Current derivative sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A current derivative sensor, comprising in combination:
- a sensing element operable to detect current, wherein the current flows through the sensing element, thereby generating a differential potential across the sensing element; and
an analog to digital converter providing an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt);
wherein the sensing element is an inductor located in series with a load; and
wherein parasitic resistance is associated with the inductor.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for detecting, measuring, and reporting a time derivate of a current signal (di/dt). A sensing element detects current from a load. The sensing element includes an inductor. The inductor is located in series with the load and includes associated parasitic resistance. A differential potential develops across the inductor and the parasitic resistance. The differential potential is amplified and converted to a single-ended value. The single-ended value is then fed to an analog to digital converter that provides an output representative of di/dt.
46 Citations
71 Claims
-
1. A current derivative sensor, comprising in combination:
-
a sensing element operable to detect current, wherein the current flows through the sensing element, thereby generating a differential potential across the sensing element; and
an analog to digital converter providing an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt);
wherein the sensing element is an inductor located in series with a load; and
wherein parasitic resistance is associated with the inductor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A current derivative sensor, comprising in combination:
-
a sensing element operable to detect current, wherein the current flows through the sensing element, thereby generating a differential potential across the sensing element; and
an analog to digital converter providing an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt);
wherein the differential potential consists of a DC potential produced as the current flows through parasitic resistance located in the sensing element, a transient potential produced as the current flows through the parasitic resistance, and a transient potential produced as the current flows through an inductor in the sensing element. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A current derivative sensor, comprising in combination:
-
a sensing element operable to detect current, wherein the current flows through the sensing element, thereby generating a differential potential across the sensing element;
an analog to digital converter providing an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt); and
a calibration circuit operable to determine a parasitic resistance value. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
-
32. A current derivative sensor, comprising in combination:
-
a sensing element operable to detect current, wherein the current flows through the sensing element, thereby generating a differential potential across the sensing element; and
an analog to digital converter providing an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt);
wherein the analog to digital converter includes a plurality of Schmitt triggers. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
-
-
44. A current derivative sensor, comprising in combination:
-
an inductor operable to detect current, wherein the current flows through the inductor, thereby generating a differential potential across the inductor;
an operational amplifier operable to amplify and convert the differential potential to a single-ended output; and
a plurality of Schmitt triggers configured to switch from off to on at monotonically increasing transition voltages, wherein the plurality of Schmitt triggers provide an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt). - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61)
-
-
62. A method of measuring a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt), comprising in combination:
-
sensing current from a load, thereby generating a differential potential;
amplifying the differential potential;
converting the differential potential to a single-ended output; and
triggering an analog to digital converter based on the differential potential, thereby providing an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt);
wherein the differential potential consists of a DC potential produced as the current flows through parasitic resistance located in the sensing element, a transient potential produced as the current flows through the parasitic resistance, and a transient potential produced as the current flows through an inductor in the sensing element. - View Dependent Claims (63, 64, 65, 66)
-
-
67. A method of measuring a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt), comprising in combination:
-
sensing current from a load, thereby generating a differential potential;
amplifying the differential potential;
converting the differential potential to a single-ended output; and
triggering an analog to digital converter based on the differential potential, thereby providing an output representative of a time derivative of a current signal (di/dt);
wherein the analog to digital converter includes a plurality of Schmitt triggers. - View Dependent Claims (68, 69, 70, 71)
-
Specification