JP6489700B2 - Power supply - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device used in a power supply system in which a plurality of power supply devices are operated in parallel or in series.

(Control by analog voltage)
Conventionally, when a plurality of power supply devices are used as one power supply system in parallel operation or series operation, it is necessary to balance the output voltage and output current of each power supply device. When series operation or parallel operation is performed without balancing the output voltages and output currents of a plurality of power supply devices, the load is concentrated on one power supply device among the plurality of power supply devices.

  For example, consider a case where 60 A is output from a power supply system in which five power supply devices with a rated output current of 20 A are connected in parallel. If the output voltage and the output current are used without being balanced, one power supply device can output 20A, and the remaining four power supply devices can output 10A each.

  In this state, the load is concentrated on one power supply device, and the life of the power supply device is significantly shortened compared to a power supply device with a lighter load. If even one power supply unit in the power supply system fails, the entire system will not operate properly. If multiple power supply units are used without being balanced, the life of the power supply system will be significantly shortened. was there.

  In order to solve this problem, a power supply system of Patent Document 1 is disclosed in which output voltages and output currents of a plurality of power supply apparatuses are used in a balanced manner. The power supply device of Patent Document 1 includes a VB terminal and a CB terminal, and in order to use a plurality of power supply devices as one power supply system, the respective VB terminals and CB terminals are connected. The VB terminal delivers a signal for balancing the output voltage. The CB terminal delivers a signal for balancing the output current. As a result, the load is not concentrated on one of the power supply devices in the power supply system, so that the lifespan of the power supply device in the power supply system can be equalized and the life of the power supply device can be extended.

  However, in this power supply system, in order to balance the power supply device, it is necessary to wire two terminals, the VB terminal and the CB terminal, which increases the number of wiring steps. Further, since the VB terminal and the CB terminal are controlled by the voltage level of the analog signal, if the wiring is routed, there is a possibility of malfunction due to the influence of external noise.

(Control by serial communication)
In order to solve these problems, a power supply system disclosed in Patent Document 2 that realizes balance control by serial communication using a general-purpose UART module is disclosed. UART module is an abbreviation for Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter module. The power supply system of Patent Document 2 is shown below.

  The UART module includes a TX terminal that is a transmission terminal and an RX terminal that is a reception terminal. In the power supply apparatus, a communication terminal connecting the TX terminal and the RX terminal is an INF terminal and is taken out of the power supply apparatus.

  Connect all INF terminals of the power supply unit that operates in parallel or in series. One of the connected power supplies is set as a master, and all the remaining power supplies are set as slaves. For the power supply set as the master (hereinafter referred to as “master power supply”), the TX terminal of the UART module becomes valid. In the power supply device set as a slave (hereinafter referred to as “slave power supply device”), the RX terminal of the UART module becomes valid, and the TX terminal is kept in a high impedance state.

  The master power supply generates its setting information from its own output voltage target value. Also, setting information for the output current target value is generated from the output current detection value. Then, the setting information of the output voltage target value and the setting information of the output current target value are included in the serial communication data signal and transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module. This serial communication data signal is transmitted from the INF terminal via the transmission line to the slave power supply. Sent to the device.

  The slave power supply device receives the serial communication data signal at the RX terminal of the UART module via the INF terminal. Thereby, the slave power supply device receives the set value information of the output voltage target value and the set information of the output current target value from the master power supply device. The slave power supply apparatus sets its own output voltage target value based on the received output voltage target value setting information. Further, based on the received setting information of the output current target value, its own output current target value is set.

  By this operation, the slave power supply device is controlled so that its own output voltage and output current are the same as the master power supply device, and the output voltage and output current of the power supply devices connected in parallel to the load are balanced.

  In the power supply device of Patent Document 2, the output voltage and output current of a plurality of power supply devices can be balanced only by connecting the INF terminals with a single communication line, and the output voltage and output of the power supply device can be reduced with a small number of wires. The current can be balanced. Further, since the output voltage target information and the output current information are transmitted and received by serial communication data, there is an advantage that even if the wiring is routed, it is not easily affected by external noise.

JP 2007-143292 A JP 2013-138557 A

  However, in the power supply system of Patent Document 2 that transmits and receives the setting information of the output voltage target value and the output current target value by serial communication, even if one of the plurality of power supply devices fails, the other power supply devices operate. There was a problem that would continue.

  For example, in a power supply system in which a plurality of power supply devices are used, when one power supply device fails, current flows from the other power supply devices that continue to operate into the failed power supply device. In this case, it will lead to a burnout accident. In order to prevent this, it is conceivable to perform wiring by providing a terminal for notifying the abnormality of the power supply device, but there is a problem that the number of wirings increases.

  Even if an abnormality occurs in any of a plurality of power supply devices that perform parallel operation or series operation, the present invention notifies the normal power supply device of the occurrence of the abnormality and safely stops the system without increasing the number of wires. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply device that enables this.

(Power supply device of the first invention)
The first invention of the present application is:
Power conversion unit, control unit and serial communication unit,
In the power conversion unit, an input power source is connected to positive and negative power input terminals, and a positive and negative power output terminal is connected to a load via a positive and negative power output line,
The serial communication unit can connect the communication terminal to the communication terminal of another power supply device via the communication line by connecting the transmission terminal and the reception terminal to the communication terminal,
When the master mode is set, the control unit sets the output voltage target value to the power conversion unit and adjusts the output voltage to become the output voltage target value, and also outputs it via the communication line by the serial communication unit. Serial communication data signal including one or both of the setting information of the voltage target value and the setting information of the output current target value based on the output current detection value is sequentially transmitted, and at the same time, the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself is transmitted by the serial communication unit. When the slave mode is received and the slave mode is set, the output voltage and output current of the power converter based on the output voltage target value and output current detection value setting information obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit Is adjusted to match the output voltage and output current of the other power supply set to the master mode,
An abnormality detection reporting unit that reports the occurrence of an abnormality by fixing the signal state of the communication terminal to a predetermined level when the control unit detects its own abnormality,
The serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit is monitored, and when it is detected that the reception of the serial communication data signal has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that there is an abnormality in itself or an external power supply device, and a predetermined abnormality handling process is performed. An abnormality handling processing unit for executing
Is provided.

(Abnormality detection reporting part 1 of the first invention)
The abnormality detection reporting unit includes a switch element connected between the communication terminal and the ground potential of its own power supply,
When the control unit detects its own abnormality, the control unit turns on the switch element, fixes the communication line to the ground potential of its own power supply via the communication terminal, and stops the transmission of the serial communication data signal.

(Abnormality detection reporting unit 2 of the first invention)
Anomaly detection reporting section
A first switch element connected between the communication terminal and the ground;
A second switch element for controlling on / off of the first switch element;
With
When the controller detects its own abnormality, the first switch element can be turned on by turning off the second switch element, and when the controller becomes uncontrollable, the second switch element can be turned on. As a result, the first switch element can be turned on, and the communication line is fixed to the ground potential of its own power supply via the communication terminal to stop transmission of the serial communication data signal.

(Power supply device of the second invention)
The second invention of the present application is:
Power conversion unit, control unit and serial communication unit,
The power conversion unit has an input power source connected to the positive and negative power input terminals and a load connected to the positive and negative power output terminals.
The transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit are connected to the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal via the insulation circuit unit, so that the communication terminal is connected via the communication line pulled up to a predetermined potential of another power source. The communication ground terminal can be connected to the communication terminal of the other power supply unit through the communication ground line pulled down to the ground potential of the other power supply. ,
When the master mode is set, the control unit sets the output voltage target value to the power conversion unit and adjusts the output voltage to become the output voltage target value, and the communication line and the communication ground line by the serial communication unit. The serial communication data signal including one or both of the output voltage target value setting information and the output current target value setting information based on the output current detection value is sequentially transmitted via the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself. When the slave mode is set and received by the serial communication unit, the output of the power conversion unit based on the output voltage target value and output current detection value setting information obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit Adjust the voltage and output current to match the output voltage and output current of other power supply units set to master mode In the source device,
An abnormality detection reporting unit that reports the occurrence of an abnormality by fixing the signal state of the communication line to a predetermined level via the transmission terminal, the insulating circuit unit, and the communication terminal when detecting an abnormality of the control unit,
The serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit is monitored, and when it is detected that the serial communication data signal has stopped receiving for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the other power supply device and the specified abnormality handling process is executed. An anomaly response processing unit
Is provided.

(Insulation circuit section and abnormality detection reporting section of the second invention)
The isolation circuit connected to the transmission terminal and reception terminal of the serial communication unit
A first photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between a predetermined potential of its own power supply and a transmission terminal of the serial communication unit, and a light receiving switch element is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal;
A second photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between a communication terminal and a communication ground terminal, and a light receiving switch element is connected between a predetermined potential of its own power source and a receiving terminal of the serial communication unit;
With
The abnormality detection reporting unit includes a switch element connected between the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit and its own ground,
When detecting the abnormality of itself, the control unit turns on the switch element and turns on the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler, thereby fixing the signal state of the communication line to a predetermined level and reporting the occurrence of the abnormality.

(Power supply device of the third invention)
The third invention of the present application is:
Power conversion unit, control unit and serial communication unit,
The power conversion unit has an input power source connected to the positive and negative power input terminals and a load connected to the positive and negative power output terminals.
The transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit are connected to the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal via the insulation circuit unit, so that the communication terminal is connected via the communication line pulled up to a predetermined potential of another power source. The communication ground terminal can be connected to the communication terminal of the other power supply unit through the communication ground line pulled down to the ground potential of the other power supply. ,
When the master mode is set, the control unit sets the output voltage target value to the power conversion unit and adjusts the output voltage to become the output voltage target value, and the communication line and the communication ground line by the serial communication unit. The serial communication data signal including one or both of the output voltage target value setting information and the output current target value setting information based on the output current detection value is sequentially transmitted via the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself. When the slave mode is set and received by the serial communication unit, the output of the power conversion unit based on the output voltage target value and output current detection value setting information obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit Adjust the voltage and output current to match the output voltage and output current of other power supply units set to master mode In the source device,
When the control unit detects its own abnormality, it disables the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit or fixes it to a predetermined level, thereby setting the signal state of the communication line through the transmission terminal, the insulating circuit unit, and the communication terminal. Anomaly detection reporting section that reports the occurrence of anomalies by fixing to the level,
The serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit is monitored, and when it is detected that the serial communication data signal has stopped receiving for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the other power supply device and the specified abnormality handling process is executed. An anomaly response processing unit
Is provided.

(Insulation circuit section and abnormality detection reporting section of the third invention)
The isolation circuit connected to the transmission terminal and reception terminal of the serial communication unit
A first photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between a predetermined potential of its own control power supply and a transmission terminal of the serial communication unit, and a light receiving switch element is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal;
A second photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between a communication terminal and a communication ground terminal, and a light receiving switch element is connected between a predetermined potential of its own power source and a receiving terminal of the serial communication unit;
With
The abnormality detection reporting unit is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal, and is turned off when the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler is turned on and turned on when the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler is turned off. With switch elements,
The control unit fixes the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit to high impedance or a predetermined potential of its own control power source when detecting its own abnormality, and switches off the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler. The device is turned on to fix the communication line at a predetermined signal level, and the transmission of the serial communication data signal is stopped.

  The first invention includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, and a serial communication unit, and the power conversion unit has an input power supply connected to a positive and negative power supply input terminal and a positive and negative power supply output terminal via a positive and negative power supply output line. The serial communication unit is connected to the load, and the transmission terminal and the reception terminal are connected to the communication terminal, so that the communication terminal can be connected to the communication terminal of another power supply device via the communication line. When the master mode is set, the output voltage target value is set in the power conversion unit so that the output voltage becomes the output voltage target value, and the output voltage target is set via the communication line by the serial communication unit. Serial communication data signal containing either one or both of the setting information of the value and the setting information of the output current target value based on the detected output current value is transmitted at the same time as the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself. Received by the real communication unit and when the slave mode is set, the power conversion unit of the power conversion unit based on the output voltage target value and output current detection value setting information obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit In a power supply device that adjusts the output voltage and output current to match the output voltage and output current of another power supply device that is set to the master mode, when the controller detects its own abnormality, Monitors the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit and the abnormality detection notification unit that reports the occurrence of abnormality by fixing the signal state to a predetermined level, and detects the reception stop of the serial communication data signal for a predetermined time or more. In this case, an abnormality handling processing unit that executes a predetermined abnormality handling process by determining an abnormality of itself or an external power supply device is provided in parallel. Even if an abnormality occurs in any of the multiple power supply devices that perform rotation, there is no need to provide a terminal or wiring to notify the abnormality of the power supply device. All power supply devices can discriminate an abnormality of one power supply device and can respond to the abnormality such as operation stop, and a low-cost and highly safe power supply system can be constructed.

(Effect of the abnormality detection reporting unit 1 of the first invention)
In addition, the abnormality detection reporting unit includes a switch element connected between the communication terminal and the ground potential of its own power source, and the control unit turns on the switch element and detects the communication terminal when detecting its own abnormality. Because the communication line is fixed to the ground potential of its own power supply and the transmission of the serial communication data signal is stopped, when a malfunction is detected, the switch element of the malfunction detection reporting unit is turned on, All the power supply devices can determine the abnormality of one power supply device in the plurality of power supply devices, and can respond to the abnormality such as operation stop.

(Effect of the abnormality detection reporting unit 2 of the first invention)
The abnormality detection reporting unit includes a first switch element connected between the communication terminal and the ground, and a second switch element that controls on / off of the first switch element. The first switch element can be turned on by turning off the second switch element when the abnormality of the second switch element is detected, and the second switch element cannot be turned on when its control unit becomes uncontrollable. The switch element is turned on, and the communication line is fixed to the ground potential of its own power supply via the communication terminal to stop the transmission of the serial communication data signal. Even when an abnormality that cannot be controlled due to loss or failure occurs, the abnormality detection reporting unit can be operated, and one power supply in a plurality of power supply devices can be operated. The abnormality of the apparatus that all the power supply performs anomaly of operation stop, etc. to determine, it is possible to make a more secure power supply system.

(Effects of the power supply device of the second invention)
The second invention includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, and a serial communication unit. The power conversion unit has an input power supply connected to the positive and negative power supply input terminals and a load connected to the positive and negative power supply output terminals. The transmission terminal and the reception terminal are connected to the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal via the insulating circuit unit, so that the communication terminal is pulled up to a predetermined potential of the other power source and the other power supply device via the communication line. The communication ground terminal can be mutually connected to the communication ground terminal of another power supply device via the communication ground line pulled down to the ground potential of the other power supply. When the master mode is set, the output voltage target value is set in the power conversion unit so that the output voltage becomes the output voltage target value, and the communication line and the communication line are connected by the serial communication unit. Serial communication data sent by itself at the same time as serial communication data signals containing either one or both of output voltage target value setting information and output current target value setting information based on output current detection value via ground line When the signal is received by the serial communication unit and the slave mode is set, the power conversion unit based on the output voltage target value and output current detection value setting information obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit In the power supply unit that adjusts the output voltage and output current of the other power supply unit to match the output voltage and output current of the other power supply unit set to the master mode, when the control unit detects its own abnormality, the transmission terminal Anomaly detection notification that reports the occurrence of anomaly by fixing the signal state of the communication line to a predetermined level via the insulation circuit section and the communication terminal. And the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit, and when it is detected that the serial communication data signal has stopped receiving for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the other power supply device is abnormal and the predetermined abnormality is dealt with Since the power supply apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention also has a negative power output line as a communication ground line used for communication of serial communication data signals, the communication apparatus is provided with an abnormality handling processing unit that executes processing. When the terminal and the communication ground terminal are not insulated and the plurality of power supply devices are operated in series, the communication terminals cannot be connected to each other via the communication line. By connecting the transmission terminal and the reception terminal to the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal via the insulation circuit unit, the transmission terminal and the reception terminal are insulated from the positive and negative power output terminals connected in series with the load, and a plurality of power supply devices When operating in series, the communication terminal and communication ground terminal of each power supply unit can be connected to each other by communication line and communication ground line. In addition to the power supply system that operates in parallel with a plurality of power supply units, It becomes possible to construct a power supply system that operates in series.

  In addition, even if a terminal or wiring for notifying an abnormality of the power supply device is not provided, the communication line and the communication ground line that mutually connect the insulated communication terminal and the communication ground terminal are used as they are, and 1 in a plurality of power supply devices is used. All power supply devices are able to detect abnormalities such as operation stop by detecting abnormalities in one power supply device, and when performing parallel operation or series operation with multiple power supply devices, low cost and high safety A power supply system can be constructed.

(Effects of the insulation circuit section and abnormality detection reporting section of the second invention)
The isolation circuit connected to the transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit connects the light emitting element between the predetermined potential of its own power supply and the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit, and between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal. A first photocoupler to which a light receiving switch element is connected, a light emitting element connected between a communication terminal and a communication ground terminal, and a light receiving switch element between a predetermined potential of its own power source and a receiving terminal of the serial communication unit. A second photocoupler connected, the abnormality detection reporting unit includes a switch element connected between the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit and its own ground, and the control unit detects its own abnormality In this case, by turning on the switch element and turning on the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler, the signal state of the communication line is fixed to a predetermined level and the occurrence of an abnormality is reported. Reliably insulated from the communication ground line from the power supply, in addition to the power supply system for parallel operation by a plurality of power supply, it is possible to construct a power supply system for series operation.

  In addition, when an abnormality is detected, a simple configuration in which the switch element of the abnormality detection reporting unit is turned on, all power supply devices detect an abnormality of one power supply device in a plurality of power supply devices, and the operation is stopped. Can handle abnormalities

(Effects of the power supply device of the third invention)
A third invention of the present application includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, and a serial communication unit. The power conversion unit has an input power supply connected to the positive and negative power supply input terminals and a load connected to the positive and negative power supply output terminals. The transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the communication unit are connected to the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal via the insulation circuit unit, so that the communication terminal is connected to the other terminal via the communication line pulled up to a predetermined potential of another power source. It can be mutually connected to the communication terminal of the power supply device and can be connected to the communication ground terminal of the other power supply device via the communication ground line pulled down to the ground potential of the other power supply, When the master mode is set, the control unit sets the output voltage target value to the power conversion unit and adjusts the output voltage to become the output voltage target value. Serial communication data signal that includes one or both of the output voltage target value setting information and the output current target value setting information based on the output current detection value via the communication ground line. When the communication data signal is received by the serial communication unit and the slave mode is set, the power based on the output voltage target value and output current detection value setting information obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit In the power supply device that adjusts the output voltage and output current of the conversion unit to match the output voltage and output current of another power supply device set to the master mode, when the control unit detects its own abnormality, By disabling or fixing the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit to a predetermined level, the transmission terminal, the insulation circuit unit, and the communication terminal Via an abnormality detection reporting unit that reports the occurrence of anomaly by fixing the signal state of the communication line to a predetermined level, and monitoring the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit. An abnormality handling processing unit that determines that another power supply device is abnormal and executes a predetermined abnormality handling process when a reception stop is detected is provided, so that a communication terminal and a communication ground terminal are provided as in the second invention. In addition to the feature that series operation is possible due to the insulation of the power supply, abnormality detection is possible even when an abnormality that makes control impossible due to loss or failure of the control power supply to the control unit of the power supply device occurs. The reporting unit can be operated, and all the power supply devices determine the abnormality of one power supply device in the plurality of power supply devices, and perform an abnormality response such as operation stop, so that the When performing parallel operation or series operation with the power source device, a safer power supply system can be constructed.

(Effects of the insulation circuit section and abnormality detection reporting section of the third invention)
The isolation circuit unit connected to the transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit connects the light emitting element between the predetermined potential of its own control power supply and the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit, and also communicates with the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal. A first photocoupler having a light receiving switch element connected between the light emitting element, a light emitting element connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal, and a light receiving switch between a predetermined potential of its own power supply and the receiving terminal of the serial communication unit A second photocoupler connected to the element, and the abnormality detection reporting unit is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal, and is turned off when the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler is turned on. 1 is provided with a switch element that is turned on when the light receiving switch element of the photocoupler is turned off, and when the controller detects its own abnormality, the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit is Impedance is fixed to a predetermined potential of its own control power supply, and when the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler is turned off, the switch element is turned on to fix the communication line to a predetermined signal level and transmit the serial communication data signal By using a photocoupler as an insulation circuit unit, the communication line and the communication ground line are surely insulated and separated from the power supply device, and in addition to a power supply system that operates in parallel with a plurality of power supply devices, a plurality of power supplies It is possible to configure a power supply system that operates in series with the apparatus.

  Further, not only when an abnormality is detected, but also when an abnormality that makes control impossible due to loss or failure of the control power supply for the control unit of the power supply device occurs, the ground potential (L level potential) of the transmission terminal ), The switch element is turned on via the insulation circuit unit, and all power supply devices detect an abnormality in one power supply device in a plurality of power supply devices, and the operation is stopped. Can handle abnormalities.

A circuit block diagram showing a first embodiment of a power supply system according to the first invention. The block diagram which showed the outline of the function structure of the UART module provided in the power supply device of FIG. The block diagram which showed the connection structure of the parallel operation by the master power supply device and several slave power supply devices in 1st invention of FIG. The circuit block diagram which showed 2nd Embodiment of the power supply system by 1st invention The block diagram which showed embodiment of the power supply system by 2nd invention which performs parallel operation The block diagram which showed the connection structure of the parallel operation by the master power supply device and several slave power supply devices in 2nd invention of FIG. The block diagram which showed embodiment of the power supply system by 2nd invention which performs series operation The block diagram which showed the connection structure of the serial operation by the master power supply device and several slave power supply devices in 2nd invention of FIG. The circuit block diagram which showed embodiment of the power supply system by 3rd invention

[First Embodiment of Power Supply Device According to First Invention]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing a first embodiment of a power supply system using a power supply device according to the first invention of the present application, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of a UART module provided in the power supply device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration for parallel operation by a master power supply device and a plurality of slave power supply devices in the first invention of FIG.

(Overview of power system configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system of the present embodiment includes a power supply device according to the first invention of the present application, which is composed of two power supply devices set so as to become a master power supply device 10 and a slave power supply device 12. An input power supply 18 is connected in parallel to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal, which are positive and negative power input terminals of the power supply apparatus 10 and the slave power supply apparatus 12, and at the positive and negative power output terminals of the master power supply apparatus 10 and the slave power supply apparatus 12. A certain + Vo terminal and −Vo terminal are connected in parallel to the load 20 via positive and negative power output lines, and power is supplied to the load 20 by the parallel operation of the master power supply 10 and the slave power supply 12.

  Here, in FIG. 1, the power supply system is composed of two units, ie, the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12, but as shown in FIG. 3, the master power supply device 10 and a plurality of slave power supply devices. 12 may constitute a power supply system and perform parallel operation.

  When performing parallel operation, the output voltages Vo of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are the same, and each output current Io is obtained by dividing the rated current Irated flowing through the load 20 by the number n of power supply devices (Irated / n )

  The master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 shown in FIG. 1 have the same configuration as the power supply device, function as the master power supply device 10 when the master mode is set, and slave power supply device when the slave mode is set. 12 is different in that it functions as 12. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12, they may be described as the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12.

(Configuration of power supply)
The power supply apparatus 10 and the power supply apparatus 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 include a power conversion unit 14 and a digital processor 16 that is a control circuit unit that controls the power conversion unit 14. The power supply apparatus 10 receives an input voltage from the external input power supply 18 to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal, and supplies an output voltage to the external load 20 from the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal.

  The power conversion unit 14 generates an output voltage by converting the input voltage input to the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 into a predetermined voltage, and supplies the output voltage to the load 20. The output voltages of the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 are determined based on the output voltage target value Vr from the digital processor 16. Further, the output voltage and output current supplied to the outside by the power conversion unit 14 are acquired by the digital processor 16 as the output voltage detection value Vo and the output current detection value Io. The output current detection value Io is detected by the current detector 35. The current detector 35 is configured by an element that performs current-voltage conversion, such as a current detection resistor or a current transformer, and may directly detect output currents of the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12. It is also possible to detect a current that is proportional to the output current from the current flowing through the.

  The power conversion unit 14 uses a switching regulator circuit such as an isolated single-ended forward converter, an isolated bridge converter, a step-down chopper, a step-up chopper, or a series regulator circuit.

  The digital processor 16 includes a CPU unit 22, a UART module 24 that functions as a serial communication unit, and an abnormality detection notification unit 26. The CPU unit 22 is provided with a control unit 28 and an abnormality handling processing unit 30 as functions realized by executing the program.

  In addition, the CPU unit 22, the UART module 24, and the abnormality detection notification unit 26 may be partially or entirely configured as independent circuits. Further, although not shown, a memory in which a program for operating the CPU unit 22 is recorded, an I / O interface for inputting / outputting signals to / from the power conversion unit 14 and the outside, an AD converter, and the like are also provided. .

  The UART module 24 is a module that performs serial communication, and includes a TX terminal that is a transmission terminal that transmits a serial communication data signal and an RX terminal that is a reception terminal that receives a serial communication data signal. The TX terminal and the RX terminal are connected outside the UART module 24 and are connected to the INF terminal which is a communication terminal of the power supply apparatus 10 and the power supply apparatus 12.

  The TX terminal of the UART module 24 receives a serial communication data signal composed of a combination of signals of H level (voltage level of the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply) and L level (voltage level of the control power supply ground side). Send.

  Although not shown, a pull-up resistor is connected to the TX terminal as necessary. Further, a resistor for limiting the current and a capacitor for removing noise may be connected as necessary.

  The INF terminal of the power supply device 10 is connected to the INF terminal of another power supply device 12 via the communication line 34. The ground of the UART module 24 is connected to the ground for the -Vo terminal of the power conversion unit 14. As a result, the negative power supply output line externally connected to the -Vo terminal connected in parallel to the load 20 is a communication ground line that connects the grounds of the UART modules 24 provided in the power supply apparatus 10 and the power supply apparatus 12 to each other. I also use it. For this reason, two serial communication lines are normally required for the power supply apparatus 10 and the power supply apparatus 12, but in this embodiment, only one communication line 34 for connecting the INF terminals to each other is required.

  The UART module 24 has a function of transmitting a serial communication data signal and a function of delivering the received serial communication data signal to the CPU unit 22 in response to an instruction from the CPU unit 22.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic functional configuration of the UART module 24, and includes a transmission conversion unit 40, a transmission amplifier 42, a reception amplifier 44, and a reception conversion unit 46. The transmission conversion unit 40 receives, for example, 8-bit communication information from the CPU unit 22, generates a communication frame in which a start bit, a parity bit, a stop bit, and the like are added to the communication information, and uses the shift register for the communication frame. The data is converted into serial communication data, and is output from the transmission amplifier 42 as a serial communication data signal having an H level and an L level via the TX terminal.

  The communication information of the serial communication data signal includes the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr or the setting information of the output current target value Ir based on the output current detection value Io and the identification information for identifying the type of communication information. . In addition, the transmission operation of the transmission amplifier 42 can be stopped and invalidated. In the invalidated state, the TX terminal is in a high impedance output state. Transmission of the serial communication data signal including the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr or the setting information of the output current target value Ir according to the instruction of the CPU unit 22 is sequentially performed at a predetermined transmission cycle.

  The reception amplifier 44 receives the serial communication data signal via the RX terminal and outputs it to the reception conversion unit 46. The reception conversion unit 46 stores the serial communication data signal in the shift register, restores the communication frame from the serial communication data signal, extracts the communication information from the communication frame, and transfers the communication information to the CPU unit 22.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 of the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 includes a switch element 32, and the switch element 32 is operated by an instruction from the CPU unit 22. The switch element 32 is connected between an INF terminal connecting the TX terminal and the RX terminal and the ground, and is turned on / off by an instruction of the control unit 28 provided in the CPU unit 22.

  When the power supply device 12 is normal, the switch element 32 is turned off by an instruction from the control unit 28, and the serial communication data signal from the UART module 24 can be transmitted and received by disconnecting the INF terminal from the ground. On the other hand, when the controller 28 detects an abnormality in the power supply device 12, the switch element 32 is turned on, the INF terminal is connected to the ground, and the communication line 34 connected from the outside to the INF terminal is set to the ground level. Pulling it to the L level and fixing it, so that serial communication via the INF terminal is not possible, the communication of the serial communication data signal is forcibly stopped, and this indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply device 12 Enables reporting to the device.

  1 uses the I / O interface provided in the CPU unit 22 in the digital processor 16 to control the switch element 32 provided in the abnormality detection reporting unit 26. Alternatively, the switch element 32 may be provided outside the digital processor 16 to serve as the abnormality detection reporting unit 26.

  Corresponding to the abnormality detection reporting unit 26, the CPU unit 22 is provided with the function of the abnormality handling processing unit 30. The abnormality handling processing unit 30 monitors the serial communication data signal received by the UART module 24, and when it detects that the reception of the serial communication data signal has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, it detects an abnormality in another power supply device. And a predetermined abnormality handling process such as stopping the operation of the power supply device is executed.

  Note that the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 described above have the same configuration and function, and whether to be the master power supply device 10 or the slave power supply device 12 is determined by setting as follows.

(Master power supply and slave power supply)
The power supply apparatus 10 and the power supply apparatus 12 include an M / S terminal that is a terminal for instructing from the outside whether to operate as a master or a slave. The master power supply 10 is a power supply in which the master mode is set by an external instruction to the M / S terminal, and the slave power supply 12 is a power supply in which the slave mode is set by an external instruction to the M / S terminal. .

  Further, without using the M / S terminal, it is possible to operate by writing in advance information on whether to operate as a master or a slave in a memory unit of the digital processor 16 (not shown).

  In the power supply system of the present invention, one power supply is set as the master power supply 10 and the other power supply is set as the slave power supply 12.

(Configuration specific to the master power unit)
The control unit 28 of the master power supply apparatus 10 sets a preset output voltage target value Vr in its own power conversion unit 14 and adjusts the switching on-duty so that the output voltage becomes the output voltage target value Vr. .

  In addition, the control unit 28 of the master power supply device 10 outputs the setting information of the output current target value Ir based on the setting information of the output current target value Vr and the output current detection value Io detected by the current detector 35 to the UART module. The data is transferred as communication information to 24, and a serial communication data signal including this is generated and transmitted from the TX terminal to the external slave power supply device 12 via the INF terminal.

  The UART module 24 of the master power supply apparatus 10 transmits the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal and simultaneously receives the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself from the RX terminal.

  The serial communication data signal transmitted from the master power supply device 10 to the slave power supply device 12 may be either or both of the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir. The information may be output together. At this time, in the power supply system that performs parallel operation, in order to perform the operation of balancing the output currents of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12, it is desirable that the setting information of the output current target value Ir is transmitted.

  The master power supply 10 is configured so that the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is received by the RX terminal of the UART module 24 of the master power supply device 10. The processing unit 30 monitors whether the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal matches the serial communication data signal received from the RX terminal. Then, when it is detected that the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal cannot be received by the own RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the slave power supply device 12 is abnormal and the operation is stopped. A predetermined abnormality handling process is performed.

  When the master power supply device 10 detects its own abnormality, the master power supply device 10 stops the operation of transmitting the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24. With this operation, the slave power supply device 12 can detect an abnormality in the master power supply device 10.

(Configuration unique to slave power supply)
When the slave power supply device 12 is set to the slave mode, the transmission function of the UART module 24 is stopped and the TX terminal is operated so as to be held at high impedance. Therefore, the TX terminal of the UART module 24 of the slave power supply device 12 does not affect the serial communication data signal transmitted / received at the INF terminal. In the slave power supply device 12, the serial communication data signal transmitted from the master power supply device 10 is received by the RX terminal of the UART module 24 through the INF terminal.

  The control unit 28 of the slave power supply device 12 sets the output voltage target value Vr of the master power supply device 10 obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the UART module 24 as its own output voltage target value. Control is performed so as to be the same as the output voltage of the master power supply 10.

  Further, the control unit 28 of the slave power supply device 12 is based on the output current target value Ir corresponding to the output current detection value Io of the master power supply device 10 obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the UART module 24. Control is performed to adjust the output voltage so that the output current is the same as the output current of the master power supply device 10. Specifically, the slave power supply device 12 compares its own output current detection value Io with the output current target value Ir delivered from the master, and if its own output current is large, it reduces its own output voltage. If the output current is small, control is performed to increase its own output voltage.

  The UART module 24 of the slave power supply device 12 receives the serial communication data signal transmitted from the master power supply device 10 from the RX terminal via the INF terminal. The serial communication data signal transmitted from the RX terminal of the UART module 24 and transmitted by the master power supply apparatus 10 is monitored by the abnormality response processing unit 30 provided in the CPU unit 22, and the abnormality response processing unit 30 receives the serial communication data signal. Is not received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, a predetermined abnormality handling process is performed such as determining an abnormality and stopping the operation.

[Power system operation]
Next, the operation of the power supply system that performs the parallel operation of FIG. 1 will be described separately during normal operation and when an abnormality occurs.

(Operation during normal operation)
As shown in FIG. 1, the master power supply apparatus 10 sets the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr set in itself and the setting information of the output current target value Ir based on the output current detection value Io detected by itself. The serial communication data signal is sequentially transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to the outside via the INF terminal. The serial communication data signal transmitted from the master power supply device 10 may be either or both of the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir, or other information is output together. You can do it.

  In the slave power supply device 12, the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is invalidated and held at high impedance, and the serial communication data signal input through the INF terminal is received by the RX terminal of the UART module 24.

  When the control unit 28 of the CPU unit 22 of the slave power supply device 12 receives the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr transmitted from the UART module 24 by the master power supply device 10, the control unit 28 sets the output voltage target value Vr of the master power supply device 10 to its own. The output voltage target value is set, and control is performed so that its own output voltage is the same as the output voltage of the master power supply device 10. Further, when receiving the setting information of the output current target value Ir, the control unit 28 of the CPU unit 22 performs control to adjust the output voltage so that the output current of the control unit 28 becomes the same as the output current of the master power supply device 10.

(Operation when an error occurs in the slave power supply)
When an abnormality occurs in the slave power supply device 12, control is performed so that the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection notification unit 26 of the slave power supply device 12 is turned on. As a result, the INF terminal of the slave power supply device 12 is held at the L level. When the INF terminal of the slave power supply device 12 is held at the L level, the INF terminal of the master power supply device 10 connected by the communication line 34 is also held at the L level.

  When the master power supply 10 transmits the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24, the master power supply 10 receives the serial communication data signal transmitted by the master power supply 10 at the RX terminal, and the INF terminal of the master power supply 10 is at the L level. Is held, the serial communication data signal cannot be received at the RX terminal even if the TX terminal of the UART module 24 transmits the serial communication data signal.

  When the abnormality handling unit 30 of the master power supply 10 detects that the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the slave power supply 12, A predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed.

(Operation when an error occurs in any of multiple slave power supply units)
As shown in FIG. 3, when parallel operation is performed by the master power supply device 10 and two or more slave power supply devices 12, if an abnormality occurs in one slave power supply device 12, the slave in which the abnormality has occurred The switch element 32 of the abnormality detection notification unit 26 of the power supply device 12 is turned on, the INF terminal is held at the L level, and the INF terminals of the master power supply device 10 and other slave power supply devices 12 that are operating normally are also at the L level. It will be held.

  As a result, the master power unit 10 operating normally and the abnormality handling unit 30 of the other slave power unit 12 cannot receive the serial communication data signal sequentially transmitted by the master power unit 10, and the serial communication data signal Is detected at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the master power supply device 10 or another slave power supply device 12, and a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed. I do.

(Operation when an abnormality occurs in the master power supply unit)
When an abnormality occurs in the master power supply device 10, the operation of transmitting the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is stopped, and transmitted from the TX terminal to the slave power supply device 12 via the INF terminal. The INF terminal is held at the L level by stopping the serial communication data signal that has been turned on, or by turning on the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 provided in the master power supply apparatus 10, and the INF terminal is changed from the TX terminal to the INF terminal. The serial communication data signal transmitted to the slave power supply device 12 via is stopped.

  As a result, the abnormality handling unit 30 of the slave power supply device 12 operating normally cannot receive the serial communication data signal at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, and detects that an abnormality has occurred in the master power supply device 10. Then, a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed.

(Advantages of the first embodiment of the first invention)
According to the present embodiment, in a power supply system composed of the master power supply device 10 and one or a plurality of slave power supply devices 12, it is possible to use one power supply device in the system without newly providing a terminal or wiring for notifying abnormality. It is possible to stop the power supply system by notifying all the other power supply devices to determine the abnormality that has occurred, and to construct a highly safe power supply system at low cost.

[Second Embodiment of the Power Supply System According to the First Invention]
FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram showing a second embodiment of the power supply system according to the first invention. This embodiment is different from the power supply in the case where control becomes impossible due to the stop of the control power supply in the power supply device. It is characterized by being able to respond by reporting an abnormality to the device.

(Overview of system configuration)
As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply system of the present embodiment is composed of, for example, a master power supply device 10 and a slave power supply device 12 as in the first embodiment of FIG. The input power source 18 is connected in parallel to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal which are positive and negative power source input terminals of the device 12, and the + Vo terminal and −Vo which are the positive and negative power source output terminals of the master power source device 10 and the slave power source device 12. The terminals are connected in parallel to the load 20 via positive and negative power output lines, and power is supplied to the load 20 by parallel operation.

  The INF terminals used for serial communication between the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are connected to each other by a communication line 34. Further, the communication ground line used for serial communication is also used as a negative power output line externally connected to the -Vo terminal connected in parallel to the load 20.

(Configuration of power supply)
As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 of the present embodiment are different from the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Other than that, since it becomes the same, the same code is given and the explanation is omitted.

  The abnormality detection notification unit 26 shown in FIG. 4 includes a switch element 32, a PNP transistor 36, and a resistor 38. The PNP transistor 36 may be an element having a similar function, and may be a P-channel MOS-FET or the like.

  One end of the switch element 32 is connected to the base of the PNP transistor 36, and the other end of the switch element 32 is connected to the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply. The switch element 32 can be operated by an instruction from the CPU unit 22.

  The PNP transistor 36 has a collector connected to the ground, an emitter connected to the line connecting the RX terminal and the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to the INF terminal, and a resistor 38 connected between the base and the ground. .

  In the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 is controlled to be turned on when an abnormality occurs in the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12. 10 and the power supply device 12 are controlled to turn on the switch element 32 by the control unit 28 provided in the CPU unit 22 when operating normally, and to turn off the switch element 32 when an abnormality is detected. .

  In the state where the switch element 32 is turned off due to the abnormality detection, if the INF terminal is going from the L level to the H level by the transmission of the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24, the PNP transistor is connected via the resistor 38. Current flows through the path of the emitter, base, resistor 38, and ground of 36, and the PNP transistor 36 is turned on, and the INF terminal is held at the L level.

  Therefore, in the state where the abnormality is detected, even if the serial communication data signal is transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24, the INF terminal is held at the L level, and the serial communication data signal is not transmitted. The RX terminal cannot receive serial communication data signals.

  When the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 are operating normally, the switch element 32 is turned on and the base of the PNP transistor 36 is at the H level. Therefore, even if the INF terminal is at the H level, the PNP transistor 36 Thus, no current can flow from the emitter to the base, and the PNP transistor 36 is held off.

  Accordingly, when the serial communication data signal is transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 while the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 are operating normally, the PNP transistor 36 is held off, so that the INF terminal The serial communication data signal can be transmitted / received via the terminal, and the RX terminal can receive the serial communication data signal.

[Power system operation]
Next, the operation of the power supply system that performs the parallel operation of FIG. 4 will be described separately at the time of normal operation and when an abnormality occurs.

(Operation during normal operation)
As in the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the master power supply device 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes serial communication data including setting information of its own output voltage target value Vr and setting information of the output current Ir based on the detected output current value Io. A signal is transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to the outside via the INF terminal. At this time, since the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 provided in the master power supply device 10 is in a normal state, the serial communication data signal is transmitted from the TX terminal to the external slave power supply device 12 via the INF terminal. Can be sent.

  In the slave power supply device 12, the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is invalidated and held at high impedance, and the serial communication data signal input through the INF terminal is received by the RX terminal of the UART module 24. In the normal state, since the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 is also in the on state in the slave power supply device 12, the PNP transistor 36 is held off, and the serial communication data signal can be received from the RX terminal.

  As in the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the control unit 28 of the CPU unit 22 of the slave power supply device 12 sets the output voltage target value Vr setting information and the output current target value Ir transmitted from the UART module 24 by the master power supply device 10. Is received, and control is performed to adjust the output voltage so that its own output voltage is the same as the output voltage of the master power supply device 10 and its own output current is the same as the output current of the master power supply device 10. .

(Operation when an error occurs in the slave power supply)
When an abnormality occurs in the slave power supply device 12, control is performed so that the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 is turned off, the PNP transistor 36 is in an on-ready state, and transmission of a serial communication data signal from the TX terminal is performed. When the INF terminal changes to the H level, the PNP transistor 36 is turned on and the INF terminal is held at the L level. When the INF terminal of the slave power supply device 12 is held at the L level, the INF terminal of the master power supply device 10 is also held at the L level.

  When the master power supply 10 transmits the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24, the master power supply 10 receives the serial communication data signal transmitted by the master power supply 10 at the RX terminal, and the INF terminal of the master power supply 10 is at the L level. Is held, the RX terminal cannot receive the serial communication data signal even if the TX terminal of its own UART module 24 transmits the serial communication data signal.

  Therefore, when the abnormality handling unit 30 of the master power supply device 10 detects that the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the slave power supply device 12. Then, a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed.

  On the other hand, in the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when the control power supply fails and an abnormality that disables the control by the CPU unit 22 occurs, the positive potential of the control power supply Since Vcc is lost and the switch element 32 cannot be turned on, the operation of notifying the outside of the abnormality detected by holding the INF terminal at the L level cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 provided in the slave power supply device 12 of the present embodiment is also capable of switching elements even when a plus potential Vcc is lost due to an abnormality that becomes uncontrollable due to a failure of the control power supply or the like. 32 is turned off, the PNP transistor 36 becomes operable, and when the serial communication data signal received from the INF terminal changes from L level to H level, the PNP transistor 36 is turned on and the INF terminal is set to L level. Can be held.

  As a result, the INF terminal of the master power supply apparatus 10 is also held at the L level, and the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself cannot be received by the RX terminal, and the abnormality response processing unit 30 of the master power supply apparatus 10 receives the serial communication data signal as a predetermined value. When it is detected that the signal cannot be received for more than the predetermined time, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the slave power supply device 12 and a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed, thereby making the power supply system safer. Can be.

(Operation when an error occurs in any of multiple slave power supply units)
As shown in FIG. 3, in the case where a parallel operation is performed by the master power supply device 10 and two or more slave power supply devices 12, if an abnormality occurs in one slave power supply device 12, the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 is controlled so that the switch element 32 is turned off, the PNP transistor 36 is turned on, and when the INF terminal attempts to change to the H level upon reception of the serial communication data signal from the master power supply device 10, the PNP transistor 36 is turned on and the INF terminal is held at the L level.

  As a result, the INF terminals of the master power supply device 10 and the other slave power supply devices 12 that are operating normally are also held at the L level, and the serial communication data signal sequentially transmitted by the master power supply device 10 cannot be received. When each of the abnormality handling units 30 detects that the serial communication data signal cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in another power supply device and stops its own operation. A predetermined abnormality handling operation is performed.

  Similarly, when an abnormality that causes the control power supply to fail in one of the slave power supply devices 12 and the control by the CPU unit 22 becomes impossible, the abnormality detection notification unit 26 operates in the same manner, and the master power supply device 10 In addition, a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping other slave power supply devices 12 can be performed. The abnormality detection reporting unit 26 operates in the same manner even when the control power supply disappears due to not only the failure of the control power supply of the slave power supply apparatus 12 but also the disconnection of the input power supply wiring of the slave power supply apparatus 12.

(Operation when an abnormality occurs in the master power supply unit)
When an abnormality occurs in the master power supply device 10, the operation of transmitting the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is stopped, and transmitted from the TX terminal to the slave power supply device 12 via the INF terminal. The PNP transistor 36 can be turned on by stopping the serial communication data signal, or by turning off the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 provided in the master power supply device 10, and the INF terminal is held at the L level. Then, the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal to the slave power supply device 12 via the INF terminal is stopped.

  As a result, the abnormality handling unit 30 of the slave power supply device 12 operating normally cannot receive the serial communication data signal at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, and detects that an abnormality has occurred in the master power supply device 10. Then, a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed.

  Similarly, when an abnormality that makes the control by the CPU unit 22 impossible due to loss or failure of the control power supply in one of the master power supply devices 10 occurs, the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 operates in the same manner. A predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping the master power supply device 10 and the other slave power supply devices 12 can be performed.

(Advantages of the second embodiment of the first invention)
According to this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, in the power supply system configured by the master power supply device 10 and one or more slave power supply devices 12, it is possible to provide a new abnormality notification terminal and wiring. An abnormality occurring in one power supply device in the system can be judged by all other power supply devices and the power supply system can be stopped, and a low-cost and highly safe power supply system can be constructed.

  Further, even when an abnormality that makes the control by the CPU unit 22 impossible due to loss or failure of the control power supply for the digital processor 16 that is a control circuit unit of the power supply device, the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 is operated. It is possible to make a more secure power system.

[Embodiment of power supply system according to second invention]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a power supply system according to the second invention for performing parallel operation, and FIG. 6 shows a connection configuration for parallel operation by a master power supply device and a plurality of slave power supply devices in the second invention of FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a power supply system according to the second invention that performs series operation, and FIG. 8 is a connection configuration for series operation by a master power supply device and a plurality of slave power supply devices in the second invention of FIG. It is the block diagram which showed.

  In the second invention, in addition to the parallel operation of the plurality of power supply devices shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a power supply system that performs the serial operation shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be constructed.

(Outline of power supply system for parallel operation)
As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply system that performs parallel operation is composed of, for example, a master power supply device 10 and a slave power supply device 12, as in the embodiment of the first invention shown in FIG. 1. 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are connected to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal in parallel, and the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are connected via positive and negative power output lines. The power is supplied to the load 20 by being connected in parallel to the load 20 and performing a parallel operation of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12.

  Further, the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are provided with an INF1 terminal as a communication terminal and an INF2 terminal as a communication ground terminal which are insulated from the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal for serial communication. The INF1 terminals are connected to each other by the communication line 62 pulled up to the potential Vcc2 through the resistor 66, and the INF2 terminals are connected to each other by the communication ground line 64 pulled down to the ground GND of another power source.

  When two or more slave power supply devices 12 are provided, as shown in FIG. 6, the input power supply 18 is connected in parallel to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal of the master power supply device 10 and the plurality of slave power supply devices 12. The + Vo terminal and −Vo terminal of the power supply device 10 and the plurality of slave power supply devices 12 are connected in parallel to the load 20 via positive and negative power supply output lines, and power is supplied to the load 20 by parallel operation.

  In addition, for serial communication between the master power supply device 10 and the plurality of slave power supply devices 12, an INF1 terminal and an INF2 terminal that are insulated from the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal are provided, and the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64 respectively The INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are connected to each other.

(Outline of power supply system for series operation)
As shown in FIG. 7, the power supply system that performs the series operation is configured by, for example, two units of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12, as in the embodiment of FIG. 5, and the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12. The input power supply 18 is connected in parallel to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal, and the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are connected in series to the load 20 via the power supply output line. By performing a series operation of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12, power is supplied to the load 20.

  In the serial connection of the master power supply 10 and the slave power supply 12 to the load 20, the + Vo terminal of the master power supply 10 is connected to the plus terminal of the load 20, and the −Vo terminal of the master power supply 10 is the + Vo terminal of the slave power supply 12. The −Vo terminal of the slave power supply device 12 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 20.

  When two or more slave power supply devices 12 are provided, as shown in FIG. 8, the input power supply 18 is connected in parallel to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal of the master power supply device 10 and the plurality of slave power supply devices 12. In addition, the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal of the master power supply device 10 and the plurality of slave power supply devices 12 are connected in series to the load 20, and the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are connected in series, whereby the load 20 Power is being supplied.

  When performing series operation, each output voltage Vo of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 is obtained by dividing the rated voltage Vrated of the load 20 by the number n of power supply devices (Vrated / n), and each output current Io is the same. It becomes.

  In addition, for serial communication between the master power supply device 10 and the plurality of slave power supply devices 12, an INF1 terminal and an INF2 terminal that are insulated from the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal are provided, and the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64 respectively The INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are connected to each other.

(Configuration of power supply)
Since the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 have the same configuration, the configuration will be described below as the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 of this embodiment are replaced with an INF terminal that is a non-insulated communication terminal in the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The INF1 terminal, which is a communication terminal insulated by the insulation circuit unit 48, and the INF2 terminal, which is a communication ground terminal, are different from each other. Reference numerals are assigned and explanations thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an insulation circuit section is provided between the TX terminal and RX terminal of the UART module 24 provided in the digital processor 16 of the power supply apparatus 10 and the power supply apparatus 12 and the INF1 terminal and INF2 terminal which are external terminals. 48 is provided. The insulating circuit unit 48 includes a first photocoupler 50 and a second photocoupler 52.

  The cathode of the LED 54, which is the light emitting element of the first photocoupler 50, is connected to the TX terminal of the UART module 24, and the anode of the LED 54 is connected to the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply. The RX terminal of the UART module 24 is connected to the emitter of a phototransistor 60 that is a light receiving switch element of the second photocoupler 52, and the collector is connected to the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply.

  The collector of the phototransistor 56 that is the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler 50 and the anode of the LED 58 that is the light emitting element of the second photocoupler 52 are connected and taken out to the outside as the INF2 terminal. The emitter of the phototransistor 56 and the cathode of the LED 58 of the second photocoupler 52 are connected and taken out to the outside as the INF2 terminal.

  The abnormality detection notification unit 26 includes the switch element 32 as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and operates the switch element 32 according to an instruction from the CPU unit 22. One end of the switch element 32 is connected to the TX terminal, and the other end is connected to the ground.

  Although not shown, a pull-down resistor may be connected to the RX terminal if necessary. Further, the line connecting the LED 54 provided in the first photocoupler 50 and the phototransistor 60 provided in the second photocoupler 52 and the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply is also provided for current limiting if necessary. A resistor may be provided.

(Operation by serial communication of the insulation circuit)
The operation of the insulation circuit unit 48 in the case of transmitting and receiving serial communication data signals in the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 of FIGS. 5 and 7 is as follows.

  When the TX terminal outputs H level by the transmission operation of the serial communication data signal by the UART module 24, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned off and the phototransistor 56 is turned off. At this time, between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal, the communication line 62 connected to the INF1 terminal is connected to the positive potential Vcc of another power source via the resistor 66, and the INF2 terminal is connected to the ground GND of another power source. , H level.

  When the TX terminal of the UART module 24 outputs L level, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned on and the phototransistor 56 is turned on. At this time, the level between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is at the L level.

  When the space between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is at the H level, the LED 58 of the second photocoupler 52 is turned on and the phototransistor 60 is turned on. At this time, the RX terminal becomes H level. When the space between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is L level, the LED 58 of the second photocoupler 52 is turned off, and the phototransistor 60 is turned off. At this time, the RX terminal becomes L level.

  As in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the master power supply device 10 is either one of the setting information of its own output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir based on its own output current detection value Io, or Both may be used, and information combining other information is transmitted as serial communication data signals from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to the outside through the first photocoupler 50 from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal.

  At this time, in the power supply system that performs parallel operation, in order to perform the operation of balancing the output currents of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12, it is desirable that the setting information of the output current target value Ir is transmitted. In a power supply system that performs series operation, it is desirable that setting information for the output voltage target value Vr is transmitted in order to perform an operation of balancing the output voltages of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12.

  The master power supply 10 transmits a serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 and simultaneously transmits the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal side via the second photocoupler 52. Receive from the terminal. The master power supply device 10 is configured to receive the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 by the RX terminal of the own UART module 24, and the abnormality provided in the CPU unit 22. The corresponding processing unit 30 monitors whether the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal and the serial communication data signal received from the RX terminal match. When it is detected that the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal cannot be received by the own RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the slave power supply device 12 is abnormal, and the operation is stopped. Perform a specified abnormality response operation.

  The slave power supply device 12 operates so that the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is held at high impedance or H level, so that the TX terminal of the UART module 24 of the slave power supply device 12 is between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal. There is no effect on the serial communication data sent and received. The serial communication data signal input from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal via the second photocoupler 52 is received by the RX terminal of the UART module 24.

  The control unit 28 of the slave power supply device 12 receives the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir transmitted from the UART module 24 by the master power supply device 10. The output voltage is controlled so as to be the same as the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 and the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 is the same.

  In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the slave power supply device 12, the slave power supply device 12 operates the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection notification unit 26 to turn on the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 and turn on the phototransistor 56. By holding the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal at the L level and disabling the transmission of the serial communication data signal from the master power supply device 10 via the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64, the master power supply device 10 itself The master power supply apparatus 10 cannot receive the transmitted serial communication data signal, and notifies the master power supply apparatus 10 that the slave power supply apparatus 12 has an abnormality.

  Furthermore, when the abnormality handling processing unit 30 provided in the CPU unit 22 of the slave power supply device 12 detects that the serial communication data signal cannot be received for a predetermined time or more, it determines that the other power supply device is abnormal and determines itself. A predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping the operation is performed.

[Operation of power supply system for parallel operation and series operation]
Next, the operation of the power supply system that performs parallel operation in FIG. 5 and the operation of the power supply system that performs serial operation in FIG. 7 will be described separately during normal operation and when an abnormality occurs.

(In normal operation)
The master power supply apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 is similar to the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the setting information of its own output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir based on the detected output current value Io. Is transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to the outside through the first photocoupler 50 from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal.

  At this time, since the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 provided in the master power supply device 10 is normally off, the first photocoupler 50 receives the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal as the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal. The serial communication data signal can be transmitted to the external slave power supply device 12 via the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64.

  In the slave power supply device 12, since the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is invalidated and held at high impedance or held at H level, the LED 54 provided in the first photocoupler 50 is held off. In the normal state, the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 is off, so that the LED 54 provided in the first photocoupler 50 remains off and does not operate, and the INF1 terminal and INF2 The serial communication data signal received at the terminal is sent to the RX terminal by the operation of the second photocoupler 52 and received by the UART module 24.

  The CPU unit 22 of the slave power supply device 12 receives the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir transmitted from the UART module 24 by the master power supply device 10, and the output voltage of the slave power supply device 12 is the master power supply device 10. The output voltage is controlled so as to be the same as the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 and the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 is the same.

(When an error occurs in the slave power supply unit)
When an abnormality occurs in the slave power supply device 12, control is performed so that the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 is turned on. As a result, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned on, the phototransistor 56 is turned on, and the space between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is held at the L level. When the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal of the slave power supply device 12 are held at the L level, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal of the master power supply device 10 connected through the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64 are also at the L level. Will be retained.

  When transmitting the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24, the master power supply 10 transmits the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself to the RX terminal via the second photocoupler 52 from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal side. If the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal of the master power supply device 10 are held at the L level, even if the TX terminal of the own UART module 24 transmits the serial communication data signal, the serial signal is transmitted via the RX terminal. The communication data signal cannot be received.

  Therefore, when the abnormality handling unit 30 of the master power supply device 10 detects that the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the slave power supply device 12. Then, a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping the operation of confidence is performed.

(Operation when an error occurs in any of multiple slave power supply units)
As shown in FIG. 6, when the parallel operation is performed by the master power supply device 10 and two or more slave power supply devices 12, and as shown in FIG. 8, the master power supply device 10 and two or more slave power supplies. In the case where series operation is performed by the device 12, if an abnormality occurs in one slave power supply device 12, control is performed so that the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection notification unit 26 is turned on, and the first photo The LED 54 of the coupler 50 is turned on, the phototransistor 56 is turned on, and the space between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is held at the L level.

  As a result, the master power supply device 10 and the other slave power supply devices 12 operating normally can receive serial communication data signals sequentially transmitted by the master power supply device 10 via the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64. When each of the abnormality handling units 30 detects that the serial communication data signal cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the other slave power supply devices 12, and A predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping the operation is performed.

(Operation when an abnormality occurs in the master power supply unit)
When an abnormality occurs in the master power supply device 10, the operation of transmitting the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is stopped, so that the slave power supply device 12 is transmitted from the TX terminal via the INF terminal 1 and the INF2 terminal. Control is performed so that the serial communication data signal transmitted to the destination is stopped or the switch element 32 of the abnormality detection notification unit 26 provided in the master power supply device 10 is turned on. The LED 54 is turned on and the phototransistor 56 is turned on, and the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are held at the L level, so that the slave from the TX terminal via the first photocoupler 50 and the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal. The serial communication data signal transmitted to the power supply device 12 is stopped.

  As a result, when the abnormality handling unit 30 of the slave power supply device 12 operating normally detects that the serial communication data signal cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, an abnormality has occurred in the slave power supply device 12. And a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed.

(Advantages of Embodiment of Second Invention)
In the embodiment of the first invention shown in FIG. 1, the serial communication between the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 is performed by connecting the INF terminal with the communication line 34, and the communication ground line 64 is connected with the −Vo terminal. In the power supply system that performs the series operation, the INF terminal that is not insulated cannot be used for serial transmission.

  On the other hand, in the embodiment of the second invention, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal used for serial communication with respect to the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal connected in series to the load 20 are an insulating circuit unit using a photocoupler. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is possible to construct a power supply system that performs series operation by connecting outputs of a plurality of power supply devices in series with a load.

  In addition, in a power supply system composed of the master power supply device 10 and one or more slave power supply devices 12, an abnormality occurring in one power supply device in the system can be detected without providing a new terminal or wiring to notify the abnormality. Therefore, it is possible to construct a power supply system with low cost and high safety.

[Embodiment of Power Supply System According to Third Invention]
FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of a power supply system according to the third invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the second invention, in addition to the construction of a power supply system that performs series operation, Even when control becomes impossible due to a stop of the control power supply or the like, the power supply system can be safely stopped by reporting an abnormality to another power supply apparatus.

(Outline of power supply system for parallel operation and series operation)
As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply system that performs parallel operation is composed of, for example, a master power supply device 10 and a slave power supply device 12, as in the embodiment of the second invention shown in FIG. 5. 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are connected to the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal in parallel, and the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal of the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 are loaded via positive and negative power supply output lines. The power supply is supplied to the load 20 by connecting the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 in parallel.

  Further, for serial communication between the master power supply 10 and the slave power supply 12, the INF1 terminal, which is a communication terminal isolated from the + Vin terminal and the −Vin terminal, as in the embodiment of the second invention shown in FIG. A communication ground having an INF2 terminal, which is a communication ground terminal, connected to each other by a communication line 62 pulled up through a resistor 66 to a positive potential Vcc2 of another power supply, and pulled down to the ground GND of another power supply The INF2 terminals are connected to each other by a line 64.

  In addition, the connection configuration of the power supply system when performing the series operation is the same as that of the embodiment of the second invention shown in FIG.

(Configuration of power supply)
The power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 shown in FIG. 9 are different from the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 according to the embodiment of the second invention shown in FIG. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 provided in the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 of this embodiment does not have a switch element controlled by the CPU unit 22, and the first photo of the insulating circuit unit 48. This is a circuit in which a switch element is provided on the output side of the coupler 50, and includes a first photocoupler 50, an NPN transistor 70, and a resistor 72 connected to the TX terminal. The NPN transistor 70 may be an element having the same function, such as an N-channel MOS-FET.

  The TX terminal of the UART module 24 is connected to the anode of the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50, and the cathode is connected to the ground. The connection of this LED 54 has a different polarity for connection with the embodiment of FIG. The collector of the phototransistor 56 of the first photocoupler 50 is connected to one end of the resistor 72 and the base of the NPN transistor 70. The other end of the resistor 72 and the collector of the NPN transistor 70 are connected to the INF1 terminal. Further, the anode of the LED 58 of the second photocoupler 52 is connected to the INF1 terminal.

  The cathode of the LED 58 of the second photocoupler 52, the emitter of the NPN transistor 70, and the emitter of the phototransistor 56 of the first photocoupler 50 are connected to the INF2 terminal. Further, the collector of the phototransistor 60 of the second photocoupler 52 is connected to the plus potential Vcc of the control power supply, and the emitter is connected to the RX terminal.

  Although not shown, a pull-down resistor may be connected to the RX terminal if necessary. Further, if necessary, a resistor for limiting current may be provided on a line connecting the phototransistor 60 of the second photocoupler 52 and the plus potential Vcc of the control power supply.

(Operation by serial communication of the insulation circuit)
The operation of the insulating circuit 48 when transmitting and receiving serial communication data signals in the power supply device 10 and the power supply device 12 of FIG. 9 is as follows.

  When the TX terminal outputs an H level by the transmission operation of the serial communication data signal by the UART module 24, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned on, the phototransistor 56 is turned on, and the NPN transistor 70 is turned off. The terminal and the INF2 terminal are at the H level.

  When the TX terminal of the UART module 24 outputs an L level, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is extinguished, the phototransistor 56 is turned off, and the NPN transistor 70 is turned on, so that there is an L between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal. Become a level.

  When the space between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is at the H level, the LED 58 of the second photocoupler 52 is turned on, the phototransistor 60 is turned on, and the RX terminal of the UART module 24 is at the H level. When the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are at the L level, the LED 58 of the second photocoupler 52 is turned off, the phototransistor 60 is turned off, and the RX terminal of the UART module 24 is at the L level.

  As in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the master power supply device 10 is either one of the setting information of its own output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir based on its own output current detection value Io, or Both of these may be used, and other combined information is transmitted as a serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to the outside through the first photocoupler 50 and the NPN transistor 70 from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal.

  The TX terminal of the UART module 24 provided in the master power supply apparatus 10 is at the H level when the serial communication data signal is not transmitted. As a result, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned on to turn on the phototransistor 56, and when the phototransistor 56 is turned on, the NPN transistor 70 is turned off, so that the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are at the H level.

  The master power supply 10 transmits a serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 and simultaneously transmits the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal side via the second photocoupler 52. Receive from the terminal. The master power supply device 10 is configured to receive the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 by the RX terminal of the own UART module 24, and the abnormality provided in the CPU unit 22. The corresponding processing unit 30 monitors whether the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal and the serial communication data signal received from the RX terminal match. When it is detected that the serial communication data signal transmitted from the TX terminal cannot be received by the own RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the slave power supply device 12 is abnormal, and the operation is stopped. Perform a specified abnormality response operation.

  The slave power supply device 12 operates so that the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is held at the H level, so that the TX terminal of the UART module 24 of the slave power supply device 12 is serially transmitted / received between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal. Communication data is not affected. The serial communication data signal input from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal via the second photocoupler 52 is received by the RX terminal of the UART module 24. The control unit 28 of the slave power supply device 12 receives the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir transmitted from the UART module 24 by the master power supply device 10. The output voltage is controlled so as to be the same as the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 and the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 is the same.

  Further, when an abnormality occurs in the slave power supply device 12, the slave power supply device 12 invalidates the TX terminal of the UART module 24 so as to be in a high impedance state. Note that when an abnormality occurs in itself, the TX terminal may be set to hold the L level output.

  As a result, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned off, the phototransistor 56 is turned off, and the NPN transistor 70 can be turned on, whereby the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are held at the L level, and the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64 make it impossible to transmit the serial communication data signal from the master power supply device 10 so that the master power supply device cannot receive the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself. In response, the slave power supply device 12 is notified that there is an abnormality.

  Further, when an abnormality occurs in which the control power supply of the slave power supply device 12 fails and becomes uncontrollable, the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply is lost, the TX terminal cannot maintain the H level, and the first photocoupler 50 The LED 54 is turned off, the phototransistor 56 is turned off, and the NPN transistor 70 can be turned on. As a result, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are held at the L level, the serial communication data signal cannot be transmitted from the master power supply device 10 via the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64, and the communication is stopped.

  Further, when the abnormality handling processing unit 30 provided in the CPU unit 22 of the slave power supply device 12 detects that the serial communication data signal cannot be received for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the external power supply device itself. A predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping the operation is performed.

[Power system operation]
Next, the operation of the power supply system performing the parallel operation in FIG. 9 will be described separately when the normal operation and the abnormality occur.

(In normal operation)
As in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the master power supply apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 9 includes serial communication data including setting information of its own output voltage target value Vr and setting information of the output current target value Ir based on the detected output current value Io. A signal is transmitted from the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to the outside through the first photocoupler 50 from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal. At this time, since the TX terminal of the slave power supply device 12 is at the H level, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are not held at the L level, and the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64 are connected from the master power supply apparatus 10. The serial communication data signal can be transmitted to the slave power supply device 12 via the above.

  In the slave power supply device 12, the TX terminal of the UART module 24 is held at the H level, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is kept on, and the NPN transistor 70 is turned off when the phototransistor 56 is turned on. The serial communication data signal received at the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is sent to the RX terminal by the operation of the second photocoupler 52 and received by the UART module 24.

  The CPU unit 22 of the slave power supply device 12 receives the setting information of the output voltage target value Vr and the setting information of the output current target value Ir transmitted from the UART module 24 by the master power supply device 10, and the output voltage of the slave power supply device 12 is the master power supply device 10. The output voltage is controlled so as to be the same as the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 and the output current of the master power supply apparatus 10 is the same.

(When an error occurs in the slave)
When an abnormality occurs in the slave power supply device 12 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 28 of the CPU unit 22 disables the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to set the TX terminal to high impedance or L level, The LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned off. As a result, the phototransistor 56 is turned off and the NPN transistor 70 can be turned on, and the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are held at the L level.

  When the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal of the slave power supply device 12 are held at the L level, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal of the master power supply device 10 are also held at the L level via the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64. It will be.

  Further, when the control power supply of the slave power supply device 12 fails and control by the CPU unit 22 becomes impossible and the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply is lost, the TX terminal of the UART module 24 becomes high impedance or L level. The LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned off. As a result, the phototransistor 56 is turned off and the NPN transistor 70 can be turned on, so that the area between the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal is held at the L level.

  When transmitting the serial communication data signal from the TX terminal of the UART module 24, the master power supply 10 transmits the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself to the RX terminal via the second photocoupler 52 from the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal side. When the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal of the master power supply device 10 are held at L level due to the occurrence of an abnormality in the slave power supply device 12, the TX terminal of its own UART module 24 transmits a serial communication data signal. However, the serial communication data signal cannot be received at the RX terminal.

  Therefore, when the abnormality handling unit 30 of the master power supply device 10 detects that the serial communication data signal transmitted by itself cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the slave power supply device 12. Then, a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation is performed.

(Operation when an error occurs in any of multiple slave power supply units)
As shown in FIG. 6, when parallel operation is performed by the master power supply device 10 and two or more slave power supply devices 12 in the embodiment of FIG. 9, an abnormality occurs in one slave power supply device 12. The control unit 28 of the CPU unit 22 turns off the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 by setting or invalidating the TX terminal of the UART module 24 to L level and setting the TX terminal to high impedance. As a result, the phototransistor 56 is turned off and the NPN transistor 70 can be turned on, and the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are held at the L level.

  As a result, the master power supply device 10 and the other slave power supply devices 12 operating normally can receive serial communication data signals sequentially transmitted by the master power supply device 10 via the communication line 62 and the communication ground line 64. When each of the abnormality handling units 30 detects that the serial communication data signal cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, it determines that an abnormality has occurred in another power supply device and stops its own operation. It is possible to perform a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as

  Further, even when the control power supply of the slave power supply device 12 fails and control by the CPU unit 22 becomes impossible and the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply is lost, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are held at the L level. The master power supply device 10 can perform a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as determining that an abnormality has occurred in the slave power supply device 12 and stopping the power supply device. The same operation is performed not only when the control power supply of the slave power supply device 12 is broken but also when the control power supply is lost due to disconnection of the input power supply wiring of the slave power supply device 12.

(Operation when an abnormality occurs in the master power supply unit)
When an abnormality occurs in the master power supply apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 28 of the CPU unit 22 sets the TX terminal to the L level or the high impedance by invalidating the TX terminal of the UART module 24. Thus, the LED 54 of the first photocoupler 50 is turned off. As a result, the phototransistor 56 is turned off and the NPN transistor 70 can be turned on, and the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are held at the L level.

  As a result, when the abnormality handling unit 30 of the slave power supply device 12 operating normally detects that the serial communication data signal cannot be received at the RX terminal for a predetermined time or more, an abnormality has occurred in another power supply device. And performs a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping its own operation.

  In addition, when the control power supply of the master power supply device 10 disappears or breaks down and the control by the CPU unit 22 becomes impossible and the positive potential Vcc of the control power supply is lost, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal are high. The slave power supply device 12 is held at the impedance or L level, and the slave power supply device 12 can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the master power supply device 10 and perform a predetermined abnormality handling operation such as stopping the power supply device.

(Advantages of Embodiment of Third Invention)
According to the embodiment of the third invention, as in the embodiment of the second invention, the INF1 terminal and the INF2 terminal used for serial communication are connected to the + Vo terminal and the −Vo terminal connected in series to the load 20 as a photocoupler. It is possible to construct a power supply system that performs serial operation by connecting outputs of a plurality of power supply devices in series with a load.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the third invention, as in the embodiment of the second invention, in the power supply system constituted by the master power supply device 10 and one or a plurality of slave power supply devices 12, a terminal for newly reporting an abnormality or Even if no wiring is provided, all other power supply devices can detect an abnormality occurring in one power supply device in the system, and a low-cost and highly safe power supply system can be constructed.

  Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the third invention, when an abnormality that makes the control by the CPU unit 22 impossible due to loss or failure of the control power source for the digital processor 16 that is the control circuit unit of the power supply device occurs. However, since the abnormality detection reporting unit 26 can be operated, a safer power supply system can be created.

[Modification of the present invention]
The voltage level of the UART module 24 provided in the master power supply device 10 and the slave power supply device 12 is not limited to the voltage level of the above embodiment, and can be used with a reverse polarity.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the TX terminal is set to the H level when communication is not performed, but this may be set to the L level. At this time, the polarity of the element connected to the TX terminal may be reversed. For example, in the second and third embodiments, this can be realized by inverting the connection polarities of the LEDs 54 and 58 of the first and second photocouplers 50 and 52.

  Further, at the RX terminal of the UART module 24, the connection of the phototransistors 56 and 60 provided in the first and second photocouplers 50 and 52 may be changed.

  Moreover, although said embodiment uses the UART module 24 as a serial communication part, it is not limited to this, You may use an appropriate serial communication module.

  Further, the present invention includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the object and advantages thereof, and is not limited by the numerical values shown in the above embodiments.

10: Master power supply device 12: Slave power supply device 14: Power conversion unit 16: Digital processor 18: Input power supply 20: Load 22: CPU unit 24: UART module 26: Anomaly detection reporting unit 28: Control unit 30: Anomaly response processing unit 32: switch elements 34, 62: communication line 35: current detector 36: PNP transistors 38, 66, 72: resistor 40: transmission conversion unit 42: transmission amplifier 44: reception amplifier 46: reception conversion unit 48: insulation circuit unit 50 : First photocoupler 52: second photocoupler 54, 58: LED
56, 60: Phototransistor 64: Communication ground line 70: NPN transistor

Claims (7)

Power conversion unit, control unit and serial communication unit,
In the power converter, an input power source is connected to a positive and negative power input terminal, and a positive and negative power output terminal is connected to a load via a positive and negative power output line,
In the serial communication unit, the transmission terminal and the reception terminal are connected to the communication terminal, so that the communication terminal can be connected to the communication terminal of another power supply device via a communication line.
When the master mode is set, the control unit sets an output voltage target value to the power conversion unit so that an output voltage becomes the output voltage target value, and the serial communication unit performs the communication. The serial communication transmitted by itself simultaneously with serial communication data signals including either or both of the output voltage target value setting information and the output current target value setting information based on the output current detection value via a line When the data signal is received by the serial communication unit and the slave mode is set, the setting information of the output voltage target value and the output current detection value obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit Output voltage and output current of the power converter based on the output voltage of another power supply device set to the master mode and In the power supply device for adjustment to match the force current,
When detecting an abnormality of itself by the control unit, an abnormality detection reporting unit that reports the occurrence of abnormality by fixing the signal state of the communication terminal to a predetermined level;
The serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit is monitored, and when it is detected that the serial communication data signal has stopped receiving for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that there is an abnormality in itself or an external power supply device. An error handling processing unit that executes the error handling process;
A power supply device comprising:
In the power supply device according to claim 1,
The abnormality detection reporting unit includes a switch element connected between the communication terminal and a ground potential of its own power source,
The control unit turns on the switch element when it detects its own abnormality and fixes the communication line to the ground potential of its own power supply via the communication terminal to stop transmission of the serial communication data signal A power supply device characterized by that.
In the power supply device according to claim 1,
The abnormality detection reporting unit
A first switch element connected between the communication terminal and the ground;
A second switch element that controls on / off of the first switch element;
With
When the controller detects its own abnormality, the first switch element can be turned on by turning off the second switch element, and when the control section of the controller becomes uncontrollable, When the switch element cannot be turned on, the first switch element can be turned on, and the communication line is fixed to the ground potential of the own power supply via the communication terminal to stop transmission of the serial communication data signal. A power supply device characterized by that.
Power conversion unit, control unit and serial communication unit,
The power conversion unit has an input power source connected to positive and negative power input terminals and a load connected to positive and negative power output terminals,
The transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit are connected to the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal via an insulation circuit unit, so that the communication terminal is connected to a predetermined potential of another power source via a communication line. The communication ground terminal can be connected to the communication terminal of another power supply device and the communication ground terminal is connected to the communication ground terminal of the other power supply device via a communication ground line pulled down to the ground potential of the other power supply device. Can be connected to
When the master mode is set, the control unit sets an output voltage target value to the power conversion unit so that an output voltage becomes the output voltage target value, and the serial communication unit performs the communication. The serial communication data signal including one or both of the output voltage target value setting information and the output current target value setting information based on the output current detection value is sequentially transmitted via the communication ground line and the communication ground line at the same time. When the serial communication unit receives the transmitted serial communication data signal and the slave mode is set, the output voltage target value and output current detection obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit Other output voltage and output current of the power converter based on the value setting information is set to the master mode In the power supply device for adjustment to match the output voltage and output current of the source device,
An abnormality detection reporting unit that reports the occurrence of an abnormality by fixing the signal state of the communication line to a predetermined level via the transmission terminal, the insulating circuit unit, and the communication terminal when the control unit detects its own abnormality. When,
The serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit is monitored, and when the reception stop of the serial communication data signal for a predetermined time or more is detected, it is determined that the other power supply device is abnormal and the predetermined abnormality is dealt with An abnormality handling processing unit for executing processing;
A power supply device comprising:
The power supply device according to claim 4, wherein
The insulating circuit connected to the transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit,
A first photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between a predetermined potential of its own power supply and a transmission terminal of the serial communication unit, and a light receiving switch element is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal;
A second photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal, and a light receiving switch element is connected between a predetermined potential of the power supply of itself and a receiving terminal of the serial communication unit;
With
The abnormality detection reporting unit includes a switch element connected between the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit and its own ground,
When the control unit detects an abnormality of itself, the control unit turns on the switch element and turns on the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler, thereby fixing the signal state of the communication line to a predetermined level. A power supply characterized by reporting occurrence.
Power conversion unit, control unit and serial communication unit,
The power conversion unit has an input power source connected to positive and negative power input terminals and a load connected to positive and negative power output terminals,
The transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit are connected to the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal via an insulation circuit unit, so that the communication terminal is connected to a predetermined potential of another power source via a communication line. The communication ground terminal can be connected to the communication terminal of another power supply device and the communication ground terminal is connected to the communication ground terminal of the other power supply device via a communication ground line pulled down to the ground potential of the other power supply device. Can be connected to
When the master mode is set, the control unit sets an output voltage target value to the power conversion unit so that an output voltage becomes the output voltage target value, and the serial communication unit performs the communication. The serial communication data signal including one or both of the output voltage target value setting information and the output current target value setting information based on the output current detection value is sequentially transmitted via the communication ground line and the communication ground line at the same time. When the serial communication unit receives the transmitted serial communication data signal and the slave mode is set, the output voltage target value and output current detection obtained from the serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit Other output voltage and output current of the power converter based on the value setting information is set to the master mode In the power supply device for adjustment to match the output voltage and output current of the source device,
When the control unit detects its own abnormality, the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit is invalidated or fixed to a predetermined level, whereby the communication is performed via the transmission terminal, the insulating circuit unit, and the communication terminal. An abnormality detection reporting unit that reports the occurrence of an abnormality by fixing the signal state of the line to a predetermined level;
The serial communication data signal received by the serial communication unit is monitored, and when the reception stop of the serial communication data signal for a predetermined time or more is detected, it is determined that the other power supply device is abnormal and the predetermined abnormality is dealt with An abnormality handling processing unit for executing processing;
A power supply system characterized by that.
In the power supply device according to claim 6,
The insulating circuit connected to the transmission terminal and the reception terminal of the serial communication unit,
A first photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between a predetermined potential of its own control power supply and a transmission terminal of the serial communication unit, and a light receiving switch element is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal;
A second photocoupler in which a light emitting element is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal, and a light receiving switch element is connected between a predetermined potential of the power supply of itself and a receiving terminal of the serial communication unit;
With
The abnormality detection reporting unit is connected between the communication terminal and the communication ground terminal, and is turned off when the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler is turned on, and the light receiving switch of the first photocoupler. A switch element that is turned on when the element is turned off;
The control unit fixes the transmission terminal of the serial communication unit to a high impedance or a predetermined potential of its own control power supply when detecting its own abnormality, and the light receiving switch element of the first photocoupler And turning off the switch element to fix the communication line to a predetermined signal level to stop transmission of the serial communication data signal.

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