Transformer coupled control isolation for direct current control signals
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorFrank J. Ludicky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A switch drive and control arrangement may comprise a first transformer configured to receive a control signal, a second transformer configured to receive a clock signal, and a demodulator configured to receive the control signal and the clock signal from a switch controller, via the first transformer and the second transformer. The demodulator may be configured to output a demodulated signal in response to the control signal and the clock signal. A signal fault detector may be provided to determine a fault in at least one of the control signal and the clock signal. A switch may be turned off in response to a fault being detected in at least one of the control signal or the clock signal.
Claims8
A switch drive and control arrangement, comprising:
- a first transformer configured to receive a control signal;
- a second transformer configured to receive a clock signal;
- a demodulator in electronic communication with the first transformer and the second transformer, the demodulator configured to receive the control signal and the clock signal;
- and
- a signal fault detector configured to determine a fault in at least one of the control signal and the clock signal and configured to output a fault detection signal;
- and
- a signal fault gate in electronic communication with the demodulator and the signal fault detector, wherein the signal fault gate is configured to output a gate signal in response to the demodulated signal and the fault detection signal;
- wherein the demodulator is configured to output a demodulated signal in response to the control signal and the clock signal.
A method for controlling a switch, comprising:
- sending a control signal to a demodulator, via a first transformer;
- sending a clock signal to the demodulator, via a second transformer;
- determining, by the demodulator, to output at least one of a switch-ON signal or a switch-OFF signal in response to the control signal and the clock signal;
- determining, by a fault detector, if a fault is present in at least one of the clock signal and the control signal;
- sending, by the fault detector, a fault detection signal to a signal fault gate;
- sending, by the demodulator, a demodulated signal comprising at least one of the switch-ON signal or the switch-OFF signal to the signal fault gate;
- sending, by the signal fault gate, a first gate signal in response to at least one of the demodulated signal comprising the switch-ON signal and the fault detection signal being false;
- and
- sending, by the signal fault gate, a second gate signal in response to at least one of the demodulated signal comprising the switch-OFF signal and the fault detection signal being true.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.