JP2010101217A - Programmable module for fan - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a programmable module for a fan. <P>SOLUTION: A control circuit controlling rotation of the fan, a connection unit 12 to which an external device is connected, and a programmable module 11 are provided on a printed board 1. The programmable module 11 includes at least a programmable IC A, a writing mode processing element B and a programmable IC control element C1. The writing mode processing element B monitors electrical fluctuation of the existing connection unit 12 on the printed board 1 to transfer trigger and programming data to the programmable IC control element C1 and change internal setting of the programmable IC A. The fan using the programmable module changes internal data of the programmable IC A through the existing connection unit 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a programmable module, and more particularly to a programmable module of a fan that is arranged on a printed circuit board of a fan and transmits programming data through an existing external connection unit on the printed circuit board.

  As various high-functional electronic elements are increasingly applied to electronic products, the heat sources in the electronic products become more and more, and temperature management in the products becomes more and more important. Among them, a cooling fan that can achieve a heat dissipation effect by flowing air just by connecting a power source is the most important heat dissipation member in many electronic products. The simplest cooling fan temperature control is that when an electronic product is started, the fan's electronic elements are energized to rotate the fan motor at full speed and keep the air flowing until the electronic product is turned off. . However, when the electronic product is activated, the structure that rotates the fan at full speed results in meaningless electric energy consumption and shortened motor life. In addition, noise and electromagnetic waves accompanying the operation of the motor have a great influence.

  Therefore, a control circuit is used to control when the cooling fan is started and stopped. Alternatively, the fan rotation speed is changed, the fan activation type is determined, and feedback using the temperature or the rotation speed is performed to optimize the heat dissipation efficiency of the fan. Among them, there are many parameter settings that can be modulated by the control circuit. For example, a temperature-controlled fan requires one temperature parameter setting that determines the timing of rotation of the motor, such as a frequency generator (FG) or rotation detection. In a fan in which a motor (RD) is used to monitor the motor deadlock condition, it is necessary to set a condition for the rotational speed used to determine the motor deadlock. In the fan whose number is controlled, it is necessary to set parameters regarding conversion of many external PWM signals into internal PWM signals.

  The PWM signal is a square signal that is input from the outside and oscillates between high and low voltages, and controls the ratio of rotation or non-rotation within one cycle of the fan according to the ratio of high and low voltage duration times. Is used to control the average rotational speed of the fan. In general, if the duration of the input high voltage is the same as the one-way period, the duty cycle of the fan operation is said to be 100%, and the fan remains energized. If the duration of the high voltage is 0, the duty cycle is 0% and the fan is not operated at all. On the same principle, the ratio between the duration of the high voltage and the square period represents the duty cycle, that is, the period ratio of the fan operation. Therefore, by inputting PWM signals having different duty cycles, the average rotational speed of the fan operation can be controlled, and the timing and method of starting the fan can be controlled according to each product.

  As can be seen from the above, there are a large number of parameter settings that the fan control circuit relies on, and when changing to a fan with a different product or a different model number, it is considered that there is not one parameter setting that needs to be changed. It is done. However, if a change is necessary after the printed circuit board of the related circuit is completed, there is no other way but to make a new printed circuit board. The development of the fan control circuit is very complicated, and the most suitable parameter setting can be determined by several tests. Therefore, after the control circuit is completed, it is necessary to change one of the parameter settings. In some cases, it is necessary to dispose of a printed circuit board of a fan that has been manufactured at a large cost and time, and to manufacture a new printed circuit board. This not only wastes production costs but also causes environmental pollution.

  In response to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a fan control system in which a programmable microcontroller is installed. The present technology solves a plurality of parameter settings required by a fan control circuit by controlling an output signal and an input signal by a programmable microcontroller. In such a method, all parameters that need to be changed are realized by a programmable microcontroller, and the fan control parameters are changed by encoding an internal program for the programmable microcontroller.

  However, all changes must be completed before the programmable microcontroller is installed on the fan's printed circuit board, and if the programmable microcontroller is changed after the printed circuit board is complete, the programmable microcontroller is removed from the printed circuit board. It must be removed and inserted into a special writing device to write the internal program. However, replacing programmable microcontrollers is very expensive. First, the removal method is complicated and is not applied during mass production. Second, the printed circuit board after removal cannot be reused. Third, a special writing device is required. Thus, generally speaking, the programmable microcontroller is not modified after it is placed on the printed circuit board.

  A similar method is disclosed in Patent Document 2. The present invention is a circuit design that completes a plurality of fan control parameters by applying CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device). Since the gate electrode switch of the transistor inside the CPLD can be changed by an external voltage signal, the fan control parameter can be changed based on a special encoded signal inputted. However, as with the programmable microcontroller problem, all changes must be completed before the CPLD device is installed on the fan's printed circuit board.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a structure in which a program can be written on a main board, which can be applied to change of a CPLD on a printed circuit board of a fan, makes it possible to change a CPLD already installed on the printed circuit board, and needs to be removed. Absent. However, in the writing process, it can be changed by connecting the pin of CPLD to a special writing device with complicated design, so very high accuracy is required, and writing directly to CPLD on printed circuit board The placement of pins that can be done is very difficult.

  In addition, the internal data can be changed for the memory on the printed circuit board of the fan by installing a write line connected to the external write interface device on the printed circuit board (Patent Document 4). See). However, it is necessary to install a connection port for connecting the write line and write interface on the printed circuit board of the fan, and at the same time, it must be combined with an external interface device, so that the memory on the printed circuit board can be connected. On the other hand, the internal data can be updated.

  The problem of developing and testing the fan control circuit can be slightly solved by updating the memory using a special interface device. However, the production line and test line of the fan control circuit are systematized, and when there are some special changes in the external structure of the fan control circuit (for example, the shape of the connection plug, the length of the connection plug or Width limit range deviation, connection plug quantity change or connection plug quantity limit range deviation etc.), mass production process has to be interrupted, new production lines and production tables have to be designed, and more Costs are wasted.

For users on the client side, it is almost impossible to change parameters or programs inside the fan, or it is necessary to purchase a special interface device. A connection needs to be made. In addition, it is necessary to consider the compatibility of the external input device when mounting the interface device, and there is a problem of the hardware connection port, and the mainframe used by all fans does not always have the connection port of the interface device. First, considerable hardware space and production costs are required when considering all connection ports that may be used.
US Patent 6,779,981 US Patent 7,199,542 Taiwan Exclusive I265420 Taiwan exclusive interest 96208141 JP 2006-280085 A

  Therefore, the parameter setting can be changed under the condition that a new connection interface and a complicated structure are not required, and it is possible to provide convenience for developing a fan control circuit, and it is possible to change the setting by a client after product shipment. It was the inventor's goal how to solve this problem.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a programmable module that can be directly installed on a printed circuit board of a fan and can transmit programming data through an existing external connection unit on the printed circuit board.

  The external connection line of the cooling fan in the prior art includes a power supply line and a ground line for supplying a driving voltage to the fan, a signal output line (FG / RDsignal), and one PWM signal input line. In the fan structure shown in FIG. 1, a printed circuit board 1 is installed on a main body of the fan, and a control circuit and a connection unit 12 for controlling the rotational speed of the fan are provided on the printed circuit board 1. In general, the connection unit 12 has at least three connection lines 121, of which two are a power supply line and a ground line, and the other one is necessary to prevent a deadlock state of the fan. Frequency generator / rotation detector line. The other end of the connection line 121 is provided with a pin head 122 that is convenient for insertion into an external main frame device. In the case of a fan having a PWM signal input terminal, it has four connection lines, and the increased one is used to input a PWM signal from an external device.

Programming data that changes the parameters or program settings inside the fan so that it is not necessary to prepare a write connection device when using a product to which the present invention is applied, the existing connection line (or more It is transmitted via a fan existing connection line) and can be used in correspondence with a main frame in which various fans are installed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a programmable module, which is installed on a printed circuit board of a fan. On the printed board, there is further provided a connection unit to which at least a control circuit used for controlling the rotation of the fan and an external device are connected. The connection unit is used to transmit resources and information necessary for operation of the printed circuit board under normal mode. When it is desired to use the write function of the programmable module, a pre-signal is transmitted through the connection unit, and the programming data is transmitted after notifying the programmable module of the transition to the write mode. The programmable module of the present invention includes at least one programmable IC, a write mode processing element, and a programmable IC control element. A programmable IC has at least a programmable logic circuit or memory section, and a control circuit reads or applies. The write mode processing element is used to monitor electrical changes on the connection unit under normal mode and receives programming data transmitted on the connection unit when the electrical change meets a predetermined write mode condition. And start identifying. The programmable IC control element changes the internal setting for the programmable IC based on the programming data.

 That is, the invention of claim 1 is a programmable module installed on a printed circuit board provided in a fan, and a control circuit for controlling the rotation of the fan and an external device are further connected to the printed circuit board. A connection unit is provided, and the programmable module monitors at least one programmable IC and electrical fluctuations on the connection unit and detects that the electrical fluctuations meet a predetermined write mode condition; A write mode processing element for starting identification of programming data represented by an electrical signal on the connection unit; and a programmable IC control element for changing an internal setting for the programmable IC based on the programming data. It is characterized by that.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the programmable IC includes at least a programmable logic circuit or a memory section.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the write mode processing element detects whether or not an electric variation on the connection unit meets a predetermined write mode condition. And a data processing unit used to initiate identification of programming data transmitted on the connection unit when the electrical variation meets a predetermined write mode condition. And.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the connection unit includes a plurality of electric lines.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the third or fourth aspect, the electrical fluctuation line detected by the write mode detection unit and the programming data line identified by the data processing unit are the same or different lines. It is characterized by being.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the external device connected to the connection unit provides power and data necessary for normal operation of the printed circuit board. .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the connection unit is connected to an external power supply such as a computer main body to supply power necessary for normal operation of the printed circuit board. The power supply connection line used is provided.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the connection unit is connected to an external PWM signal controller such as a computer main body to input a control signal necessary for normal operation of the printed circuit board. And a PWM signal line used in the above.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the connection unit is connected to an external controller such as a computer main body and outputs motor rotation data generated during normal operation of the printed circuit board. A frequency generator signal line used in the above is provided.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the connection unit is connected to an external controller such as a computer main body and outputs motor rotation data generated during normal operation of the printed circuit board. And a rotation detector signal line used in the above.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the electric variation is an electric variation on the power supply connection line / the PWM signal line.

The invention of claim 12 is the programmable module of the fan according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the electrical signal is on the power connection line, the PWM signal line, the frequency generator signal line or the rotation detector signal line. It is an electrical signal transmitted to.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, when the write mode processing element detects that other electric fluctuations meet a predetermined normal mode condition, The identification of the electrical signal is terminated.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fan programmable module according to the first aspect, the normal mode condition is the write mode condition.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, the programmable IC includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), a non-volatile memory, or a volatile memory. Features.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the fifteenth aspect, the PLD is a PAL (Programmable Array Logic), an EPLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device), a GAL (Generic Array Logic), or a PEEL (Programmable Electrically Erasable Logic). ).
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the programmable module of the fan according to the first aspect, a first memory section is connected to the programmable IC control element, and is stored in the first memory section based on the programming data. The read data is read and used to change the internal setting of the programmable IC.

  According to the programmable module of the fan of the present invention, even if it is already installed on the printed circuit board, the existing connection line on the printed circuit board (for example, a power line, a frequency generator / rotation detector line, or a PWM signal line) is used. The internal parameters and programs can be changed for the programmable IC in the programmable module, and it is not necessary to remove the programmable IC or use a dedicated interface and line. The product to which the present invention is applied can greatly reduce the development time and labor of the fan control circuit, and can reduce the cost risk of the product. At the same time, product inventory, unnecessary waste and environmental pollution can be reduced. Further, even after the product is shipped to the client, the heat dissipation conditions and parameter settings of the fan can be changed according to the user's needs, and there is no need to purchase a writing device or a transmission interface.

Embodiments showing the objects, features, and effects of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is implemented by a programmable module 11 installed on a printed circuit board 1 of a fan, and used for connecting a fan control circuit and an external device on the printed circuit board 1 as shown in FIG. A connection unit 12 is provided. In the present invention, it is not necessary to change the quantity and structure of the connection lines 121 included in the connection unit 12, and it is not necessary to add a dedicated transmission interface between the printed circuit board 1 and the external device. Basically, the fan product to which the present invention is applied has no particular change in appearance, and it is not necessary to disassemble the fan or connect a specific interface and device in the normal mode or the writing mode. .

  When the connected external device is a device that can transmit a specific electronic signal (for example, a computer main body), it is necessary to remove the fan or turn off the power in advance when executing the write mode of the programmable ICA. Instead, a pre-signal transmitted from the computer main body may be transmitted to the connection unit 12. The pre-signal can be transmitted via the power line of the fan in the connection unit, and the pre-signal can be an electric signal with a continuous special voltage change. At the same time, a constant voltage element or a shunt element is provided on the printed circuit board, the power supply voltage transmitted from the connection unit 12 to the control circuit is stabilized or turned off, and when the pre-signal is sent, the control circuit The internal structure of is never destroyed.

  The programmable module includes a programmable ICA, a write mode processing element B, and a programmable IC control element C1. Among them, the write mode processing element B constantly monitors the electrical change on the connection unit 12 under the normal mode, and an abnormal electrical change (for example, a continuous special voltage change on the fan power supply line) occurs. When the electrical change meets a predetermined write mode condition, activation of the write mode is started. At this time, the drive current for controlling the rotation of the fan is cut off, or the fan is temporarily rotated in a specific mode, and the control circuit temporarily stops reading or application to the programmable IC. At the same time, the programmable IC control element C1 starts to modify parameters or programs for the programmable ICA. The modification that is relied upon is provided by programming data following the prefix signal, which can be parameter data or program code to be modified, and can also be a memory address in a memory section.

  When the programming data is parameter data or program code, the programmable IC control element C1 changes the parameter data to the programmable ICA based on the position of the parameter that needs to be changed, or directly to the programmable ICA using the program code. Program code is written to it.

  When the programming data is a memory address, the programming chip control element C1 looks for available parameters or program code data in the first memory section C2. Among them, the first memory section C2 can be a memory section provided in the programmable ICA (FIG. 5), on the printed circuit board 1 (FIG. 4) or in the programmable module (FIG. 2). In this way, it is not necessary to transmit a large amount of parameters or program code data via the connection unit 12, and all possible parameter data can be stored directly in the first memory section C2. The first memory section C2 can store a plurality of various combinations of parameters or program code data, and after the product is shipped, the client can select and execute a desired mode.

  After the computer main body transmits the programming data, an end signal is transmitted via the connection unit 12, and when the writing mode processing element B identifies that the predetermined normal mode condition is met, all normal on the printed circuit board are detected. The operation is restarted, and the programmable ICA completes the modification process and receives the control circuit reading or application again.

  If the external device connected to the fan cannot output a pre-signal and programming data, the normal operation of the fan is interrupted before the fan writing mode is entered, and the fan external connection unit 12 is connected to the computer. Each operation described above can be executed by connecting to the main body. Alternatively, a pre-signal having a specific electrical variation and subsequent programming data are transmitted through an electronic signal input device. The programming data may be a simple code, and the provided data only needs to be read by the programmable IC control element C1 stored in the first memory section C2, and it is always connected to the computer main body capable of transmitting complex data. There is nothing you have to do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the write mode processing element B can be configured by combining a write mode detection unit B1 and a data processing unit B2. The write mode detection unit B1 and the connection unit 12 are electrically connected, and are used for monitoring the electrical change on the connection unit, and notify the data processing unit B2 when the electrical change meets a predetermined write mode condition. Then, reception of the programming data transmitted to the connection unit 12 is started.

  The lines on which the write mode detection unit B1 and the data processing unit B2 are connected to the connection unit 12 can be the same or different. Considering the connection line of a general cooling fan, the write mode detection unit B1 can be connected to the power line of the fan or the PWM signal line of the fan, and these lines are all the input lines of the fan. Suitable for detection of pre-signal in The pre-signal can be a continuous abnormal power supply voltage change, transmitted by the fan power line, the voltage change must be distinguished from the normal working voltage, and at the same time voltage surges that the power supply line can experience Alternatively, it is necessary to prevent erroneous determination of noise interference as a front signal. The front signal may be an abnormal PWM signal, for example, a special high frequency PWM signal that deviates from the normal range, a PWM signal having a series of special frequency changes, or a PWM signal having a serial code. It is transmitted by the PWM signal line. Programming data can be input via all input / output lines and includes power lines, PWM signal lines, and frequency generator / rotation detector output lines.

  The programmable ICA of the present invention has at least a programmable logic circuit or memory section and can also be a microcontroller unit. Among them, the programmable ICA includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), a non-volatile memory, or a volatile memory. Among them, the PLD includes a PAL (Programmable Array Logic), an EPLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device), a GAL (Generic Array Logic), or a PEEL (Programmable Electrically Erasable Logic).

  The present invention can also be realized by a system that is not modularized, and the above-described programmable ICA, write mode processing element B (or write mode detection unit B1 and data processing unit B2), and programmable IC control element C1 are each on a printed circuit board. The first memory section C2 can be directly quoted from an existing memory section on the printed circuit board.

As described above, the programmable module of the fan according to the embodiment of the present invention has an existing connection line on the printed circuit board (for example, a power line, a frequency generator / rotation detector line) even if the module is already installed on the printed circuit board. Alternatively, internal parameters and programs can be changed for the programmable IC in the programmable module through the PWM signal line), and it is not necessary to remove the programmable IC or use a dedicated interface and line. Further, the development time and labor of the fan control circuit can be greatly reduced, and the cost risk of the product can be reduced. At the same time, product inventory, unnecessary waste and environmental pollution can be reduced. Further, even after the product is shipped to the client, each heat dissipation condition and parameter setting of the fan can be changed according to the needs of the user, and it is not necessary to purchase a writing device or a transmission interface.
The above-described embodiments and drawings are examples of the application concept of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. All applications, modifications, or changes based on the concept of the present invention are described in the present invention. Of course, it is included in the scope of the following claims.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which installed the programmable module of the fan of the Example of this invention on the printed circuit board of the fan. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st Example of the programmable module of the fan of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd Example of the programmable module of the fan of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 3rd Example of the programmable module of the fan of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 4th Example of the programmable module of the fan of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printed Circuit Board 11 Programmable Module 12 Connection Unit 121 Connection Unit Connection Line 122 Connection Unit Pin Head A Programmable IC
B Write mode processing element B1 Write mode detection unit B2 Data processing unit C1 Programmable IC control element C2 First memory section

Claims (17)

A programmable module installed on a printed circuit board provided in a fan, wherein the programmable circuit is further provided with a connection unit to which a control circuit for controlling rotation of the fan and an external device are connected, and the programmable module Module is
At least one programmable IC;
A write mode that monitors electrical fluctuations on the connection unit and starts identifying the programming data represented by the electrical signals on the connection unit when it detects that the electrical fluctuations meet a predetermined write mode condition A processing element;
A programmable programmable controller for a fan, comprising: a programmable IC control element configured to change an internal setting for the programmable IC based on the programming data.   The fan programmable module according to claim 1, wherein the programmable IC includes at least a programmable logic circuit or a memory section.   The write mode processing element includes a write mode detection unit used to detect whether or not an electrical variation on the connection unit meets a predetermined write mode condition, and the electrical variation is a predetermined write mode. 2. A fan programmable module according to claim 1, further comprising: a data processing unit used to initiate identification of programming data transmitted on said connection unit when the conditions of the busy mode are met. .   2. The fan programmable module according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a plurality of electric lines.   5. The fan programmable module according to claim 3, wherein the electric fluctuation line detected by the writing mode detection unit and the programming data line identified by the data processing unit are the same or different lines. 6.   2. The fan programmable module according to claim 1, wherein the external device connected to the connection unit provides power and data necessary for normal operation of the printed circuit board.   2. The connection unit according to claim 1, further comprising a power connection line connected to an external power supply such as a computer main body and used for supplying power necessary for normal operation of the printed circuit board. Fan programmable module.   2. The connection unit includes a PWM signal line connected to an external PWM signal controller such as a computer main body and used for inputting a control signal necessary for normal operation of the printed circuit board. Fan programmable module.   The connection unit includes a frequency generator signal line that is connected to an external controller such as a computer main body and is used to output motor rotation data generated during normal operation of the printed circuit board. The programmable module of the fan according to 1.   The connection unit includes a rotation detector signal line that is connected to an external controller such as a computer main body and used to output motor rotation data generated during normal operation of the printed circuit board. The programmable module of the fan according to 1.   9. The fan programmable module according to claim 7, wherein the electric fluctuation is an electric fluctuation on the power connection line / PWM signal line.   The said electric signal is an electric signal transmitted on the said power supply connection line, the said PWM signal line, a frequency generator signal line, or a rotation detector signal line, The Claim 7, 8, 9 or 10 characterized by the above-mentioned. Fan programmable module.   2. The writing mode processing element, when detecting that other electric fluctuations meet a predetermined normal mode condition, ends the identification for the electric signal on the connection unit. Fan programmable module.   2. The fan programmable module according to claim 1, wherein the normal mode condition is the write mode condition.   2. The fan programmable module according to claim 1, wherein the programmable IC includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), a non-volatile memory, or a volatile memory.   The fan PLD (Programmable Array Logic), PLD (Erasable Programmable Logic Device), GAL (Generic Array Logic), or PEEL (Programmable Electrically Erasable Logic) are included in the PLD. .   A first memory section is connected to the programmable IC control element, and based on the programming data, data stored in the first memory section is read and used to change the internal settings of the programmable IC. The fan programmable module according to claim 1.

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