Method, a system, a computer-readable medium, and a power controlling apparatus for applying and distributing power

• US 20120283889A1
• Filed: 12/23/2011
• Published: 11/08/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Global Embedded Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Global Embedded Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Stanczak, Mark Stanley, Smutek, Louis Stephen, Brown, Alan Wayne, Backus, David Allen
• Granted Patent: US 8,626,349 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/292
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0866 comprising several power sources, e.g. battery and capacitor or two batteries
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2011/0888 DC/DC converters
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 1/66 Regulating electric power
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 3/02 Regulating voltage or current
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 1/0092 concerning the data processing means, e.g. expert systems, neural networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/006 Calibration or setting of parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/10 additionally responsive to some other abnormal electrical conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/207 also responsive to under-voltage window comparators for indication G01R19/165
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 5/04 responsive to abnormal temperature specially adapted for electric machines H02H7/0852
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 4/00 Circuit arrangements for mains or distribution networks not specified as ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/32 Means for protecting converters other than automatic disconnection
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/36 Means for starting or stopping converters

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.

Claims

1. A method of controlling the application of power during faults conditions comprising:

generating a power signal to deliver to a power sink, the power signal having a programmable waveform;

monitoring a parameter to determine whether the parameter is within a range of parameter values associated with normal operation of the power sink;

detecting a fault as a function of a value for the parameter being noncompliant; and

initiating a fault action.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

comparing the parameter against one or more fault profiles;

classifying the fault as being associated with a first subset of faults if the parameter matches a first portion of a fault profile of the one or more fault profiles; and

classifying the fault as being associated with a second subset of faults if the parameter matches a second portion of the fault profile.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein classifying the fault as being associated with the second subset of faults comprises:

confirming whether the fault is absolute.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein confirming whether the fault is absolute comprises:

determining that the value for the parameter is associated with a third subset of parameter values.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein classifying the fault as being associated with a first subset of faults comprises:

confirming whether the fault is mature.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein confirming whether the fault is mature comprises:

determining that the value for the parameter is associated with a first subset of parameter values; and

monitoring a first interval of time during which the value for the parameter is associated with the first subset of parameter values.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

detecting that the first interval of time is equivalent to a threshold indicative of a matured fault.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising:

indicating that the fault is mature as a matured fault; and

implementing the fault action.

9. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

detecting that the first interval of time does not exceed a threshold indicative of a matured fault.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

identifying the fault as a nascent fault; and

increasing a degree of maturity for the nascent fault while the value for the parameter is associated with the first subset of parameter values; and

decreasing the degree of maturity for the nascent fault while the value for the parameter is associated with a second subset of parameter values.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

indicating that the nascent fault is a mature fault if the degree of maturity meets a threshold degree of maturity.