchronized by a suitable system frequency so as not to generate electromagnetic interference conducted and / or radiated.

It should also be noted that, depending on the requirements, the secondary conversion stage 23 may be followed by a regulation stage (linear regulation) intended to create other usual voltages (2.5 V, 1.2 V , ... etc.).

Given the structure of the power supply module according to the invention as described above, the operation of this module in startup mode (transient mode of establishment of the voltages delivered) includes, as illustrated Figure 3, three main phases.

The first phase (phase 1) consists of establishing a regulated shunt voltage VREg of low value, typically less than 3 V, or shunt voltage, from the direct current flowing on the general power supply line. 14 of the antenna.

The duration of this first phase is a function of time Tri required to obtain a Vreg voltage perfectly established and stable, and time Ti necessary to the load of an upstream energy reservoir of sufficient capacity to ensure the sequential startup of the DC-DC first conversion stage 22 without any instability (ie without oscillation of the main DC-DC converter).

The second phase (phase 2) consists in starting the main DC-DC converter 22 after a delay (Tempo 1) sufficient (ie at least equal to Tr-i + Ti) to allow the complete progress of the first phase (ie stabilization of the low voltage shunt and upstream energy tank load).

This second phase is a function of the time Tr2 required to obtain a stabilized voltage Vm at the output of the main DC-DC conversion stage 22, and of the time T2 necessary for charging a storage tank. downstream energy sufficient to ensure the sequential start of the converters forming the second DC-DC conversion stage 23, without any instability (ie without oscillation of the secondary DC-DC converters).

At the end of the second phase, the main DC-DC converter stage 22 ensures a stable voltage rise of the voltage VREg (2.2 Vdc) at the voltage Vm (5 Vdc). It thus makes it possible to accommodate the low shunt voltage, VREg (2.2 Vdc), delivered by the regulation stage 21.

The energy stored by the downstream capacitive energy reservoir provides the necessary energy to absorb the starting currents (Inrush currents) secondary DC-DC converters without requiring the delivery of an output current excessive on the part of the main DC-DC conversion stage, current that would require to oversize this stage, simply to meet the demand of secondary DC-DC converters at startup.

The third phase consists in starting the converters of the secondary DC-DC conversion stage 23, responsible for producing voltages Vsn (voltages Vsi = 3.3 V and VS2 = 1.6 V for example).

This phase starts after a sufficient time delay Tempo 2 (i.e. at least equal to Tr2 + T2) to allow the complete development of the second phase.

During this third phase, the start of the secondary DC-DC converters is sequenced and finely controlled (rise time Trn of the secondary power supplies and delays Tempo n), to accommodate on the one hand the energy available on the output the main DC-DC conversion stage 22 and secondly to ensure, as has been said above, the respect of the requirements of programmable circuits and memories.

The timers and the control of the mounting times of each power supply make it possible to distribute the energy required for the startup of each voltage converter while ensuring compliance with the requirements of the programmable circuits (FPGA) and memories vis-à-vis the establishing their supply voltages.

It should be noted that, as has been said previously, the voltage regulator stage 21 delivers a shunt voltage, VREg, of low level and that the delivery of a higher shunt voltage (6.8 V at instead of 2.2 V for example) would make it possible to obtain at comparable volume an upstream energy reservoir having a much larger capacity, capable of providing a much higher energy at startup and, thus, to relax the constraints start sequencing of the main DC-DC. The delivery of a higher shunt voltage could even under certain conditions allow operation without energy reservoir.

However, the delivery of a higher shunt voltage would require the production of a much higher antenna feed voltage (corresponding to the production of several tens or even hundreds of local shunt voltages). which is incompatible in the search for maintaining the supply voltage at a usual value.

Claims (9)

A power supply module for supplying power to the elements comprising a data acquisition module produced by a set of sensors, or HUB, from a power supply line providing a constant direct current, characterized in that said power supply module mainly comprises: a regulator stage (21) configured to be powered by the power supply line and to produce a low value shunt voltage; a first DC-DC converter stage (22), or main converter, whose commissioning is controlled by the application of a first control signal (SHDN) on a control input, a second DC-converter stage; DC (23), or secondary converter, whose commissioning is controlled by the application of a second control signal (RUN) on a control input; The module further comprising a first energy reservoir, or upstream reservoir, supplied by the voltage regulator stage (21) and configured to supply the energy necessary to ensure a start of the first DC-DC converter stage (22) when the first control signal (SHDN) is activated, as well as a second energy reservoir, or downstream reservoir, supplied by the first DC-DC converter stage (22) and configured to supply the energy necessary to ensure a starting of the second stage DC-DC converter (23) when the second control signal (RUN) is activated. 2. Power supply module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a redundant protection mechanism of the power supply line (14), the protection consisting in the establishment of a short circuit (bypass ) between its connection terminals to the power line (14) in case of failure of an electronic element within the HUB (12). 3. Power supply module according to claim 2, characterized in that the protection mechanism is configured such that in case of failure of electronic circuits in the HUB (12) likely to interrupt the power supply chain. , it ensures the isolation of the HUB (12) with respect to the supply line of the antenna (14), said protection mechanism comprising a first level of protection and a second level of protection which ensures the protection of the line supplying the antenna (14) in case of failure of the circuits constituting the first level of protection. 4. Power supply module according to claim 3, characterized in that the first level of protection is implemented by a transistor circuit, and the second level of protection is implemented by a thyristor circuit. 5. Power supply module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a first start circuit (24) which measures the load of the upstream energy reservoir and activates the first signal of command (SHDN) when the full charge of the upstream energy tank is detected, as well as a second start circuit (25) which measures the load of the downstream energy reservoir and activates the second control signal (RUN) when the full charge of the downstream energy reservoir is detected. 6. Power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a controller circuit (26) configured to control the establishment of the output voltages Vsn converters of the second converter stage DC- DC (23) secondary, so as to ensure the establishment of different voltages Vsn in a sequence for starting the programmable circuits and memories constituting the HUB (12). 7. Power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the converters constituting the first and second stages DC-DC converters (22, 23) are synchronized by a same frequency chosen so as not to generating electromagnetic interference conducted and / or radiated with the elements of the antenna in which the HUB is integrated. 8. Power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the upstream electrical energy reservoir and the downstream electrical energy reservoir are two capacitive devices. 9. Power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is configured to implement a nominal mode operating phase during which it provides power to the various elements of the HUB (12) and a phase of operation in transient startup mode, which ensures the progressive establishment of the voltages delivered by the module, this phase of operation in start mode comprising three main phases. - A first phase, which consists of establishing a regulated shunt voltage Vreg, low value, from the direct current flowing on the general power supply line (14) of the antenna; the duration of this first phase being a function of the time required for obtaining a Vreg voltage perfectly established and stable, and time Ti necessary to obtain a sufficient upstream energy reservoir load to ensure the start and nominal operation of the first DC-DC conversion stage (22); a second phase which consists in starting the main DC-DC converter (22) after execution of the first phase; the duration of this second phase being a function of the time Tr 2 required to obtain a stabilized voltage VM at the output of the main DC-DC conversion stage (22), and the time T2 necessary to obtain a charge of downstream energy sufficient to ensure the start and nominal operation of the second DC-DC conversion stage (23); a third phase which consists in starting the converters of the secondary DC-DC conversion stage (23) responsible for producing the voltages Vsn, after execution of the second phase.