CA2089958A1 - Distributed power supply system - Google Patents
Distributed power supply systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2089958A1 CA2089958A1 CA 2089958 CA2089958A CA2089958A1 CA 2089958 A1 CA2089958 A1 CA 2089958A1 CA 2089958 CA2089958 CA 2089958 CA 2089958 A CA2089958 A CA 2089958A CA 2089958 A1 CA2089958 A1 CA 2089958A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- energy
- circuitry
- supplemental
- source
- coupled
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
- H04B3/02—Details
- H04B3/44—Arrangements for feeding power to a repeater along the transmission line
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B26/00—Alarm systems in which substations are interrogated in succession by a central station
Abstract
ABSTRACT
One or more supplemental, pulsed energy sources can be used in combination with a pulsed, primary energy source which provides energy to a plurality of spaced apart loads. The loads are coupled to the pulsed, primary source by a pair of conductors. Each supplemental energy source includes circuitry for repetitively storing a predetermined quantity of supplemental energy and circuitry for detecting a start of a primary energy pulse and in response thereto, for discharging the restored supplemental energy into the conductors. Between primary energy pulses, the supplemental energy quantity is automatically restored.
One or more supplemental, pulsed energy sources can be used in combination with a pulsed, primary energy source which provides energy to a plurality of spaced apart loads. The loads are coupled to the pulsed, primary source by a pair of conductors. Each supplemental energy source includes circuitry for repetitively storing a predetermined quantity of supplemental energy and circuitry for detecting a start of a primary energy pulse and in response thereto, for discharging the restored supplemental energy into the conductors. Between primary energy pulses, the supplemental energy quantity is automatically restored.
Description
DIF~TRIBlJq!Ep POWBR ~UPPT.Y 8Y8T~M
F~ of the Ia~ a:
The invention pertains to distributed power supply electrical ~ystems. More particularly, the invention pertains to supplemental power suppli~s which can in~ect electrical energy into a pair of conductors during selected time intervals.
Bac~ground o~ the I~y~tio~:
Distributed unit detector systems are well known.
one such system is disclo6ed in United States patent 4,916,432, entitled "Smoke And Fire Detection System Communication~, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
Such systems include a plurality of spaced apart detectors which are linked by elongated, two conductor signaling cable to a control panel. The signaling cable ~ay be long, having lengths of the order of thousands of feet.
In addition, it may be desirable or necessary to connect several hundred detectors to each two conductor cable.
The detectors are conventionally coupled in parallel across the two conductors which make up the cable.
~ach of the detectors includes a plurality of electrical or elec~ronic elements and energy must be supplied thereto.
one ~nown way in which energy is supplied to ~uch systems is to inject pulses of electrical energy into the signaling conduGtors at the control panel. This approach ha~ the advantage that separate power wiring i~ not needed for the detectors. The only cable which need~ to be run is the two wire signaling cable across which each of the detectors is coupled.
, ~ 2089~g Since the primary function of the conductive cable is to provide a sign~ling path ibetween the detector and the control panel, relatively small gage wire can be used. Such wire is inexpensive and it can readily be run for hundreds of feet tihroughout building ceiling spaces. However, such wire is not suitable for distributing substantial quantitieæ
o~ electrical ener~y.
Where number 2~ or 24 twi~ted pair wire is used, ~or examjple, as the conductive ~ignaling cable, it becomes very difficult to injeat enough electrical energy at the control panel end c~ the cable, assuming it is several thousand ~eet long, for the pu~pose o~ powering several hundred spaced apart detectoxs, coupled thexeto. Resistive, capacitive, and inductive losses in the twisted pair cable will reduce the voltage from the panel available at the distal end of the cable. ~s a result, only a small part of the electrical energy injected into the cable at the panel will be available to energiza detectors at the distal end of the cable.
I~ the voltage at the distal end of the two- ;
conductor cable falls too far, there will be insufficient energy to power those detectors which are located at great distances from the control panel. The problem is exacerbated if the detectors include lightable displays to provide local indicia of status or alarm conditions.
Earlier solutions to this problem have not bQen satisfactory. one 501ution ihas been to use larger gage wire. This in~rea es the cost and dif~iculty of ~ystem installation.
An~th~r unsatisfactory 601ution has been to limit the nu~ber of devices on a given two wire conductor.
Another unsatis~actory ~olution has ~een to use shorter cable lengths.
' ~, . .
F~ of the Ia~ a:
The invention pertains to distributed power supply electrical ~ystems. More particularly, the invention pertains to supplemental power suppli~s which can in~ect electrical energy into a pair of conductors during selected time intervals.
Bac~ground o~ the I~y~tio~:
Distributed unit detector systems are well known.
one such system is disclo6ed in United States patent 4,916,432, entitled "Smoke And Fire Detection System Communication~, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
Such systems include a plurality of spaced apart detectors which are linked by elongated, two conductor signaling cable to a control panel. The signaling cable ~ay be long, having lengths of the order of thousands of feet.
In addition, it may be desirable or necessary to connect several hundred detectors to each two conductor cable.
The detectors are conventionally coupled in parallel across the two conductors which make up the cable.
~ach of the detectors includes a plurality of electrical or elec~ronic elements and energy must be supplied thereto.
one ~nown way in which energy is supplied to ~uch systems is to inject pulses of electrical energy into the signaling conduGtors at the control panel. This approach ha~ the advantage that separate power wiring i~ not needed for the detectors. The only cable which need~ to be run is the two wire signaling cable across which each of the detectors is coupled.
, ~ 2089~g Since the primary function of the conductive cable is to provide a sign~ling path ibetween the detector and the control panel, relatively small gage wire can be used. Such wire is inexpensive and it can readily be run for hundreds of feet tihroughout building ceiling spaces. However, such wire is not suitable for distributing substantial quantitieæ
o~ electrical ener~y.
Where number 2~ or 24 twi~ted pair wire is used, ~or examjple, as the conductive ~ignaling cable, it becomes very difficult to injeat enough electrical energy at the control panel end c~ the cable, assuming it is several thousand ~eet long, for the pu~pose o~ powering several hundred spaced apart detectoxs, coupled thexeto. Resistive, capacitive, and inductive losses in the twisted pair cable will reduce the voltage from the panel available at the distal end of the cable. ~s a result, only a small part of the electrical energy injected into the cable at the panel will be available to energiza detectors at the distal end of the cable.
I~ the voltage at the distal end of the two- ;
conductor cable falls too far, there will be insufficient energy to power those detectors which are located at great distances from the control panel. The problem is exacerbated if the detectors include lightable displays to provide local indicia of status or alarm conditions.
Earlier solutions to this problem have not bQen satisfactory. one 501ution ihas been to use larger gage wire. This in~rea es the cost and dif~iculty of ~ystem installation.
An~th~r unsatisfactory 601ution has been to limit the nu~ber of devices on a given two wire conductor.
Another unsatis~actory ~olution has ~een to use shorter cable lengths.
' ~, . .
2~899~8 -~ - 3 A further unsatisfactory solution has been to interpose a repeater unit between the control panel and the distal end of the cable. The repeater unit serves as a power ampli~ier and provides, in addition to additional power, bidirectional communication batweQn the control pan~l and the distal end o~ the cable.
As noted previously, none of the known prior solution~ to thi~ problem have been ~atis~actory. There continues to be a need ~or a cost effective and an easy to install apparatus which can be used with long, 22 and 24 gage twisted pair ao~ductors to w~ich ~everal hundred spaced apart detector units might be coupled.
A preferred apparatus will be easily connected ko the conductors without any provision for ~pecial junction boxes. ~læo, preferably, such an apparatus will be relatively inexpensive. In addition, it will be able to deliver substantial amounts of energy to ~he cable at locations displaced from the proximal, control panel end.
8~m~rY of the Inventio~:
A source of electrical energy i8 provided which is -usable with first and seconcl conductors to inject qua~tities of electrical energy therein. The conductors have a proximal end and a distal end.
Quantities of electrical energy~ spaced apart in time, are injected into the proximal end of the conductors.
The quantities of electrical en~rgy are intended to actuate a plurality of electrical load~, spaced apart along the conductors.
Th~ apparatus includes a circuit for ~toring a predetermined guant~ty of electrical energy. This circuit can includa a storage cap~citor.
Further circuitry is coupled to the storage circuit and is in turn couplable to th~ conductors for . .
20~99~
detecting a predetermined portion of pulses of electrical energy injected at the proximal end of the ~onductors.
Finally, circuitry respon~iv2 to the detecting circuitry is provided for discharging the quantity of energy stored into the conductors within a preset time interval.
Where electrical energy is injected into the panel end o~ the conductors in the form o~ pulses of aurrent or voltage, the detecting circuitry can include a synchronizer to sense a voltagQ or current change in the injected pulse or pulses. ~he sensed chang~ can be used for synchronizing and discbarging the tored quantity of electrical energy with the pulses applied to the panel end.
The synchronizer can include threshold circuitry with a zener diode in combination with a semiconductor switch. The discharging time period can be established by means of a further z~ner diode and semiconductor switch.
The storage capacitor, which is regularly recharged ~rom another power source, can be discharged by yet another semiconductor switch. The size o~ the selected capacitor determin~s the quantity o~ energy stored thereon.
A plurality of the supplemental sources can be coupled to the two conductor communication cable, spaced apart from one another, and from the proximal end control panel. If desired, inductive energy storage devices can be used as an alternate to capacitorsO
A method o~ supplementing available electric energy along an elongated conductor having a proximal end, primary, energy input por* includes the steps o~
repetitively injecting, at select~d time int~rvals pr~determined primary quantities of electrical energy at the proximal end input port. Sensing at one or ~ore locations along the conductor, the beginnings of at least some of the injecting steps.
:- ,,:, .: , , , 20~99~8 , .
In response to the sensed injecting ~teps, injecting supplemental amounts of electrical energy into the conductor at one or more spacQd apart loca~ions. The supplemental amounts of energy are in;ected at the one or more locations during a common, predetermined, time interval .
These and other aspects and attributes of the present invention will become increa~ingly clear upon reference to the ~ollowing drawings and accompanying specifications.
Brief D~criptio~ of the ~ra~i~g Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a multidetector system u~able with the present invention;
1~ Figure 2 is an overall block diagram of a supplemental source of electrical energy in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a detailed schematic diagram of an exemplaxy supplemental source of electrical energy in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a test circuit usable with a supplemental source supply in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 5 is a graph illustrating test results of deliverable energy for the circuit of Figure 4 with and without a supplemental source of energy in accordance wit~
the present invention.
D~t~ile~ D0soriptio~ of the Preferr~ ~mbodime~t:
While this invention i~ susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is show~ in the drawing, and will be described herein in detail, speci~ic embodiments thereof with the under~tanding that ~he present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the speaific 2mbodiment6 illustrated.
Figure 1 illu~trate~ a ~y~tem 10, which could be a di~tributed detector fire alarm system. The system lo includes a conventional control panel 12 which is coupled via first and ~e~ond conducting ~embers 14a, 14b to a plurality of distributed units 18.
The plurality o~ units 18 could include ~moke detectors 20a - 20c illustrated symbolically in Figure 1.
The plurality 18 could also include o~her types of units such as intrusion detectors 20d, 20e, or any other ~ypes of units that may be desirable.
Tha conductor~ 14a, 14b can be a two conductor cable in the form of a twisted pair. Typical sizes for the conductors 14a, 14b are in a range of 20 - 22 gauge wire.
The length of the conductors 14a and 14b can be several thousand feet and the plurality of units 18 can include two hundred or more units. If desir~d, the distal ends 22a, 22b of the conductors 14a, 14b can be looped back to the panel 12 to provide a redundant ~ignal path.
As i conventional with systems having a plurality of distributed units, such as the plurality 18, the panel 12 is used as a source of electrical e~ergy for the units. The panel 12 repetitively pulses the conductors 14a, 14b ~or purposes o~ co~munication with one or more of the members of the plurality 18. In addition, duxing selected periods of the puls~ waveform 30, conventionally when the pul~es exceed a predetexmined amplitude, the panel 12 provides electrical ,................... . .
.
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1 ' ~ ' '' 20899~
energy to the plurality 18. Hence, separate power lines are not needed fox the members of the plurality 18.
Each of the members of ~he plurality 18 includes an energy storage device, such as a capacitor, which is charged up during th~ time period when the pulses 30 from the panel 12 exceed a prQdatermined amplitude. The stored energy can then be used ~o power the unit during intervening time intervals.
The 6ystem 10 also incorporates first and second supplemental power supplies 24, 26. The fiupplemental power 6upplies 24, 26 are coupled to the conductors 14a, 14b ~paced apart fxom the panel 12.
The supplemental power supplies inject electrical energy into the system 10, synchronized with the pulses from the panel 12, but at di~tributed locations along the conductors 14a, 14b. The purpose of ~he supplemental power ~upplie~ 24, 26 is to compensate ~or losses in the lines 14a, 14b.
Each of the supplemental power ~upplies 24, 26 is identical in structure. One or more of such units may be used in a given installation depending on the number of detectors in the plurality 18.
~ lgure 2 is representative block diagram of the supplemental power supply 24 or 26. Each supplemental power supply includes threshold detection circuitry 32 ~or ~he purpose of determining when the amplitude of one or more pulses 30 on the lines 14a, 14b has exceeded a predeter~ined threshold.
Coupled to the threshold detector 32 is a puls~
width control circuit 34. The pulse width control circuit 34 adjust~ the time interval during which energy i injected into the system 10 by the supplemental suppli~s 24, 26c Coupled to the pulse wi~th control circuitry 34 is a gain or amplification circuit 36. The gain or :
- ~ - .. , . : . : . . , ~ . : .. . .
` 8 2089~8 -amplification circuit 36 in turn is coupled to, and controls, a semiconductor switch 38. The switch 38 is in turn coupled to the conductors 14a, 14b. In addition, the swit~h 38 is coupled to a storage ~lement 40.
The storage element 40 could ba a capacitor.
Alternately, it can be an inductor. The ~torage element 40 i~ r~charged periodically from a source ~2.
When the threshold detector 32 senses that a pulse 30 on the line~ 14a, 14b has an amplitude which exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pulse width control circuitry 34 in combination with the gain circuitry 36 cause~ switch 38 to conduct th~reby di6charging storage element 40 ints the lines 14a, 14b. The ~torage element 40 is discharged during a time i~terval ~et by ths pulse width control circuity 34. 5ubsequently, the recharging circuitry 42 recharges the storage element 40~
The threshold det~ctor 32 can be set to detect a positive going edge 30a of the pulse 30. Subsequently, the starage element 40 can be discharged into the lines 14a, 14b.
After the discharge period ~et by the pulse width control circuitry 34, information can be transferred by a falling edge 30b to the members of the plurality 18. Hence, any electrical noise generated by the supplemental power supplies 24, 26 during the discharge time interval will not be present during tbe period of time starting with the falling pulse transition 30b during which information is transferred to or from the plurality o~ ~nits 18.
Figure 3 is a detailed schematic diagram of the char~2 pump 2~ or 26. ~he thr~shold detector 32 includes a zener diode 50a coupled to volt~ge divider resi~tors 50b, 50c. When ~he amplitude of the pulse 30 on the lines 14a, 14b exceeds approximately 12 volts, a switching transistor 50d is turnad on.
:: .
: . . .. . .
' , ',: -,: ' ~ .
20899~8 _ 9 _ Coupled to a collector of the transistor sod is the pulse width control circuitry 34. Tha pulse width control circuitry 34 includes a capacitor 52a, a zener diode 52b, and a biasing resistor 52c.
When the transistor 52d turns on, gain transistors 54a, 54b are bo~h turnQd on ~or the time interval set by the pulse width control c~rcuitry 34. During the time interval that tha transistors 54a, 54b are conducting, the switching tran6istor 38 iB turned on and thQ elQctrical energy stored on energy storage device 40, a capacitor iG discharged into the conductors 14a, 14b.
Sub~equently, charging circuitry ~2 recharges the capacitor 40 when the trsnsistor 38 is turned off again.
Preferably, the ~ime interval established by the pulse width control circultxy 34 will be less than the pulse width 32c.
For the exemplary values o~ Figure 3, the discharge pulse width set by the circuit 34 is in the order of 200 ~ sec with a current amplitude o~ one amp.
Figure 4 is a ~chematic of a t~st circuit 60. The ci'rcuit 60 includes pulse drive circuitry 62 of a type used with the panel 12 to drive lines such as conduators 14a, 14b.
In Figure 4, the pulse drive circuitry 62 was set up to provide lines 64a, 64b with 19 volt pU18eS comparable to those used in distributed processor systems ~uch as the system 10. To si~ulate long lin~s, a resistor 66 was placed in series in the line 64a.
For purpo88s 0~ loading the test circuit 60, approximately 200 detector units 68 were c~upled between the -~
conductor 64c and ~he conductor 64b. Hence, the resistor 66 wa~ positioned serially between ~he energy input by the circuitry 62 and the detectors 6~.
Th~ detectors 6~ were arranged ~uch ~hat there were essentially zero Ohms prese~t in the co~uctor regions .
- 20899~8 64c, 64b. A supplemental power supply 24 was coupled across the conductors 64b, 64c as illustrated in Figure 4.
The pulse drive circuitry 62 was then energized.
Pulses having an amplitude on the order of 19 volts were applied to the conductors 64a, 64~. The waveform at the unit was recorded between the conductors 64c, 64b without the supplemental power supply 24 being connected.
Figure S illustrates, as waveform A, the voltage signal measured between the conductors or lines 64c and 64b while driving the 200 detectors. As illustrated in Figure S, the amplitude of the wa~eform A is on the order of only 13 volts. Thus, the resistor 66 and the load provided by the plurality of devices 68 reduces the amplitude of the voltage pulses betw~en the lines 64c, 64b from an initial 19 volts to a maximum of ~bout 13 volts.
The supplemental power supply 24 was then coupled across the lines 64c, 64b as illustrated in Figure 4.
Again, with respect to Figure 5, the waveform on the lines 64c, 64b was recorded as waveform B.
As illustrated in Figure 5, the pulses of the wave~orm B exhibit ~ maximum amplitude on the order of 20 volts. This increase in amplitude from about 13 volts to about 20 volts is attributable to the additional energy input by the supplemental power supply 24 and synchronized with the pulses input across the lines ~4a, 64b by the pulse drive circuitry 62.
The effect o~ the supplemental power supply 24 is clearly illustrated in the r~gion C of waveform B. The longer pulse width of the region C is provided to enable ~he members o~ the plurality 68 to fully rechargs.
It ~hould be noted that the region C of waveform B
includes two parts. A first region C1 correspond to the time interval when the supplemental power ~upply 24 is injecting additional energy into the lines 64c~ 64b.
-~ 2~89~8 A ~econd region C2 has an amplitude on the order of 18 volts which is very comparable to the input amplitude of ~9 ~olt6 provided by the pulse input circuitry 62. The region C2 illustrates that the members of the plurality of 5 devices 68 are all charged to the panel voltage amplitude.
Thus, there is essentially no current flowing through the resistor 66.
The use of the supplemental power supply 24 in the test circuitry 60 illu~trates that substantial quantities of energy can be injected into the lines 64c, 64b. Thus, performance of distributed detector systems, such as the system 10, can be substantially improved. As a result of using supplemental power supplies, such as the supply 24, the system 10 will now be able to toler~te more loading due to larger numbers of detectors in the plurality 18, than is the case without one or more of the supplemental power supplies 24, 26.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be e~fected without departing from the spirit and æcope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the speci~ic apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, o~ course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the ~cope of the claims.
As noted previously, none of the known prior solution~ to thi~ problem have been ~atis~actory. There continues to be a need ~or a cost effective and an easy to install apparatus which can be used with long, 22 and 24 gage twisted pair ao~ductors to w~ich ~everal hundred spaced apart detector units might be coupled.
A preferred apparatus will be easily connected ko the conductors without any provision for ~pecial junction boxes. ~læo, preferably, such an apparatus will be relatively inexpensive. In addition, it will be able to deliver substantial amounts of energy to ~he cable at locations displaced from the proximal, control panel end.
8~m~rY of the Inventio~:
A source of electrical energy i8 provided which is -usable with first and seconcl conductors to inject qua~tities of electrical energy therein. The conductors have a proximal end and a distal end.
Quantities of electrical energy~ spaced apart in time, are injected into the proximal end of the conductors.
The quantities of electrical en~rgy are intended to actuate a plurality of electrical load~, spaced apart along the conductors.
Th~ apparatus includes a circuit for ~toring a predetermined guant~ty of electrical energy. This circuit can includa a storage cap~citor.
Further circuitry is coupled to the storage circuit and is in turn couplable to th~ conductors for . .
20~99~
detecting a predetermined portion of pulses of electrical energy injected at the proximal end of the ~onductors.
Finally, circuitry respon~iv2 to the detecting circuitry is provided for discharging the quantity of energy stored into the conductors within a preset time interval.
Where electrical energy is injected into the panel end o~ the conductors in the form o~ pulses of aurrent or voltage, the detecting circuitry can include a synchronizer to sense a voltagQ or current change in the injected pulse or pulses. ~he sensed chang~ can be used for synchronizing and discbarging the tored quantity of electrical energy with the pulses applied to the panel end.
The synchronizer can include threshold circuitry with a zener diode in combination with a semiconductor switch. The discharging time period can be established by means of a further z~ner diode and semiconductor switch.
The storage capacitor, which is regularly recharged ~rom another power source, can be discharged by yet another semiconductor switch. The size o~ the selected capacitor determin~s the quantity o~ energy stored thereon.
A plurality of the supplemental sources can be coupled to the two conductor communication cable, spaced apart from one another, and from the proximal end control panel. If desired, inductive energy storage devices can be used as an alternate to capacitorsO
A method o~ supplementing available electric energy along an elongated conductor having a proximal end, primary, energy input por* includes the steps o~
repetitively injecting, at select~d time int~rvals pr~determined primary quantities of electrical energy at the proximal end input port. Sensing at one or ~ore locations along the conductor, the beginnings of at least some of the injecting steps.
:- ,,:, .: , , , 20~99~8 , .
In response to the sensed injecting ~teps, injecting supplemental amounts of electrical energy into the conductor at one or more spacQd apart loca~ions. The supplemental amounts of energy are in;ected at the one or more locations during a common, predetermined, time interval .
These and other aspects and attributes of the present invention will become increa~ingly clear upon reference to the ~ollowing drawings and accompanying specifications.
Brief D~criptio~ of the ~ra~i~g Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a multidetector system u~able with the present invention;
1~ Figure 2 is an overall block diagram of a supplemental source of electrical energy in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a detailed schematic diagram of an exemplaxy supplemental source of electrical energy in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a test circuit usable with a supplemental source supply in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 5 is a graph illustrating test results of deliverable energy for the circuit of Figure 4 with and without a supplemental source of energy in accordance wit~
the present invention.
D~t~ile~ D0soriptio~ of the Preferr~ ~mbodime~t:
While this invention i~ susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is show~ in the drawing, and will be described herein in detail, speci~ic embodiments thereof with the under~tanding that ~he present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the speaific 2mbodiment6 illustrated.
Figure 1 illu~trate~ a ~y~tem 10, which could be a di~tributed detector fire alarm system. The system lo includes a conventional control panel 12 which is coupled via first and ~e~ond conducting ~embers 14a, 14b to a plurality of distributed units 18.
The plurality o~ units 18 could include ~moke detectors 20a - 20c illustrated symbolically in Figure 1.
The plurality 18 could also include o~her types of units such as intrusion detectors 20d, 20e, or any other ~ypes of units that may be desirable.
Tha conductor~ 14a, 14b can be a two conductor cable in the form of a twisted pair. Typical sizes for the conductors 14a, 14b are in a range of 20 - 22 gauge wire.
The length of the conductors 14a and 14b can be several thousand feet and the plurality of units 18 can include two hundred or more units. If desir~d, the distal ends 22a, 22b of the conductors 14a, 14b can be looped back to the panel 12 to provide a redundant ~ignal path.
As i conventional with systems having a plurality of distributed units, such as the plurality 18, the panel 12 is used as a source of electrical e~ergy for the units. The panel 12 repetitively pulses the conductors 14a, 14b ~or purposes o~ co~munication with one or more of the members of the plurality 18. In addition, duxing selected periods of the puls~ waveform 30, conventionally when the pul~es exceed a predetexmined amplitude, the panel 12 provides electrical ,................... . .
.
., . . : ~ , ' .
1 ' ~ ' '' 20899~
energy to the plurality 18. Hence, separate power lines are not needed fox the members of the plurality 18.
Each of the members of ~he plurality 18 includes an energy storage device, such as a capacitor, which is charged up during th~ time period when the pulses 30 from the panel 12 exceed a prQdatermined amplitude. The stored energy can then be used ~o power the unit during intervening time intervals.
The 6ystem 10 also incorporates first and second supplemental power supplies 24, 26. The fiupplemental power 6upplies 24, 26 are coupled to the conductors 14a, 14b ~paced apart fxom the panel 12.
The supplemental power supplies inject electrical energy into the system 10, synchronized with the pulses from the panel 12, but at di~tributed locations along the conductors 14a, 14b. The purpose of ~he supplemental power ~upplie~ 24, 26 is to compensate ~or losses in the lines 14a, 14b.
Each of the supplemental power ~upplies 24, 26 is identical in structure. One or more of such units may be used in a given installation depending on the number of detectors in the plurality 18.
~ lgure 2 is representative block diagram of the supplemental power supply 24 or 26. Each supplemental power supply includes threshold detection circuitry 32 ~or ~he purpose of determining when the amplitude of one or more pulses 30 on the lines 14a, 14b has exceeded a predeter~ined threshold.
Coupled to the threshold detector 32 is a puls~
width control circuit 34. The pulse width control circuit 34 adjust~ the time interval during which energy i injected into the system 10 by the supplemental suppli~s 24, 26c Coupled to the pulse wi~th control circuitry 34 is a gain or amplification circuit 36. The gain or :
- ~ - .. , . : . : . . , ~ . : .. . .
` 8 2089~8 -amplification circuit 36 in turn is coupled to, and controls, a semiconductor switch 38. The switch 38 is in turn coupled to the conductors 14a, 14b. In addition, the swit~h 38 is coupled to a storage ~lement 40.
The storage element 40 could ba a capacitor.
Alternately, it can be an inductor. The ~torage element 40 i~ r~charged periodically from a source ~2.
When the threshold detector 32 senses that a pulse 30 on the line~ 14a, 14b has an amplitude which exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pulse width control circuitry 34 in combination with the gain circuitry 36 cause~ switch 38 to conduct th~reby di6charging storage element 40 ints the lines 14a, 14b. The ~torage element 40 is discharged during a time i~terval ~et by ths pulse width control circuity 34. 5ubsequently, the recharging circuitry 42 recharges the storage element 40~
The threshold det~ctor 32 can be set to detect a positive going edge 30a of the pulse 30. Subsequently, the starage element 40 can be discharged into the lines 14a, 14b.
After the discharge period ~et by the pulse width control circuitry 34, information can be transferred by a falling edge 30b to the members of the plurality 18. Hence, any electrical noise generated by the supplemental power supplies 24, 26 during the discharge time interval will not be present during tbe period of time starting with the falling pulse transition 30b during which information is transferred to or from the plurality o~ ~nits 18.
Figure 3 is a detailed schematic diagram of the char~2 pump 2~ or 26. ~he thr~shold detector 32 includes a zener diode 50a coupled to volt~ge divider resi~tors 50b, 50c. When ~he amplitude of the pulse 30 on the lines 14a, 14b exceeds approximately 12 volts, a switching transistor 50d is turnad on.
:: .
: . . .. . .
' , ',: -,: ' ~ .
20899~8 _ 9 _ Coupled to a collector of the transistor sod is the pulse width control circuitry 34. Tha pulse width control circuitry 34 includes a capacitor 52a, a zener diode 52b, and a biasing resistor 52c.
When the transistor 52d turns on, gain transistors 54a, 54b are bo~h turnQd on ~or the time interval set by the pulse width control c~rcuitry 34. During the time interval that tha transistors 54a, 54b are conducting, the switching tran6istor 38 iB turned on and thQ elQctrical energy stored on energy storage device 40, a capacitor iG discharged into the conductors 14a, 14b.
Sub~equently, charging circuitry ~2 recharges the capacitor 40 when the trsnsistor 38 is turned off again.
Preferably, the ~ime interval established by the pulse width control circultxy 34 will be less than the pulse width 32c.
For the exemplary values o~ Figure 3, the discharge pulse width set by the circuit 34 is in the order of 200 ~ sec with a current amplitude o~ one amp.
Figure 4 is a ~chematic of a t~st circuit 60. The ci'rcuit 60 includes pulse drive circuitry 62 of a type used with the panel 12 to drive lines such as conduators 14a, 14b.
In Figure 4, the pulse drive circuitry 62 was set up to provide lines 64a, 64b with 19 volt pU18eS comparable to those used in distributed processor systems ~uch as the system 10. To si~ulate long lin~s, a resistor 66 was placed in series in the line 64a.
For purpo88s 0~ loading the test circuit 60, approximately 200 detector units 68 were c~upled between the -~
conductor 64c and ~he conductor 64b. Hence, the resistor 66 wa~ positioned serially between ~he energy input by the circuitry 62 and the detectors 6~.
Th~ detectors 6~ were arranged ~uch ~hat there were essentially zero Ohms prese~t in the co~uctor regions .
- 20899~8 64c, 64b. A supplemental power supply 24 was coupled across the conductors 64b, 64c as illustrated in Figure 4.
The pulse drive circuitry 62 was then energized.
Pulses having an amplitude on the order of 19 volts were applied to the conductors 64a, 64~. The waveform at the unit was recorded between the conductors 64c, 64b without the supplemental power supply 24 being connected.
Figure S illustrates, as waveform A, the voltage signal measured between the conductors or lines 64c and 64b while driving the 200 detectors. As illustrated in Figure S, the amplitude of the wa~eform A is on the order of only 13 volts. Thus, the resistor 66 and the load provided by the plurality of devices 68 reduces the amplitude of the voltage pulses betw~en the lines 64c, 64b from an initial 19 volts to a maximum of ~bout 13 volts.
The supplemental power supply 24 was then coupled across the lines 64c, 64b as illustrated in Figure 4.
Again, with respect to Figure 5, the waveform on the lines 64c, 64b was recorded as waveform B.
As illustrated in Figure 5, the pulses of the wave~orm B exhibit ~ maximum amplitude on the order of 20 volts. This increase in amplitude from about 13 volts to about 20 volts is attributable to the additional energy input by the supplemental power supply 24 and synchronized with the pulses input across the lines ~4a, 64b by the pulse drive circuitry 62.
The effect o~ the supplemental power supply 24 is clearly illustrated in the r~gion C of waveform B. The longer pulse width of the region C is provided to enable ~he members o~ the plurality 68 to fully rechargs.
It ~hould be noted that the region C of waveform B
includes two parts. A first region C1 correspond to the time interval when the supplemental power ~upply 24 is injecting additional energy into the lines 64c~ 64b.
-~ 2~89~8 A ~econd region C2 has an amplitude on the order of 18 volts which is very comparable to the input amplitude of ~9 ~olt6 provided by the pulse input circuitry 62. The region C2 illustrates that the members of the plurality of 5 devices 68 are all charged to the panel voltage amplitude.
Thus, there is essentially no current flowing through the resistor 66.
The use of the supplemental power supply 24 in the test circuitry 60 illu~trates that substantial quantities of energy can be injected into the lines 64c, 64b. Thus, performance of distributed detector systems, such as the system 10, can be substantially improved. As a result of using supplemental power supplies, such as the supply 24, the system 10 will now be able to toler~te more loading due to larger numbers of detectors in the plurality 18, than is the case without one or more of the supplemental power supplies 24, 26.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be e~fected without departing from the spirit and æcope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the speci~ic apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, o~ course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the ~cope of the claims.
Claims (19)
1. A source of electrical energy usable with first and second conductors which carry an impressed electrical signal, the source comprising:
circuitry for storing a predetermined quantity of electrical energy:
circuitry, coupled to said storing circuitry and couplable to the conductors, for detecting a predetermined portion of the impressed electrical signal: and circuitry, responsive to the detecting circuitry, for discharging said stored quantity of energy into the conductors within a predetermined time period.
circuitry for storing a predetermined quantity of electrical energy:
circuitry, coupled to said storing circuitry and couplable to the conductors, for detecting a predetermined portion of the impressed electrical signal: and circuitry, responsive to the detecting circuitry, for discharging said stored quantity of energy into the conductors within a predetermined time period.
2. A source as in claim 1 wherein the impressed electrical signal is a time varying signal which carries electrical energy for a load during a first time interval and carries information during another time interval and wherein said detecting circuitry includes circuitry for enabling said discharging circuitry to discharge said stored energy only during said first time interval.
3. A source as in claim 1 which includes pulse width determining circuitry, coupled to said discharging circuitry, for defining the predetermined time interval wherein said stored energy quantity is discharged into the conductors.
4. A source as in claim 1 including gain circuitry coupled between said detecting and said discharging circuitry.
5. A charge pump, usable with a pair of conductors which are pulsed from a primary energy source, comprising:
an energy storage device;
circuitry for repetitively storing a predetermined quantity of energy in said storage device;
sensing circuitry for detecting when the pulses on the conductors exceed a predetermined threshold value; and switching circuitry, coupled between said storage device and said sensing circuitry, and responsive thereto, for transferring said stored quantity of energy to the conductors.
an energy storage device;
circuitry for repetitively storing a predetermined quantity of energy in said storage device;
sensing circuitry for detecting when the pulses on the conductors exceed a predetermined threshold value; and switching circuitry, coupled between said storage device and said sensing circuitry, and responsive thereto, for transferring said stored quantity of energy to the conductors.
6. A charge pump as in claim 5 wherein said storage device includes a capacitor.
7. A charge pump as in claim 5 with said sensing circuitry including a threshold establishing element.
8. A charge pump as in claim 5 including a gain element.
9. A charge pump as in claim 5 including circuitry for comparing an amplitude parameter of the pulses to a predetermined threshold.
10. A supplemental source of pulsed electrical energy usable in a system with a primary supply which provides pulses of electrical energy, the supplemental source comprising:
means for detecting variations in the provided pulses of electrical energy;
means for storing a quantity of supplemental energy; and means, coupled between said detecting and said storing means, for providing said stored, supplemental energy to the system at predetermined times.
means for detecting variations in the provided pulses of electrical energy;
means for storing a quantity of supplemental energy; and means, coupled between said detecting and said storing means, for providing said stored, supplemental energy to the system at predetermined times.
11. A supplemental source as in claim 10 wherein said detecting means includes threshold detection circuitry.
12. A supplemental source as in claim 10 with said providing means including an electronic switch for discharging the stored quantity of energy into system.
13. A supplemental source as in claim 10 including circuitry for repetitively restoring said quantity of supplemental energy in said storing means.
14. A supplemental source as in claim 10 wherein said providing means includes circuitry for discharging said stored quantity of supplemental energy into the system within a predetermined time interval.
15. A multiple detector security system comprising:
a power supply for delivering pulsed electrical energy to an output port;
at least a first electrical conductor coupled to said output port:
a plurality of detectors wherein each said detector is coupled to said conductor; and a first, supplemental, pulsed energy source coupled to said conductor, displaced from said supply, with said supplemental source including circuitry for synchronizing the injection of supplemental energy into said conductor with said pulsed electrical energy.
a power supply for delivering pulsed electrical energy to an output port;
at least a first electrical conductor coupled to said output port:
a plurality of detectors wherein each said detector is coupled to said conductor; and a first, supplemental, pulsed energy source coupled to said conductor, displaced from said supply, with said supplemental source including circuitry for synchronizing the injection of supplemental energy into said conductor with said pulsed electrical energy.
16. A system as in claim 15 including a second, supplemental, pulsed energy source, substantially identical to said first source and coupled to said conductor, displaced from both said power supply, and said first supplemental source.
17. A system as in claim 15 which includes a second conductor and wherein said supplemental source is coupled to both of said conductors.
18. A method of supplementing available electrical energy along an elongated conductor having a primary energy input port, the method comprising the steps of:
repetitively injecting, at selected time intervals, predetermined, primary quantities of electrical energy into the primary energy input port; and sensing, at one or more locations along the conductor, the beginnings of at least some of the injecting steps and in response thereto, injecting supplemental amounts of electrical energy into the conductor at the respective one or more locations.
repetitively injecting, at selected time intervals, predetermined, primary quantities of electrical energy into the primary energy input port; and sensing, at one or more locations along the conductor, the beginnings of at least some of the injecting steps and in response thereto, injecting supplemental amounts of electrical energy into the conductor at the respective one or more locations.
19. A method as in claim 18 wherein the supplemental amounts of energy are injected at the one or more locations during a common, predetermined, time period.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US866,138 | 1986-05-22 | ||
| US07/866,138 US5254877A (en) | 1992-04-09 | 1992-04-09 | Distributed power supply system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2089958A1 true CA2089958A1 (en) | 1993-10-10 |
Family
ID=25346999
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2089958 Abandoned CA2089958A1 (en) | 1992-04-09 | 1993-02-19 | Distributed power supply system |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5254877A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0565034A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0698461A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU3371193A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2089958A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6181027B1 (en) | 1999-02-26 | 2001-01-30 | International Business Machine Corp. | DC power distribution |
| FR2867887B1 (en) * | 2004-03-22 | 2006-05-19 | Cooper Menvier Sas | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR POWER SUPPLY AND COMMUNICATION CABLING FOR A SET OF RELATED UNITS |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3921005A (en) * | 1974-12-19 | 1975-11-18 | Gen Electric | Emergency lighting system with high efficiency inverter |
| GB1589748A (en) * | 1976-09-10 | 1981-05-20 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Time division multiplex transmission system |
| GB1598553A (en) * | 1978-05-26 | 1981-09-23 | Ferranti Ltd | Data transmission systems |
| US4225792A (en) * | 1978-12-26 | 1980-09-30 | Gte Sylvania Incorporated | Detector circuit |
| US4507652A (en) * | 1982-02-04 | 1985-03-26 | Baker Industries, Inc. | Bidirectional, interactive fire detection system |
| CA1197641A (en) * | 1983-08-26 | 1985-12-03 | David E. Dodds | Telephone line interface circuit |
| US4995054A (en) * | 1987-07-08 | 1991-02-19 | Eckersley Gregory P | Data transmission using switched resonance |
| US4916432A (en) * | 1987-10-21 | 1990-04-10 | Pittway Corporation | Smoke and fire detection system communication |
| US4890005A (en) * | 1987-11-09 | 1989-12-26 | Perma Power Electronics, Inc. | Standby power supply line voltage fault detector |
| EP0322897B1 (en) * | 1987-12-29 | 1997-10-08 | Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. | Simultaneous data and electric power transmitting/receiving system |
| JPH0287942A (en) * | 1988-08-26 | 1990-03-28 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Voltage supply device |
| US5172096A (en) * | 1991-08-07 | 1992-12-15 | Pittway Corporation | Threshold determination apparatus and method |
-
1992
- 1992-04-09 US US07/866,138 patent/US5254877A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1993
- 1993-02-19 CA CA 2089958 patent/CA2089958A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-02-22 AU AU33711/93A patent/AU3371193A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-04-05 EP EP19930105623 patent/EP0565034A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-04-09 JP JP8227093A patent/JPH0698461A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH0698461A (en) | 1994-04-08 |
| EP0565034A2 (en) | 1993-10-13 |
| US5254877A (en) | 1993-10-19 |
| AU3371193A (en) | 1993-10-14 |
| EP0565034A3 (en) | 1995-02-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |