WO2012083322A1

WO2012083322A1 - Interface having an electrical isolation member in the reception branch

Info

Publication number: WO2012083322A1
Application number: PCT/AT2011/000502
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philipp SZEVERINSKI
Original assignee: Tridonic Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2010-12-23
Filing date: 2011-12-21
Publication date: 2012-06-28
Also published as: DE102010064027A1; DE102010064027B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a reception channel (1) which is designed to receive preferably digital signals and to which an electrical isolation member (2) having an active basic electrical power is connected, preferably in order to control an operating device (6) for an illuminant (7). Said method comprises the steps of: - the reception channel (1) receiving multiple signals from an internal or external signal source; and - decreasing or increasing the basic electrical power fed to the electrical isolation member (2) until a defined signal parameter drops below or exceeds a threshold value on a secondary side of the electrical isolation member (2), said secondary side being connected to a control unit (13, 23, 3).

Description

Interface with potential isolator in the receiving branch

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 (eg below 15 volts) and / or mains voltage range (220V 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 WO 2006/010416 a bidirectional interface is known, via which an operating device for a lighting means 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 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, the property in common is that they have relatively large manufacturing tolerances and also are highly temperature-dependent in operation. So far, one has the very different power requirements of each

Potential separators by taking into account that they always the maximum power was supplied, 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 In the case of optocouplers operated with an impressed current from a power source, this means that for each specimen there is a certain minimum operating current value which must not be undercut. 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.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for

Adjustment of a receiving channel designed for the reception of preferably digital signals with an adjacent potential isolating element with active basic electrical power, preferably for controlling a

Operating device for a light source,

having the steps:

Receive, by the receiving channel, from several

Signals from an internal or external

Signal source, and

Lowering or increasing the potential output member supplied basic power until a defined signal parameter on the connected to a control unit secondary side of the potential separation element a

Threshold falls below or exceeds. 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 certain protocols (eg DALI or DSI) or specific commands (eg "dimming", "discharge lamp ON", or "corridor function") from these protocols The identification of said signals may (but need not) be done by a defined signal parameter 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 separation element can be set so low that the distorted bit pulse just yet meets certain minimum conditions with regard to its shape, in particular with regard to 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 the passage of 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.

For setting the power supplied to the potential separator, the temperature of the Potential separation element and / or its environment measured and taken into account.

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, the receiving branch can be interconnected with an adjacent potential isolator together with a transmit channel, wherein the receive channel generates a test bit pulse from the receiving branch for determining the Read delay time. The receive channel is also communicated 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 of the potential separator is distorted test bit pulse.

The start edge of the distorted test bit pulse is typically less steep than that of the original test bit pulse. At the same time, this 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 situation 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 experiences a bit pulse supplied to the receiving channel when passing through the potential separation element, and also adjusting means for the power supplied to the potential separation element as a function of the measurement result, such that the distorted bit pulse just yet meets certain minimum conditions with regard to 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 configured to evaluate at an 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 isolator to set directly or indirectly.

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

To set reception channels.

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 with each other and / or with a central unit via a signal line, in particular an analog (eg "switch dim") or digital bus (eg DALI) are connected.

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:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a

bidirectional interface with one

Receiving branch and an adjoining potential separation element and a

Transmitting channel according to the prior art,

FIGS. 2 (a) and (b) show time profiles of

Test bit pulses before and after passing the

Potential isolator,

FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams as in FIG. 1

concerning a first and a second

Possibility for practical realization of the

Invention, however, each with an additional

Block to minimize the power requirement of the

Receiving branch with it afterwards

Potential isolator

FIGS. 5 and 6 show timing diagrams.

FIG. 1 shows a bidirectional interface according to the prior art, as known from WO 2006/010416. This interface is used for bidirectional data exchange of a control gear (ECG) 6 for Illuminant 7 (preferably a fluorescent tube) with a remote control unit, not shown, or another operating device via a bus 8. At the terminals for the bus 8, the input of a receiving branch 1 and the output of a transmission channel 11 are brought together, so that from the transmission channel 11 on Bus 8 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).

The output of the receiving branch 1 is followed by an optocoupler 2 serving for potential separation. This is powered by a power source 3 with operating power. The system further includes a controller 4 that includes an input logic 5 and an output logic 9. The output signals of the optocoupler 2 are supplied to the input logic, which in turn evaluates these signals and the control unit 6 corresponding control commands.

The operating device 6, in turn, outputs state information to the output logic 9, which converts it into digital DALI signals and supplies it to the transmission channel 11 via a further potential-separating element 10. The latter transmits the digital output signals via the bus 8 to the control center. The digital output signals are - as mentioned above - read from the receiving branch 1, 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 assumption that in particular the subsequent to the receiving branch 1 optocoupler 2 should be a low-cost device, must be taken into account that it shows considerable manufacturing tolerances in terms of power consumption. In addition, the power consumption of optocouplers is quite strongly temperature-dependent. In order to cover the entire spectrum of power consumption, the optocoupler 2, which adjoins the receiving branch 1, has hitherto been operated with the highest possible current, with the result that the power loss was correspondingly high.

As described at the outset, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a way to minimize the power consumed by the receiving branch 1 and the opto-coupler 2 connected thereto for operation, without the

Transfer properties so negatively influence that the received signals are not or only incorrectly readable. This problem will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2 (a) and (b).

In FIG. 2 (a), A represents the envelope of a bit signal sequence transmitted by the control center via the bus 8 in accordance with the DALI standard. This bit signal sequence has a predetermined gap of at least 10 ms at intervals. In this gap, the transmission channel 11 transmits a test bit pulse B generated in it, which the reception branch 1 reads.

FIG. 2 (b) now shows how the test bit pulse is distorted as it passes through the optocoupler 2, specifically the lower the operating current supplied to the optocoupler 2 by the current source 3. 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.

Already the reduced amplitude of the distorted test bit pulse can be used as a criterion for the transmission quality of the receiving branch 1 with optocoupler 2 following it. 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 certain reference voltage U _ref .

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 interface-forming circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3, which is preferably implemented at least partially in the form of an ASIC, contains an additional circuit block 13 compared to that in FIG. 1. It communicates with the input logic 5 and the output logic 9 and generates a control signal for the current source 3, which supplies the optocoupler 2 with operating energy. The output logic 9 notifies the block 13 of the start of the time of the start edge of the output logic 9 generated Test bit pulse B, while the block 13 receives from the input logic information about the time at which the amplitude of the distorted test bit pulse C reaches the reference voltage U _ref . In this way, the block 13 can determine the delay time t _v and set the current source 3 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.

The adjustment of the current source 3 for the optocoupler 2 can be made once or continuously repeated.

Since the power requirement of optocouplers is highly dependent on temperature, it is also possible to provide an additional or alternative current control for the current source 3, in which additionally or alternatively the then to be measured temperature of the optocoupler and / or its environment is taken into account as the actual value parameter.

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 center, a bit pulse of the response output from the transmission channel 11 may be used instead of a separately generated test bit pulse for measuring the delay time t _v .

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 possible operating temperatures, previously had to be set at 400 μΑ without the inventive measure

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

The circuit arrangement in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 differs from that according to FIG. 3 in that the new block 23 no longer requires any information from the output logic 9. It suffice in the information supplied to it by the input logic 5 to generate therefrom a control signal for the Sromquelle 3 of the optocoupler 2. For this purpose, the block 23 evaluates the output signal on the secondary side of the opto-coupler 2, which initially still operates with the basic power. This is provided to him by the subsequent to the optocoupler 2 input logic 5 available. If it detects a specific protocol (eg DALI or DSD, so he causes the power source 3 to increase the operating current for the optocoupler 2 immediately.

Alternatively, block 23 may also be arranged to recognize certain commands within a protocol, such as "switch dim,""corridorfunction,""arc power on," or combination thereof, or combination with a particular protocol 5 represents the case in which the interface initially operates in standby mode, ie that only the basic power is initially supplied to the optocoupler 2. The latter means that the optocoupler 2 is only able to cover a minimum current of approx. Although the optocoupler 2 transmits the signals present at its input at this minimum current, they appear only in a distorted form at its output, in the present case this being expressed by the fact that the front edge of the starting pulse starting in the negative region is a DALI pulse sequence at the output of the optocoupler 2 is less steep than it was at its input lock 23 evaluates the edge rise time t2 that elapses 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 determination, the block 23 increases the current for the opto-coupler 2 to about ΙΟΟμΑ when the DALI high threshold is reached. The following part of the start impulse is then shortened transmitted, the further pulses of the DALI pulse train but are then transmitted undistorted.

As can be seen from the third pulse in the pulse sequence illustrated in FIG. 5, the rise time t3 of the leading edge is lower here 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 FIG. 5 is the lower sensitivity to interference and also switching commands such as "switch dim" and "corridor function" can be detected.

6 represents the case in which an "ArcPower on" command (lamp switch-on command) is to be identified within or at the end of a DALI pulse sequence and used to start up the operating current for the optocoupler 2. The block 23 is programmed accordingly This eliminates noise from lamp operation.

The advantage of the evaluation method according to FIG. 6 is that the current for the optocoupler 2 is not increased to approximately .mu.s for every non-significant DALI signal or pulse, but only when the lamp 7 is actually to be switched on. In addition, here all pulses of the pulse train have the same length, as they consistently with 10μΑ optocoupler current or later after switching on the lamp 7 with ΙΟΟμΑ optocoupler current are generated.

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 identified, the latter can also take place if a DSI Signal (start edge negative) detected and additionally a "switch dim" command has been identified.

Claims

Claims:

Method for setting a signal designed to receive preferably digital signals

Receiving channel (1) with an adjacent potential separation element (2) with active basic electrical power, preferably for controlling an operating device (6) for a lighting device (7),

having the steps:

Receiving, by the receiving channel (1), a plurality of signals from an internal or an external signal source, and

- Lowering or increasing the potential separation member (2) supplied basic power until a defined signal parameter on the with a control unit (13, 23, 3) connected to the secondary side of the potential separation element (2) falls below or exceeds a threshold.

Method for setting a reception channel (1) designed for the reception of digital signals with a potential separation element (2) with active basic electrical power connected thereto, preferably for controlling an operating device (6) for a light source (7),

having the steps:

Lowering or increasing the basic power supplied to the potential separation member (2) when from a control unit (13, 23, 3) in the on the secondary side the potential separation element (2) signals are detected pulses that correspond to a particular protocol or specific commands from these protocols.

3. The method according to claim 2,

in which is checked by the control unit (23, 3), whether a defined signal parameter in the on the secondary side of the potential separation element (2) occurring signals below or exceeds a threshold.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

in which the control unit (13, 23, 3) evaluates the defined signal parameter and depends on it

Basic performance of the potential separation element (2) sets.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the potential-separating member (2) is an optocoupler whose operating current is set in order to minimize the power requirement of the receiving channel (1).

Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,

wherein the potential separation member (2) is a transformer which is operated at a fundamental frequency, which is aufmoduliert for signal transmission a higher frequency, and

in which the fundamental frequency and / or its amplitude and / or the amplitude of the modulated modulation is / are set in order to minimize the power requirement of the receiving branch (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the reception branch (1) together with a transmission channel (11) forms a digital bidirectional interface for data exchange, preferably an operating device (6) for a lighting means (7) with a control unit.

Method according to one of Claims 1 and 4 to 7, in which the signals are transmitted by a transmission channel (11) of the same interface whose reception channel (1) has the potential separation element (2).

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 a temperature fluctuation detected by the control unit (13, 23, 3) is a limit value

exceeds.

Method according to one of claims 1 or 4 to 9, wherein the front pulse edge of a

Receiving branch (1) supplied with the bit pulse (B) with that of the passing of the

Potential separator (2) distorted bit pulse (C) and from this the delay time (t _v )

is determined, and

in which the power supplied to the potential separation element (2) is set as a function of the delay time (t _v ).

12. The method according to claim 11,

where the bit pulse (B) is a test bit pulse.

13. Method according to claim 10 or 11,

where the bit pulse is a payload.

14. The method according to claim 14,

in which the test bit pulse (B) is generated in the transmission channel (11) and read from the reception channel (1).

15. The method according to claims 14,

in which the signals generated by the control unit (13, 3) and the transmission channel (11) correspond to the DALI standard.

16. The 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,

where a DALI pulse train is detected when the slope increases from negative to positive.

17. The method according to claim 16,

at which the potential separation member (2) supplied

Basic performance is increased when said edge exceeds the DALI High threshold.

18. The method according to claim 17,

at which the potential separation member (2) supplied

Basic performance is only increased if additionally within the DALI pulse train or at the end of a lamp ignition command is identified. 19. The 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.

Method according to claim 19,

at which the potential separation member (2) supplied

Basic performance is increased if a "switch dim" command is additionally identified within the DSI pulse train or at the end thereof (Figure 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 designed to evaluate at one input signals from a receiving channel (1) an interface via a potential separation element (2), and at an output an electrical parameter, in particular electrical a basic energy supply of the potential separation element (2) directly or indirectly adjust.

A circuit according to claim 22,

which is designed to adjust the electrical parameters as a function of a temperature detection and / or an evaluation of the signals of the receiving channel (1) transmitted by the potential separation element (2).

Operating device for lighting means (7), comprising an interface comprising an integrated circuit according to claim 22 or 23.

25. Lighting system, comprising a plurality of operating devices for lighting means (7), including at least one according to claim 23,

wherein the operating devices with each other and / or with a central unit via a signal line,

in particular an analogue or digital bus

are connected.

26. Lighting system according to claim 24, wherein the central unit or an operating device for transmitting test signals via the signal line is designed, wherein another 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) its receiving channel (1) sets.