Claims:
1. A motor protection relay device comprising:
a display unit having a USB type interface connector to couple with one or more external device devices; and
a dual role controller adapted to automatically switch, upon coupling with the one or more external device devices, an operating mode of the display unit at least between a host mode and a peripheral mode.

2. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more external device devices comprise logic or software for on-site programming and/or on-site upgradation of a firmware associated with the display unit and/or motor protection relay device configuration to be performed upon triggering by an authenticated user.

3. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB type connector being comprised of at least a mini USB or micro USB type interface connector to couple with the external device devices provided with a USB interface.

4. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external device device is a USB-flash memory device.

5. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external device device is an electronic device that can be instructed to carry out an arbitrary set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically, preferably a computer.

6. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the USB type interface connector of the display unit is connected to an USB interface of a computer, the display unit is adapted to operate in the peripheral mode.

7. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the USB type interface connector of the display unit is connected to an USB interface of an external memory stick, the display unit is adapted to operate in the host mode, the host mode is an embedded host mode.

8. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dual role controller includes at least two pins, a first pin selected form the two pins is adapted to detect the external device devices pin status and a second pin selected form the two pins is adapted to control the supply voltage of the USB type interface connector.

9. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral mode is a default operating mode for the display unit.

10. The motor protection relay device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that the display unit of motor protection relay device is adapted to switch from the mode peripheral mode to an embedded host mode depending on the external device (PC or portable memory device) connected for on-site programming and/or on-site upgradation of a firmware associated with the display unit and/or motor protection relay device configuration.

, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of motor protection relay. In particular, it pertains to, but not by way of limitation, to a motor protection relay that is used for the supervision of electric motors.

BACKGROUND
[0002] 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] An electric motor can be protected by a protection against overload factors or excessive temperature which could damage it. This protection is usually provided by a motor protection relay configured with the appropriate setting values. The motor protection relay is used to detect an overload, short circuits and other faults and may be based on electromechanical or digital techniques. However, most of the motor protection relay must be set manually by the installer before commissioning, and cannot adapt to changing conditions. There are, however, motor protection relays based on an integrated logic capable of performing a self-learning some motor parameters to protect to ensure better monitoring and protection of electric motors.
[0004] Generally, the configuration of motor protection relay is done by the personal computers (PC) human machine interface (HMI) or through a display module. Despite the fact that protective relays are widely and satisfactorily used, nowadays the programming and/or upgradation of the software’s and/or modules inside the protective relays are carried out through a connection with a computer, wherein the data are transmitted through a field bus type communication network, or even through a man-machine interface.
[0005] However, according to the on-site requirement for change or updating the operations of the protection relays, there may be a need to upgrade the existing firmware of the modules residing in the protection relays. In this process, the PC as a host is needed for programming and firmware upgradation. Here, the PC acts as host device and display unit acts as a peripheral device. As PC is used for programming, it is difficult for on-site firmware upgradation where there is no individual access to each and every module by PC HMI. Also, the protection relay modules are mounted inside the industrial panel. In order to incorporate the changes for on-site relay units, it is not recommended to open the panel and reprogram the module.
[0006] There is therefore need in the art to provide an added feature/mechanism to program the module by external memory stick which is easily connected through display unit can enhance the product capability to incorporate desired changes.
[0007] 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.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.

SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate, but not by way of limitation, to a motor protection relay that is used for the supervision of an electric motors. In an embodiment, the motor protection relay consists of a main unit and a current transformer (CT) module. The main unit is responsible for taking corresponding action based on motor fault condition. A display module is used to display the motor status data and measured parameters. Also, motor configuration setting for tripping and alarm condition can be done from display module.
[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a motor protection relay device which includes a display unit having an USB type interface connector to couple with one or more portable memory devices, and a dual role controller adapted to automatically switch, upon coupling with the one or more portable memory devices, an operating mode of the display unit at least between a host mode and a peripheral mode. Using display unit with the feature of USB interface eases the operation of programming and upgradation of firmware to incorporate system level changes. Further, an external memory stick used for programming the display eliminates the need for a host PC. The external memory stick contains the updated/upgraded version of firmware which can be connected to display unit through the USB interface for upgrading the firmware in the motor protection relay device.
[0014] In an aspect, the one or more portable memory devices comprise logic or software for on-site programming and/or on-site upgradation of a firmware associated with the display unit and/or motor protection relay device configuration to be performed upon triggering by an authenticated user.
[0015] In an aspect, the USB type connector being comprised of at least one of USB or micro USB type connector type interface connector to couple with the portable memory devices provided with a USB interface. In another aspect, the portable memory device is a USB-flash memory device. In another aspect, the portable memory device is an electronic device that can be instructed to carry out an arbitrary set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically, preferably a computer.
[0016] In an aspect, when the USB interface of the display unit is connected to an USB interface of a computer, the display unit is adapted to operate in the peripheral mode. In another aspect, when USB interface of display unit r is connected to an USB interface of an external memory stick, the display unit is adapted to operate in the host mode, the host mode is an embedded host mode.
[0017] In an aspect, the dual role controller includes at least two pins, a first pin selected form the two pins is adapted to detect the portable memory devices pin status and a second pin selected form the two pins is adapted to control the supply voltage of the USB type interface connector.
[0018] In an aspect, by implementation of the present invention, the display unit of motor protection relay device is adapted to switch from the mode peripheral mode to an embedded host mode depending on an external device (computer or portable memory stick)connected for on-site programming and/or on-site upgradation of a firmware associated with the display unit and/or motor protection relay device configuration.
[0019] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a display unit of a motor protection relay device. The display devices includes a USB type interface connector to couple with one or more portable memory devices, and a dual role controller adapted to automatically switch, upon coupling with the one or more portable memory devices, an operating mode of the display unit at least between a host mode and a peripheral mode. In an aspect, the peripheral mode is a default operating mode for the display unit.
[0020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram illustrating a display module in a device mode when a PC HMI is connected through a micro USB interface to the unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram illustrating display module in host mode when an external memory stick is connected to the same USB interface of display unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary electrical circuit diagram for switching the display dual role controller from device/ peripheral mode to host mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for a firmware upgradation sequence, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure illustrated 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] Motor protection relays are used in industries to protect motors from fault and prevent process hazard. Configuration of relay is done by PC HMI or through display module. According to the on-site requirement for change in operation, there may be need to upgrade the existing firmware of the module. In this process, PC as a host is needed for programming and firmware upgradation. Here PC acts as host device and display unit acts as peripheral device. As PC is used for programming, it is difficult for on-site firmware upgradation where there is no individual access to each and every module by PC HMI. Also, the protection relay modules are mounted inside the industrial panel. In order to incorporate the changes for on-site relay units, it is not recommended to open the panel and reprogram the module.
[0029] Thus, in view of the above, an added feature to program the module by external memory stick which is easily connected through display unit can enhance the product capability to incorporate desired changes.
[0030] In view of the above, using display unit with the feature of USB interface can ease the operation of programming and upgradation of firmware to incorporate system level changes. Also, an external memory stick used for programming the display will eliminate the need for host PC. An external memory stick containing the newer version of firmware can be connected to display unit through the USB interface which can upgrade the software in the unit.
[0031] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure generally relates to, but not by way of limitation, to a motor protection relay that is used for the supervision of an electric motors. In an embodiment, the motor protection relay consists of a main unit and a current transformer (CT) module. The main unit is responsible for taking corresponding action based on motor fault condition. A display module is used to display the motor status data and measured parameters. Also, motor configuration setting for tripping and alarm condition can be done from display module.
[0032] The display module of the motor protection relay is used for monitoring measured parameter, configuration of relay unit settings and sending command for motor operation. Normally, the display unit is mounted on front end of an industry panel. In industry, the PC HMI can be used for the same as an alternate. It would be appreciated that the PC HMI may be in monitoring room/control room while display module is mounted on field site.
[0033] Generally, the upgradation of firmware of the protection relay is done by PC HMI by reprogramming the device. The present invention provides an easier way for firmware upgradation by programming through display module mounted on front panel via. USB interface using portable memory stick. It gives flexibility for upgradation by both a PC as well as memory stick by introducing USB interface having OTG like feature (i.e. switch between host and peripheral mode).
[0034] In an embodiment, display units of the protection relays are provide with a USB interface which enables both the host and the peripheral functions. Such USB interface allows the module to shift in two operating modes depending on the external device connected to it. In an exemplary embodiment, it adds on to be On-The-Go (OTG) like feature as in mobile phones.
[0035] It would be appreciated that , the OTG like seems to reflect the operation to be plug and play type but simple technique of switching between modes is used rather than complex protocols. It adds robustness to the module and simplifies the implementation.
[0036] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a motor protection relay device which includes a display unit having an USB type interface connector to couple with one or more portable memory devices, and a dual role controller adapted to automatically switch, upon coupling with the one or more portable memory devices, an operating mode of the display unit at least between a host mode and a peripheral mode. Using display unit with the feature of USB interface eases the operation of programming and upgradation of firmware to incorporate system level changes. Further, an external memory stick used for programming the display eliminates the need for a host PC. The external memory stick contains the updated/upgraded version of firmware which can be connected to display unit through the USB interface for upgrading the firmware in the motor protection relay device.
[0037] In an aspect, the one or more portable memory devices comprise logic or software for on-site programming and/or on-site upgradation of a firmware associated with the display unit and/or motor protection relay device configuration to be performed upon triggering by an authenticated user.
[0038] In an aspect, the USB type connector being comprised of at least one of USB or micro USB type connector type interface connector to couple with the portable memory devices provided with a USB interface. In another aspect, the portable memory device is a USB-flash memory device. In another aspect, the portable memory device is an electronic device that can be instructed to carry out an arbitrary set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically, preferably a computer.
[0039] In an aspect, when the USB interface of the display unit is connected to an USB interface of a computer, the display unit is adapted to operate in the peripheral mode. In another aspect, when USB interface of display unit r is connected to an USB interface of an external memory stick, the display unit is adapted to operate in the host mode, the host mode is an embedded host mode.
[0040] In an aspect, the dual role controller includes at least two pins, a first pin selected form the two pins is adapted to detect the portable memory devices pin status and a second pin selected form the two pins is adapted to control the supply voltage of the USB type interface connector.
[0041] In an aspect, by implementation of the present invention, the display unit of motor protection relay device is adapted to switch from the mode peripheral mode to an embedded host mode depending on an external device (computer or portable memory stick)connected for on-site programming and/or on-site upgradation of a firmware associated with the display unit and/or motor protection relay device configuration.
[0042] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a display unit of a motor protection relay device. The display devices includes a USB type interface connector to couple with one or more portable memory devices, and a dual role controller adapted to automatically switch, upon coupling with the one or more portable memory devices, an operating mode of the display unit at least between a host mode and a peripheral mode. In an aspect, the peripheral mode is a default operating mode for the display unit.
[0043] In an embodiment, a display unit is provided having a USB type interface connector to couple with one or more portable memory devices, and a dual role controller adapted to automatically switch, upon coupling with the one or more portable memory devices, an operating mode of the display unit at least between a host mode and a peripheral mode. In an aspect, the peripheral mode is a default operating mode for the display unit
[0044] In an exemplary implementation, a display unit when connected to PC HMI, the display unit acts in peripheral mode for firmware upgradation and system configuration. In another exemplary embodiment, when an external memory stick is connected to the display unit, display will switch to host mode.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the display acts in embedded host mode and peripheral mode depending on the external device connected on the USB interface. For shifting between host and peripheral mode, switching module is used which takes action depending on detection of device on USB interface.
[0046] In an embodiment, the display unit according to the present invention provides a dual role controller in the display unit to determine a role of the display when any external agent (portable memory devices) is connected on an USB interface (micro AB type receptacle) of the display unit. In an implementation, the dual role controller uses two purpose input/ output pins for determining a role of the display.
[0047] In an exemplary implementation, the input pin is used to detect the USB_ID pin status and output pin is used to control the Vbus supply voltage of USB interface. Generally, the display unit is in peripheral mode by default. Thus, Vbus line of USB connection is taken as input from the external host connected.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram 100 illustrating a display module 102 in a device mode when a PC HMI 106 is connected through a micro USB interface 104 to the display unit 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, Fig.1 is block diagram illustrating display module in device mode when a PC HMI is connected through micro AB USB interface to the unit.
[0049] According to the FIG. 1, when PC 104 is connected to the display unit 102, ID pin status is high and in this case and display unit is in peripheral mode. Thus PC 106 acts as host and system configuration is done through HMI.
[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram illustrating a display module 102 in host mode when an external memory stick 202 is connected to the same USB interface 104 of display unit 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, Fig. 2 is block diagram representing display module in host mode when an external memory stick is connected to the same USB interface of display unit.
[0051] According to the FIG. 2, when the external memory stick 202 is connected through cable on the micro USB interface 104, the ID pin is grounded. Thus, low on ID pin indicates that display is in host mode.
[0052] In an exemplary implementation, the dual role controller detects low on ID pin and enables the power supply control pin of switch. The external switch enables the regulated supply voltage on Vbus pin of USB interface 104 and thus ensures host mode of display.
[0053] In an embodiment, for providing low cost solution, an external switching IC can be used to enable and disable the bus supply for USB when switching between the device roles.
[0054] In another embodiment, the protection of display unit 102 from overcurrent fault can be ensured by current limiting power distribution switch which can be pre-programmed by hardware resistor network. If overcurrent fault is detected, a fault signal is given to microcontroller which takes corrective measure to disable the control signal for external power supply.
[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary electrical circuit diagram for switching the display dual role controller from device/ peripheral mode to host mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when display is in device mode, the power supply for USB 104 is taken from external host (in this case PC 106) for its operation. As ID pin is kept pulled up, high on ID pin indicates the microcontroller to maintain default state (peripheral mode) of display.
[0056] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when external memory module 202 is connected, the ID pin of USB terminal is grounded. The ID detect pin of microcontroller senses low on USB_ID and gives command to USB_VBUSEN pin which is input to precision current limiting power supply switching IC. The power supply switching IC enables 5V output on USB_VBUS pin. In this way controller switches to host mode. If due to fault, a current higher than the set limit is drawn from the source, switching IC detects it and a fault pin is triggered. This input (USB_OvrcurA pin) is given to microcontroller which cuts off the power supply by controlling USB_VBUSEN pin.
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for a firmware upgradation sequence, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, FIG. 4 shows overall flow of firmware upgradation sequence. Once an external memory stick 202 is detected and display switches to host mode, user can configure display to ‘update firmware’ sequence. In an exemplary implementation, an authentication password is required to avail this service for security purpose. If memory module connection is healthy, the newer version of code is copied from external memory to the host (display unit) in sector by sector format till entire code is copied.
[0058] In an embodiment, the portable memory stick 202 containing the new version of programming software can be plugged in the display unit 102. By above detection logic, display switches to host mode and external memory stick 202 acts in peripheral mode. On selection of ‘upgrade firmware’ operation by user at step 402, an administrative password is checked by the unit at step 404. On verification of the password at step 406, the display upgradation is enabled at step 408. The step 408 reserves the firmware upgradation and programming rights of protection relay for the authorized person. It also avoids operator from doing system level changes without authorization in process industry.
[0059] In an embodiment, host (display module) initiates the operation and reads the coding block of newer firmware from flash memory of the external device at step 410. This sector of memory is then copied into its own memory location at step 412. If code is successfully copied, host hunts for next sector of code at step 414. If next sector of code exists at step 416, then read and copy process will continue until all the sectors of memory are copied as shown in step 418. In this way, entire code is copied into the display unit and the older version of firmware is upgraded to latest one with pluggable external memory stick.
[0060] Although the preferred embodiments have been described, it should be pointed out that changes are possible and attainable without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0061] 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.
[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0063] The present disclosure provides a protective relay provided with a “USB” type connector that makes it possible to upgrade or program the modules inside the relay through a computer or a portable memory devices with a “USB” type interface.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a display module, as a part of a protection relay; used to configure the relay settings and monitoring the measured contains USB interface for connection between unit and PC HMI.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a display unit and/or a motor protection relay device having an integrated feature to switch between host and peripheral mode by auto-identification of external device connected to the USB terminal.
[0066] The present disclosure enables a display unit and/or a motor protection relay device to upgrade its firmware if an external memory stick containing newer version of software is connected to its USB interface.
[0067] The present disclosure enables a display unit and/or a motor protection relay device to copy the up gradated version of code by ensuring check on copying action in sector by sector format.