Title of Invention	"CURRENT MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF DIAGNOSING FAULTS IN SAME"
Abstract	A current measurement circuit includes first and second input nodes (1a, 1b) which receive the respective voltages at either side of a resistive element (1) through which electrical current can flow, a differential amplifier means (6) which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals, a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier (6) in response to a control signal, a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater than that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which is adapted to identify faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from the amplifier at the first instant when the offset voltage is applied and at the second instant without the offset voltage.

Title of Invention

"CURRENT MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF DIAGNOSING FAULTS IN SAME"

Abstract

A current measurement circuit includes first and second input nodes (1a, 1b) which receive the respective voltages at either side of a resistive element (1) through which electrical current can flow, a differential amplifier means (6) which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals, a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier (6) in response to a control signal, a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater than that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which is adapted to identify faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from the amplifier at the first instant when the offset voltage is applied and at the second instant without the offset voltage.

Full Text	CURRENT MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF DIAGNOSING FAULTS IN SAME. This invention relates to improvements in current measurement circuits and to methods of testing the integrity of such circuits. It is well known that the current flowing along a path in an electrical circuit can be measured by measuring the potential drop across a resistor connected in series within the path. Through the application of Ohm's Law the current is given as I= (V1-V0)/R where V1 and V0 are the input and output voltages to the resistor in Volts and R is the resistance in Ohms. The measurement of potential drop is typically made by connecting the input and output side of the resistor to the positive and negative input terminals of a differential amplifier and then to a microprocessor which converts the output of the differential amplifier into a current value if required. It is also common to provide some filtering between the voltage take offs from the resistor and the inputs to the amplifier, both to remove any high frequency noise and to aid high frequency common mode rejection of the amplifier. In its simplest form this may comprise a first order low pass filter comprising a single resistor and capacitor. Even with such a low number of components failures can occur which will cause erroneous current measurements to be made. Therefore, according to a first aspect the invention provides a current measurement circuit, which includes: first and second input nodes which receive the respective voltages at either side of a resistive element through which electrical current can flow,a differential amplifier means, which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals, electrical path forming means providing a connection between each of the input nodes and a respective input terminal of the differential amplifier; a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier in response to a control signal; a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater than that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which is adapted to identify faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from the amplifier at the first instant when the offset voltage is applied and at the second instant without the offset voltage. The diagnostic means may produce an error signal indicating a fault in the event that the difference between the output of the amplifier at the first instant and the output at the second instant is less than a predetermined threshold level. This level may be chosen according to the values of any components in the electrical path, the expected voltage drop across the resistor etc. The electrical path forming means may comprise a low pass filter. A separate low pass filter may be provided in each of the paths between the input side of the resistor and the amplifier and the output side of the resistor and the amplifier. It may comprise a first order filter, e.g. a single resistor and a capacitor. The voltage source may be adapted to apply an offset voltage to just one input terminal of the amplifier, e.g. its positive or negative input, or perhaps to both input terminals. Applying an offset to only one enables the integrity of that input to be tested but not the other. Applying to both allows the integrity between the paths (a so called common mode) to be tested. The controllable voltage source may be controlled by a single control signal, but preferably two signals are used allowing an offset voltage to be applied to the positive or negative terminals independently. This can be achieved using a voltage source that is connected to each input terminal of the amplifier through a separate switch, each switch being controlled by its own control signal. A resistor may be provided between each switch and a respective input to the amplifier to limit the current drawn from the voltage source. The diagnostic means may be embodied within a microprocessor which may also embody the control signal generator. A program running on the processor may cause the control signals to be generated and the output signals obtained from the amplifier to be diagnosed by the processor. The program (or an equivalent) may cause the diagnostic means and the control means to perform the following functions: Positive input test -During this test the control signal generator produces signals which cause an offset voltage to be applied to the positive terminal at the second instant but not to the negative terminal. No offset is applied at the first instant. Negative input test -During this test the control signal generator produces signals which cause an offset voltage to be applied to the negative terminal at the second instant but not to the positive terminal. No offset is applied at the first instant. Common input test -During this test the control signal generator produces signals which cause an offset voltage to be applied to both the negative terminal and the positive terminal at the second instant but not to the positive terminal. No offset is applied at the first instant The first instant may precede the second instant, or may be later. In either case they should preferably be close together to minimise any possible changes in current through the resistor that may occur. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined limit may be defined so as to allow for any expected change in current from the first instant to the second instant. Additionally, it should be understood that the invention may be worked with an offset being applied to the input terminals at all times, as long as a different offset is applied to one or both terminals at the second instant. It is just simpler to provide a voltage source which is either connected or held open circuit as described above. According to a second aspect the invention provides a method of diagnosing faults present in a current sensing apparatus of the kind in which a differential amplifier produces an output indicative of the potential drop across a current sense resistor, the method comprising: at a first instant measuring the output of the amplifier; applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier at a second instant; measuring the output of the amplifier at the second instant; and comparing the output of the amplifier at the second instant to that at the first instant. The method may further comprise the steps of; applying an offset voltage to at least one other input of the differential amplifier at a third instant; measuring the output of the amplifier at the third instant; and comparing the output of the amplifier at the third instant to that at the first instant. By comparing the output of the amplifier both with an offset voltage applied to its input and without (and optionally doing so for two inputs) the integrity of the input path from the sense resistor to the amplifier input can be tested. Alternatively or additionally the method may comprise the steps of: at a fourth instance measuring the output of the amplifier whilst an offset voltage is applied to both the positive and negative input terminals of the amplifier; measuring the output of the amplifier at the fourth instant; and comparing the output of the amplifier at the fourth instant to that at the first instant. The comparison may comprise determining the difference between the outputs of the amplifier at the first instant and the second (or third) instant, and in the event that the difference is less than a predetermined limit indicating a fault. It may also comprise determining the difference between the outputs of the amplifier at the first input and the fourth instant, and in the event that the difference is greater than a predetermined limit indicating a fault. The method may be repeated at various times, for example at regular intervals, or whenever a predefined event occurs, such as turn on of the circuit containing the current sense resistor. The method may comprise alternately connecting an input of the amplifier to a voltage source when the offset voltage is to be applied and a high impedance source (e.g. open circuit) when it is not required, or to two different voltage levels. There will now be described by way of example only one embodiment of the present invention with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a prior art current sensing circuit; and Figure 2 is an illustration of a current sense circuit in accordance with the present invention. The system shown in Figure 2 is arranged to measure the current across a resistor 1 Rte,i which is provided in an electrical path 2 along which the level of current is to be measured. Typically the resistor 1 is provided in the path purely for this purpose, in series with an active system 3, and will be of a high tolerance and of known resistance. It is preferred that the resistance is small so that it has little impact on the overall voltage available for the active circuit, for example of the order of ImOhm or less. Two voltage inputs, V1 and V0 are taken from input nodes la, 1b on each side of the resistor 1. Each of the voltages V1 , V0 is fed to a respective input 4, 5 of a differential amplifier 6 along an electrical path in the form of a low pass filter. For clarity the amplifier 6 is shown as a functional block, since may arrangements of amplifier can be employed within the scope of the invention. More specifically, a first one of the electrical paths comprise a series connected resistor Rl between the voltage input Vi and the positive terminal of the amplifier, and a capacitor Cl which connects the positive terminal of the amplifier input to ground. The other one of the electrical paths comprise an identical series connected resistor R2 between the voltage input Vi and the negative terminal of the amplifier, and a capacitor C2 which connects the negative terminal of the amplifier input to ground. Such an arrangement in itself is well known in the art. Of course, more complex paths may be provided including other additional components, and the invention is not to be limited to the embodiment of Figure 2. In addition, a controllable voltage source VDD is connected through a resistance R4 to a point in the path between the resistor Rl and the positive terminal of the amplifier. This is also repeated with a connection through a further resistance R3 to a point between the resistor R2 and the negative terminal of the amplifier. The voltage source VDD can be switched from a zero voltage high resistance condition to a predetermined voltage level in response to a control signal. As shown in the Figure two switches are used, with each switch being driven by a respective control signal to permit the voltage to applied to one or both or none of the amplifier terminals as required. The output of the amplifier is fed to an analogue to digital converter 7 and to a microprocessor and it is this that processes the output to determine the current through the resistor Rlost. The microprocessor also performs various diagnostic tests by comparing the output from the amplifier with outputs taken at different times. The following tests can be applied: 1- Positive terminal integrity test The control signal applied to the switches causes no offset voltage to be applied to the positive input at a first instant and an offset to be applied at a second instant. At neither of these times is an offset applied to the negative terminal, and measurements of the output from the amplifier are taken at both the first and second instants. The difference between the measurements at the first and second instants is determined, and if it is less than a predetermined limit the integrity of the positive input is considered to be compromised, e.g. a failure. An error flag can then be raised in the processor to indicate that the measurements are unreliable. 2- Negative terminal integrity test. This is the same as for the positive terminal integrity test except for the negative terminal. The control signal applied to the switches causes no offset voltage to be applied to the negative input at a first instant and an offset to be applied at a second instant. At neither of these times is an offset applied to the positive terminal, and measurements of the output from the amplifier are taken at both the first and second instants. The difference between the measurements at the first and second instants is determined, and if it is less than a predetermined limit the integrity of the negative input is considered to be compromised, e.g. a failure. An error flag can then be raised in the processor to indicate that the measurements are unreliable. 3- Bridge common mode integrity test This test is similar to the positive and negative tests except that an offset voltage is present at both the positive and negative terminals at the second instant, with no offset at the first instant. A fault is indicated if the difference between the output of the amplifier at the first and the second instant is greater than a predetermined limit. CLAIMS 1. A current measurement circuit, which includes: first and second input nodes (la, 1b) which receive the respective voltages (Vi, Vo) at either side of a resistive element (1) through which electrical current can flow, a differential amplifier (6), which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals (4, 5), electrical path forming means providing a connection between each of the input nodes (la, Ib) and a respective input terminal (4, 5) of the differential amplifier (6); a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier (6) in response to a control signal; a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater the offset voltage that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which identifies faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from the amplifier at the first instant with the output at the second instant and further in which the diagnostic means produces an error signal indicating a fault in the event that the difference between the output of the amplifier at the first instant and the output at the second instant is less than a predetermined threshold level. 2. The circuit of claim 1 in which the electrical path forming means comprises a low pass filter. 3. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the voltage source is adapted to apply an offset voltage to just one input terminal of the amplifier, e.g. its positive or negative input, or perhaps to both input terminals, or to both. 4. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the controllable voltage source is controlled by a single control signal 5. The circuit of any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the controllable voltage source is controlled by at least two signals allowing an offset voltage to be applied to the positive or negative terminals independently. 6. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the diagnostic means is embodied within a microprocessor which also embodies the control signal generator, a program running on the microprocessor may cause the control signals to be generated and the output signals obtained from the amplifier to be diagnosed by the processor. 7. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the control means causes the. circuit to perform one or more of the following functions: (a) apply an offset voltage to the positive terminal at the second instant but not to the negative terminal, and to apply no offset voltage at the first instant; (b) apply an offset voltage to the negative terminal at the second instant but not to the positive terminal, and to apply no offset voltage at the first instant; (c) apply an offset voltage to both the positive terminal and the negative terminal at the second instant but apply no offset voltage at the first instant 8. A method of diagnosing faults present in a current sensing apparatus of the kind in which a differential amplifier (6) produces an output indicative of the potential drop across a current sense resistor (1), the method comprising: at a first instant measuring the output of the amplifier (6); applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier (6) at a second instant; measuring the output of the amplifier (6) at the second instant; and comparing the output of the amplifier (6) at the second instant to that at the first instant, applying an offset voltage to at least one other input (5, 4) of the differential amplifier (6) at a third instant; measuring the output of the amplifier (6) at the third instant; and comparing the output of the amplifier (6) at the third instant to that at the first instant, the method of claim 8 or 9 which further comprises the steps Of: at a fourth instance measuring the output of the amplifier (6) whilst an offset voltage is applied to both the positive and negative input terminals of the amplifier; measuring the output of the amplifier (6) at the fourth instant; and comparing the output of the amplifier (6) at the fourth instant to that at the first instant. 9. The method of claim 8 in which the comparison comprises determining the difference between the outputs of the amplifier (6) at the first instant and the second (or third) instant, and in the event that the difference is less than a predetermined limit indicating a fault. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9 which includes the steps of determining the difference between the outputs of the amplifier (6) at the first input and the fourth instant, and in the event that the difference is greater than a predetermined limit indicating a fault. 11. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10 which further comprises alternately connecting an input of the amplifier (6) to a voltage source when the offset voltage is to be applied and a high impedance source (e.g. open circuit) when it is not required, or to two different voltage levels.

Full Text

CURRENT MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF DIAGNOSING FAULTS IN SAME.
This invention relates to improvements in current measurement circuits and to methods of testing the integrity of such circuits.
It is well known that the current flowing along a path in an electrical circuit can be measured by measuring the potential drop across a resistor connected in series within the path. Through the application of Ohm's Law the current is given as I= (V1-V0)/R where V1 and V0 are the input and output voltages to the resistor in Volts and R is the resistance in Ohms.
The measurement of potential drop is typically made by connecting the input and output side of the resistor to the positive and negative input terminals of a differential amplifier and then to a microprocessor which converts the output of the differential amplifier into a current value if required. It is also common to provide some filtering between the voltage take offs from the resistor and the inputs to the amplifier, both to remove any high frequency noise and to aid high frequency common mode rejection of the amplifier. In its simplest form this may comprise a first order low pass filter comprising a single resistor and capacitor. Even with such a low number of components failures can occur which will cause erroneous current measurements to be made.
Therefore, according to a first aspect the invention provides a current
measurement circuit, which includes:
first and second input nodes which receive the respective voltages at
either side of a resistive element through which electrical current can
flow,a differential amplifier means, which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals, electrical path forming means providing a connection between each of the input nodes and a respective input terminal of the differential amplifier; a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier in response to a control signal;
a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater than that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which is adapted to identify faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from the amplifier at the first instant when the offset voltage is applied and at the second instant without the offset voltage.
The diagnostic means may produce an error signal indicating a fault in the event that the difference between the output of the amplifier at the first instant and the output at the second instant is less than a predetermined threshold level. This level may be chosen according to the values of any components in the electrical path, the expected voltage drop across the resistor etc.
The electrical path forming means may comprise a low pass filter. A separate low pass filter may be provided in each of the paths between the input side of the resistor and the amplifier and the output side of the resistor and the amplifier. It may comprise a first order filter, e.g. a single resistor and a capacitor.
The voltage source may be adapted to apply an offset voltage to just one input terminal of the amplifier, e.g. its positive or negative input, or
perhaps to both input terminals. Applying an offset to only one enables the integrity of that input to be tested but not the other. Applying to both allows the integrity between the paths (a so called common mode) to be tested.
The controllable voltage source may be controlled by a single control signal, but preferably two signals are used allowing an offset voltage to be applied to the positive or negative terminals independently. This can be achieved using a voltage source that is connected to each input terminal of the amplifier through a separate switch, each switch being controlled by its own control signal. A resistor may be provided between each switch and a respective input to the amplifier to limit the current drawn from the voltage source.
The diagnostic means may be embodied within a microprocessor which may also embody the control signal generator. A program running on the processor may cause the control signals to be generated and the output signals obtained from the amplifier to be diagnosed by the processor.
The program (or an equivalent) may cause the diagnostic means and the control means to perform the following functions:
Positive input test -During this test the control signal generator
produces signals which cause an offset voltage to be applied to the positive terminal at the second instant but not to the negative terminal. No offset is applied at the first instant.
Negative input test -During this test the control signal generator
produces signals which cause an offset voltage to be applied to the negative terminal at the second instant but not to the positive terminal. No offset is applied at the first instant.
Common input test -During this test the control signal generator
produces signals which cause an offset voltage to be applied to both the negative terminal and the positive terminal at the second instant but not to the positive terminal. No offset is applied at the first instant
The first instant may precede the second instant, or may be later. In either case they should preferably be close together to minimise any possible changes in current through the resistor that may occur. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined limit may be defined so as to allow for any expected change in current from the first instant to the second instant.
Additionally, it should be understood that the invention may be worked with an offset being applied to the input terminals at all times, as long as a different offset is applied to one or both terminals at the second instant. It is just simpler to provide a voltage source which is either connected or held open circuit as described above.
According to a second aspect the invention provides a method of
diagnosing faults present in a current sensing apparatus of the kind in
which a differential amplifier produces an output indicative of the
potential drop across a current sense resistor, the method comprising:
at a first instant measuring the output of the amplifier;
applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier
at a second instant;
measuring the output of the amplifier at the second instant; and
comparing the output of the amplifier at the second instant to that at the
first instant.
The method may further comprise the steps of;
applying an offset voltage to at least one other input of the differential amplifier at a third instant;
measuring the output of the amplifier at the third instant; and comparing the output of the amplifier at the third instant to that at the first instant.
By comparing the output of the amplifier both with an offset voltage applied to its input and without (and optionally doing so for two inputs) the integrity of the input path from the sense resistor to the amplifier input can be tested.
Alternatively or additionally the method may comprise the steps of:
at a fourth instance measuring the output of the amplifier whilst an offset
voltage is applied to both the positive and negative input terminals of the
amplifier;
measuring the output of the amplifier at the fourth instant;
and comparing the output of the amplifier at the fourth instant to that at
the first instant.
The comparison may comprise determining the difference between the outputs of the amplifier at the first instant and the second (or third) instant, and in the event that the difference is less than a predetermined limit indicating a fault. It may also comprise determining the difference between the outputs of the amplifier at the first input and the fourth instant, and in the event that the difference is greater than a predetermined limit indicating a fault.
The method may be repeated at various times, for example at regular intervals, or whenever a predefined event occurs, such as turn on of the circuit containing the current sense resistor.
The method may comprise alternately connecting an input of the amplifier to a voltage source when the offset voltage is to be applied and a high impedance source (e.g. open circuit) when it is not required, or to two different voltage levels.
There will now be described by way of example only one embodiment of the present invention with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1 is an illustration of a prior art current sensing circuit; and
Figure 2 is an illustration of a current sense circuit in accordance with the present invention.
The system shown in Figure 2 is arranged to measure the current across a resistor 1 Rte,i which is provided in an electrical path 2 along which the level of current is to be measured. Typically the resistor 1 is provided in the path purely for this purpose, in series with an active system 3, and will be of a high tolerance and of known resistance. It is preferred that the resistance is small so that it has little impact on the overall voltage available for the active circuit, for example of the order of ImOhm or less.
Two voltage inputs, V1 and V0 are taken from input nodes la, 1b on each side of the resistor 1. Each of the voltages V1 , V0 is fed to a respective input 4, 5 of a differential amplifier 6 along an electrical path in the form of a low pass filter. For clarity the amplifier 6 is shown as a functional block, since may arrangements of amplifier can be employed within the scope of the invention.
More specifically, a first one of the electrical paths comprise a series connected resistor Rl between the voltage input Vi and the positive terminal of the amplifier, and a capacitor Cl which connects the positive terminal of the amplifier input to ground. The other one of the electrical paths comprise an identical series connected resistor R2 between the voltage input Vi and the negative terminal of the amplifier, and a capacitor C2 which connects the negative terminal of the amplifier input to ground. Such an arrangement in itself is well known in the art. Of course, more complex paths may be provided including other additional components, and the invention is not to be limited to the embodiment of Figure 2.
In addition, a controllable voltage source VDD is connected through a resistance R4 to a point in the path between the resistor Rl and the positive terminal of the amplifier. This is also repeated with a connection through a further resistance R3 to a point between the resistor R2 and the negative terminal of the amplifier.
The voltage source VDD can be switched from a zero voltage high resistance condition to a predetermined voltage level in response to a control signal. As shown in the Figure two switches are used, with each switch being driven by a respective control signal to permit the voltage to applied to one or both or none of the amplifier terminals as required.
The output of the amplifier is fed to an analogue to digital converter 7 and to a microprocessor and it is this that processes the output to determine the current through the resistor Rlost. The microprocessor also performs various diagnostic tests by comparing the output from the amplifier with outputs taken at different times. The following tests can be applied:
1- Positive terminal integrity test
The control signal applied to the switches causes no offset voltage to be applied to the positive input at a first instant and an offset to be applied at a second instant. At neither of these times is an offset applied to the negative terminal, and measurements of the output from the amplifier are taken at both the first and second instants. The difference between the measurements at the first and second instants is determined, and if it is less than a predetermined limit the integrity of the positive input is considered to be compromised, e.g. a failure. An error flag can then be raised in the processor to indicate that the measurements are unreliable.
2- Negative terminal integrity test.
This is the same as for the positive terminal integrity test except for the negative terminal. The control signal applied to the switches causes no offset voltage to be applied to the negative input at a first instant and an offset to be applied at a second instant. At neither of these times is an offset applied to the positive terminal, and measurements of the output from the amplifier are taken at both the first and second instants. The difference between the measurements at the first and second instants is determined, and if it is less than a predetermined limit the integrity of the negative input is considered to be compromised, e.g. a failure. An error flag can then be raised in the processor to indicate that the measurements are unreliable.
3- Bridge common mode integrity test
This test is similar to the positive and negative tests except that an offset voltage is present at both the positive and negative terminals at the second instant, with no offset at the first instant. A fault is indicated if the
difference between the output of the amplifier at the first and the second instant is greater than a predetermined limit.

CLAIMS
1. A current measurement circuit, which includes:
first and second input nodes (la, 1b) which receive the respective
voltages (Vi, Vo) at either side of a resistive element (1) through which
electrical current can flow,
a differential amplifier (6), which produces an output signal indicative of
the difference in voltage between its input terminals (4, 5),
electrical path forming means providing a connection between each of the
input nodes (la, Ib) and a respective input terminal (4, 5) of the
differential amplifier (6);
a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to
at least one input of the differential amplifier (6) in response to a control
signal;
a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to
the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied
which is greater the offset voltage that applied at a second instance,
and a diagnostic means which identifies faults present in the electrical
path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier
by comparing the output from the amplifier at the first instant with the
output at the second instant and further in which the diagnostic means
produces an error signal indicating a fault in the event that the difference
between the output of the amplifier at the first instant and the output at
the second instant is less than a predetermined threshold level.
2. The circuit of claim 1 in which the electrical path forming means
comprises a low pass filter.
3. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the voltage source is
adapted to apply an offset voltage to just one input terminal of the
amplifier, e.g. its positive or negative input, or perhaps to both input terminals, or to both.
4. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the controllable
voltage source is controlled by a single control signal
5. The circuit of any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the controllable
voltage source is controlled by at least two signals allowing an offset
voltage to be applied to the positive or negative terminals independently.
6. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the diagnostic means is
embodied within a microprocessor which also embodies the control signal
generator, a program running on the microprocessor may cause the
control signals to be generated and the output signals obtained from the
amplifier to be diagnosed by the processor.
7. The circuit of any preceding claim in which the control means
causes the. circuit to perform one or more of the following functions:
(a) apply an offset voltage to the positive terminal at the second instant
but not to the negative terminal, and to apply no offset voltage at the first
instant;
(b) apply an offset voltage to the negative terminal at the second
instant but not to the positive terminal, and to apply no offset voltage at
the first instant;
(c) apply an offset voltage to both the positive terminal and the
negative terminal at the second instant but apply no offset voltage at the
first instant
8. A method of diagnosing faults present in a current sensing
apparatus of the kind in which a differential amplifier (6) produces an
output indicative of the potential drop across a current sense resistor (1),
the method comprising:
at a first instant measuring the output of the amplifier (6);
applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential
amplifier (6) at a second instant;
measuring the output of the amplifier (6) at the second instant; and
comparing the output of the amplifier (6) at the second instant to that at
the first instant, applying an offset voltage to at least one other
input (5, 4) of the differential amplifier (6) at a third instant;
measuring the output of the amplifier (6) at the third instant; and
comparing the output of the amplifier (6) at the third instant to that at the
first instant, the method of claim 8 or 9 which further comprises the steps
Of:
at a fourth instance measuring the output of the amplifier (6) whilst an
offset voltage is applied to both the positive and negative input terminals
of the amplifier;
measuring the output of the amplifier (6) at the fourth instant;
and comparing the output of the amplifier (6) at the fourth instant to that
at the first instant.
9. The method of claim 8 in which the comparison comprises
determining the difference between the outputs of the amplifier (6) at the
first instant and the second (or third) instant, and in the event that the
difference is less than a predetermined limit indicating a fault.
10. The method of claim 8 or 9 which includes the steps of determining
the difference between the outputs of the amplifier (6) at the first input
and the fourth instant, and in the event that the difference is greater than
a predetermined limit indicating a fault.
11. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10 which further comprises alternately connecting an input of the amplifier (6) to a voltage source when the offset voltage is to be applied and a high impedance source (e.g. open circuit) when it is not required, or to two different voltage levels.

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Patent Number

278049

Indian Patent Application Number

1989/DELNP/2008

PG Journal Number

52/2016

Publication Date

16-Dec-2016

Grant Date

09-Dec-2016

Date of Filing

07-Mar-2008

Name of Patentee

TRW LIMTED

Applicant Address

STRATFORD ROAD, SOLIHULL B90 4AX, U.K

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	CROZIER, STEPHEN, EDWIN	18 BALMORAL CLOSE, HALESOWEN, MIDLANDS B62 8TL, GREAT BRITAIN
2	WILLIAMS, ANDREW, JAMES, STEPHEN	10 WILMHURST ROAD, WARWICK CV34 5LN, GREAT BRITAIN

PCT International Classification Number

G01R 31/04

PCT International Application Number

PCT/GB2006/003231

PCT International Filing date

2006-09-01

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	0518193.8	2005-09-07	U.K.