Claims:

1. An electronic device comprising a human machine interface (HMI) 102 that is configured with a detachable interface for both power supply and signals, said HMI 102 capable of being detached from the electronic device it controls and being attached to a second electronic device, wherein said HMI 102 comprises a first communication module 104.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the HMI 102 draws power from control unit 108 of the electronic device it controls, wherein said control unit 108 is operatively coupled with the first communication module 104 through a second communication module 118.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the HMI 102 uses Modbus RTU communication protocol with RJ485 as physical communication layer.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the HMI 102 controls a plurality of equipments that are spread over a large distance using a master-slave configuration.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first communication module 104 of the HMI uses Transistor–transistor logic (TTL) circuit or differential transceiver circuit.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the HMI 102 comprises a microcontroller 204 operatively connected to a display 202 and EEPROM 206 using corresponding I2C buses, to the first communication module 104 using a UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) channel 120, and to LEDs 208 and a keypad 210 using General Purpose input output pins (GPIOs) .

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the microcontroller 204 receives 5 volts DC power from a low dropout regulator (LDO) 214 that in turn receives 7 volts DC using an RJ45 connector.
8. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the microcontroller 204 is a Renesas microcontroller.

9. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the RJ45 connector is further used for transmitting both control and communication signals back and forth from the HMI 102.

, Description:
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to power electronics and more particularly to human machine interfaces (HMIs) deployed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Various kinds of power electronics products such as inverters, switchgears are very widely deployed in for various industrial purposes. Some, such as inverters,also find residential use.
[0004] To operate and monitor such machines, various controls and indicating devices are needed. Current practice is to incorporate them into an interface termed as ‘human machine interface’ (interchangeably abbreviated as HMI hereinafter) that in turn includes various components such as a display (for instance, an LCD display), signaling LEDS and the like. The HMI can display various performance parameters as required. For instance, that ofan inverter can display battery status, incoming voltage, current and frequency parameters and likewise, outgoing voltage, current and frequency parameters. Fault indicators such as Overload Indication and Low Battery Indication can also be shown on the display of the HMI. For more sophisticated devices such as switchgear, the display can be used in displaying additional parameters. A keypad can be provided to select parameters to display, wherein the parameters can include, for instance, voltage/current/frequency status of each of phases, auxiliary power, tests passed, position of the connector (open, closed, earthed etc.). Control of the device can also be achieved by means of the keypad such as on/off/test where the display can indicate associated parameters.
[0005] However, presently HMIs are part of the devices themselves. They cannot be easily detached from the device they are configured for. Neither can they be attached to another similar device to perform similar functions there as well. They cannot be configured to control and operate multiple devices.
[0006] Further, present HMIs are configured with their own power supply modules, leading to high switching and noise related issues and consequent problems in Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) clearance.
[0007] Hence, there is a need in the art for an HMI that can be detached from device it is configured with yet can enable operation of the device, can be used for multiple devices, and has no switching and noise related issues.
[0008] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0009] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[00010] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00011] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00012] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[00013] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as listed herein below.
[00014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a human machine interface (HMI) that is easily detachable from the device it controls.
[00015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for an HMI that has no switching and noise related issues leading to ease in EMI/EMC clearance.
[00016] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide for an HMI that can control and operate multiple devices over a large distance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[00017] The present disclosure relates to human machine interfaces deployed in power electronics. More particularly, it pertains to an HMI that is easily detachable from the equipment it controls.
[00018] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon an electronic device including a human machine interface (HMI) that can be configured with a detachable interface for both power supply and signals, the HMI capable of being detached from the electronic device it controls and being attached to a second electronic device, wherein the HMI can include a first communication module.
[00019] In another aspect, the HMI can draw power from control unit of the electronic device it controls, wherein the control unit can be operatively coupled with the first communication module through a second communication module.
[00020] In yet another aspect, the HMI can use Modbus RTU communication protocol with RJ485 as physical communication layer.
[00021] In an aspect, the HMI can control a plurality of equipments that are spread over a large distance using a master-slave configuration.
[00022] In another aspect, the first communication module of the HMI can use Transistor–transistor logic (TTL) circuit or differential transceiver circuit.
[00023] In yet another aspect, the HMI can include a microcontroller operatively connected to a display and an EEPROM using corresponding I2C buses, to the first communication module using a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) channel, and to LEDs and a keypad using General Purpose input output pins (GPIOs) .
[00024] In an aspect, the microcontroller can receive 5 volts DC power from a low dropout regulator (LDO) that in turn can receive 7 volts DC using an RJ45 connector.
[00025] In another aspect, the RJ45 connector can be further used for transmitting both control and communication signals back and forth from the HMI.
[00026] In yet another aspect, the microcontroller can be a Renesas microcontroller.
[00027] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00029] FIG. 1 shows overall architecture of HMI proposed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00030] FIG.2 shows various components of the proposed HMI, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00031] FIG. 3 elaborates upon software for the proposed HMI, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00033] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00034] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00035] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00036] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00037] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[00038] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00039] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00040] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00041] The present disclosure relates to human machine interfaces (HMIs) deployed in power electronics. More particularly, it pertains to an HMI that is easily detachable from the equipment it controls.
[00042] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon an electronic device including a human machine interface (HMI) that can be configured with a detachable interface for both power supply and signals, the HMI capable of being detached from the electronic device it controls and being attached to a second electronic device, wherein the HMI can include a first communication module.
[00043] In another aspect, the HMI can draw power from control unit of the electronic device it controls, wherein the control unit can be operatively coupled with the first communication module through a second communication module.
[00044] In yet another aspect, the HMI can use Modbus RTU communication protocol with RJ485 as physical communication layer.
[00045] In an aspect, the HMI can control a plurality of equipments that are spread over a large distance using a master-slave configuration.
[00046] In another aspect, the first communication module of the HMI can use Transistor–transistor (TTL) logic circuit or differential transceiver circuit.
[00047] In yet another aspect, the HMI can include a microcontroller operatively connected to a display and an EEPROM using corresponding I2C buses, to the first communication module using a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) channel, and to LEDs and a keypad using General Purpose input output pins (GPIOs).
[00048] In an aspect, the microcontroller can receive 5 volts DC power from a low dropout regulator (LDO) that in turn can receive 7 volts DC using an RJ45 connector.
[00049] In another aspect, the RJ45connector can be further used for transmitting both control and communication signals back and forth from the HMI.
[00050] In yet another aspect, the microcontroller can be a Renesas microcontroller.
[00051] In an aspect, the proposed disclosure relates to human machine interface (HMI) that can be used in almost all embedded system products as well as those related to power electronics such as inverters, drives, converters, relays, switchgears and the like. All such products need a HMI that also includes a display. Using an appropriate HMI, a user can easily monitor and/or configure operation of product/system it is configured in/for.
[00052] FIG. 1 shows overall architecture of HMI proposed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00053] In an aspect, the proposed disclosure can be configured to use Modbus RTU communication protocol and therefore, can control any product that uses the same communication protocol. Modbus RTU is the most common implementation of Modbus that is a serial communications protocol originally published by Modicon in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and is commonly used for connecting industrial electronic devices. Modbus RTU enables communication among many devices connected to the same network, for example, a system that measures temperature and humidity and communicates the results to a computer. The protocol uses a hardware based on RS 232 or RS 485 as its physical layer and can pass data between one master (or client) and many slave (or server) and is particularly useful when data transmission to or from devices from different vendors is intended.
[00054] As illustrated in FIG. 1, HMI 102 proposed herein can include a first communication module 104 (that can have RS 485 physical layer to enable use of Modbus RTU protocol) and other HMI modules shown as 106 (and elaborated further in FIG.2). A UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) hardware can be configured in an appropriate HMI module to enable a UART channel 120 and thereby receive from /transmit signals to communication module 104. HMI 102 proposed can interface with equipments it controls using second communication module 118 configured therein. In an exemplary embodiment, module 118 can in turn communicate with corresponding control unit 108 (that can control corresponding equipment using HMI 102) using serial communication interface 122.
[00055] As known, UART(Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)is a hardware-integrated circuit that can be standalone or inbuilt as a part of microcontrollers (for instance, it can be inbuilt in the Renesas microcontroller as elaborated in FIG. 2).Conversion of the UART's output to physical signal on transmitter side and vice versa, can be done by a separate circuit depending on the communication standard used. Module 104 uses RS 485 at the physical layer and so can make use of Modbus RTU protocol.
[00056] Proposed HMI can get its power from that of the control unit 108 it controls. As illustrated, HMI 102 proposed can take power from a control unit 108 (for instance, control circuitry of an inverter that the proposed invention is controlling) through an appropriate second communication module 118 (that can, in an alternate embodiment, be a part of control unit 108 itself). Signal Vcc (114) can carry positive supply voltage, while signal GND (116) can carry ground voltage. Control and communication between HMI 102 and external control unit 108 can happen via Transmission signals Tx (110) and Reception signals Rx(112) as illustrated.
[00057] In this manner, HMI 102 proposed does not need its own power supply module and can instead draw power from equipment/units it is controlling. This completely eliminates switching and noise related issues that accompany power supply modules. As can be readily appreciated, this can help in Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) clearance.
[00058] In an aspect, architecture as elaborated herein can use Transistor–transistor (TTL) logic circuits or transceiver ICs as elaborated hereunder for communication module 104.
[00059] Transistor–transistor logic (TTL) is a class of digital circuits built from bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and resistors. It is called transistor–transistor logic because transistors perform both the logic function (e.g., AND) and the amplifying function (compare with resistor–transistor logic (RTL) and diode–transistor logic (DTL). As known, TTL logic can enable very low-cost solutions.
[00060] First Communication module 104 can use differential transceiver ICs such as Texas Instruments IC SN65HVD12. Using differential signals enabled by an appropriate differential transceiver IC, twisting and RS 485 physical layer, first communication module 104 can enable communication over large distances upto about 1200 meters.
[00061] FIG.2 shows various components of the proposed HMI, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00062] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, proposed disclosure can have an LCD display 202, a microcontroller 204, an EEPROM 206, LEDs 208, a keypad 210, a communication module 104 (that can be a differential communication module) and an RJ45 connector for providing operative voltage (7V DC, for instance) operatively connected as illustrated.
[00063] As already elaborated, the proposed disclosure uses Modbus RTU protocol. For the purpose, communication module 104 can use RS 485 as the physical layer.RS485 is a standard that defines electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers for use in serial communications systems. Electrical signaling is balanced, and multipoint systems are supported. Digital communications networks implementing the standard can be used effectively over long distances and in electrically noisy environments. Multiple receivers may be connected to such a network in a linear, multi-drop configuration. These characteristics make such networks useful in industrial environments and similar applications. Differential signals and twisting allows RS485 to communicate over large distances upto about 1200 meters.
[00064] RJ45 connector 212 can be used for transmitting power from control unit 108 to the HMI 102. Further, RJ45 connector 212 can as well be used for transmitting both control and communication signals back and forth from the HMI 102 proposed.
[00065] As elaborated, first communication module 104 can use differential transceiver ICs such as Texas Instruments IC SN65HVD12 elaborated above. Using differential signals enabled by an appropriate differential transceiver IC, twisting and RS 485 physical layer, first communication module 104 can enable communication overlarge distances upto about 1200 meters. Control units can as well be configured with differential transceiver ICs. In this manner, an HMI can be configured as a master unit communicating with several control units configured as slave units, wherein such slave units can be spread over a large distance.
[00066] Microcontroller 204 can be a Renesas microcontroller that has a UART circuit built in. Module 104 can provide and receive various signals to and from microcontroller 204. As said, module 104 uses Modbus RTU protocol and RS 385 as the physical layer.
[00067] Microcontroller 204 can in turn be connected to LCD display 202 and EEPROM 206 using I2C bus. General Purpose input output pins (GPIOs) can be used to connect the microcontroller 204 to LEDs 208 and keypad 210.Keypad 210 can be used in conjunction with LCD display 202 and microcontroller 204 for configuring the HMI proposed using appropriate GUIs and software, as elaborated further.
[00068] In an exemplary embodiment, proposed HMI can receive 7 volts DC from an RJ45 connector 212. This voltage can be supplied to LDO regulator (low drop out regulator) 214 so as to reduce the voltage to 5 volts, and then the 5 volts DC can be supplied to Renesas microcontroller 204 for driving it and other components connected to it. LDO regulator 214 has no switching noise as no switching takes place therein.
[00069] As can be readily appreciated, using RJ45 connector, proposed HMI can be easily attached to any control unit using Modbus RTU protocol, and can likewise be easily detached. Master-slave capability of the proposed HMI can enable several devices, each with their individual control units, to be controlled by the proposed HMI.
[00070] FIG. 3 elaborates upon software for the proposed HMI, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00071] In an aspect, the proposed HMI can be configured with user-friendly features that can be accessed via a GUI for updation of various parameters of one/more control units it may be controlling. A parameter updation procedure can allow for even non-technical persons to easily add/modify/delete various parameters to be monitored. An Excel sheet with VBA macro module can be provided for the same. Parameters can include, for instance, Units, List, Protect, Resolution, Type and R/W.
[00072] A state of art GUI (graphical user interface) can be enabled on the proposed HMI using which the Excel file can be accessed. Various users can thereby easily configure system parameters and generate corresponding headers files. Headers files can be added to source code and source code configured accordingly. In this manner, display proposed can work as per requirement/configuration of the user.
[00073] In an exemplary embodiment, navigation and keypad of the proposed HMI can be configured as per user definitions. For instance, all parameters can be arranged in Modes and Groups using drill down menus. Different modes can first be displayed on the display using up/down and side keys of a keypad (as shown in FIG. 2). Thereafter, once the appropriate mode has been highlighted, the enter key can be used to display various groups pertaining to that mode. In a similar manner, a group can be selected and parameters pertaining to that group displayed on the proposed display. Thereafter, the parameter can be selected using the keypad and can further be configured as required.
[00074] In another aspect, display proposed can have an easy start setting mode wherein a user as yet unfamiliar with the system can select and start associated product with pre-configured parameters. The easy setting parameters can be changed as per system and user requirement. For instance, in case the detachable display is being used with an inverter, a user can just select the inverter into a product list that can be provided by the easy setting mode to him. Thereafter proposed system can automatically start the inverter with pre-configured parameters.
[00075] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.3, display 202 of the proposed HMI can have two default screens shown as 302 and 304 with a switching time between them of 10 seconds. Using a mode key, a user can enable a cycling display of various modes that the HMI is configured for on the display 202, as shown at 306. At any time,a user may display, in a similar manner,various groups of a mode by using the group key while the mode is being displayed on display 202. Using the enter key, the user can view/edit/list different parameters of the group, as shown at 310. Escape key can be used at any time by the user to move out of a particular menu being displayed.
[00076] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or in contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[00077] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[00078] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[00079] The present disclosure provides for a human machine interface (HMI) that is easily detachable from the device it controls.
[00080] The present disclosure provides for an HMI that has no switching and noise related issues leading to ease in EMI/EMC clearance.
[00081] The present disclosure provides for an HMI that can control and operate multiple devices over a large distance.