System and method for ground fault detection in a transformer isolated communication channel of a network device
AssigneeSiemens Industry, Inc.
InventorKaren D. Lontka
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for non-intrusive fault detection of a ground fault in a communication channel is provided. A bias voltage may be established on a first portion of the communication channel and a second portion of the communication channel. A first voltage may be detected across a first resistor electrically connected to the first and second portions of the communication channel. Data indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the first or second portions of the communication channel may be provided based on the detecting.
Claims21
A ground fault detection system for detecting a ground fault in a system having a first node, a second node, and a communication channel between the first node and the second node, the ground fault detection system comprising:
- a bias generator electrically connected to the communication channel system, the bias generator having a first connection to ground and a second connection for output of a non-ground voltage, and the bias generator configured to establish a bias voltage on a first portion of the communication channel and a second portion of the communication channel;
- a first resistor electrically connected to the second connection of the bias generator to receive the non-ground voltage and electrically connected to the first and second portions of the communication channel, the first resistor being connected between the bias generator and the first and second portions of the communication channel;
- and
- a first detector circuit configured to detect a first voltage across the first resistor and configured to output, based on the detection of the first voltage, a signal indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the communication channel system.
A ground fault detection system for detecting a ground fault in a system having a first node, a second node, and a communication channel between the first node and the second node, the ground fault detection system comprising:
- a bias generator electrically connected to the communication channel system and configured to establish a bias voltage on a first portion of the communication channel and a second portion of the communication channel;
- a first resistor electrically connected to the bias generator and the first and second portions of the communication channel;
- a first detector circuit configured to detect a first voltage across the first resistor and configured to output, based on the detection of the first voltage, a signal indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the communication channel system;
- a second resistor electrically connected to the bias generator and the first and second portions of the communication channel;
- and
- a second detector circuit configured to detect a second voltage across the second resistor and configured to output, based on the detection of the second voltage, a signal indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the second portion of the communication channel.
A method for detecting a ground fault in a communication channel between a first node and a second node, the method comprising:
- establishing a bias voltage on a first portion of the communication channel and a second portion of the communication channel, the bias voltage being established with a bias voltage source having a non-ground output connected to the first and second portions through a resistor;
- detecting a first voltage between the first and second portions of the communication channel;
- and
- providing data indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the first or second portions of the communication channel, the providing based on a comparison of the bias voltage on the first or second portion of the communication channel to a voltage across the resistor.
A method for detecting a ground fault in a communication channel between a first node and a second node, the method comprising:
- establishing a bias voltage on a first portion of the communication channel and a second portion of the communication channel;
- detecting a first voltage between the first and second portions of the communication channel;
- providing data indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the first or second portions of the communication channel, the providing based on the detecting;
- detecting a second voltage developed across a second resistor electrically connected to the first and second portions of the communication channel;
- and
- providing a signal indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the second portion of the communication channel, the providing based on the detection of the second voltage.
A fire safety system having a fire alarm control panel coupled to fire safety equipment via a communication channel, the fire safety system comprising:
- a power supply configured to provide power over the communication channel;
- a ground fault detection system configured to detect a ground fault on the communication channel, the ground fault detection system comprising:
- a bias generator electrically connected to the communication channel and configured to establish a bias voltage on a first portion of the communication channel and a second portion of the communication channel, the bias generator separate from the power supply;
- and
- a first detector circuit configured to detect a first voltage across a resistor, the first voltage being a difference from an output of the bias generator and the first or second portions of the communication channel, and the first detector circuit configured to output, based on the detection of the first voltage, an indication of whether the ground fault exists in the first or second portions of the communication channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.