IP Library Granted Patent US 12,066,499
Granted Patent B2
US 12,066,499 · App. 17/953,726 · Granted Aug 20, 2024

Piezo sounder self-test using feedback pin

Inventor: Frank Trotto (Peyton, CO)
Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
G01R31/50G01R31/52G01R31/54G08B29/126H04R17/00G08B29/10
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,066,499
App. No.
17/953,726
Granted
Aug 20, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system and method for performing a self-testing a piezo sounder using a feedback pin while being driven by an ultra-sonic frequency. A method includes operating a sounder device in a test mode, the sounder device is operated in an inaudible frequency range during the test mode and detecting a feedback response voltage. The method includes comparing the feedback response voltage to a reference voltage and providing an indication of a failure mode based at least in part on the feedback response voltage.

Claims (29)

1. A system for self-testing a piezo sounder using a feedback pin while being driven by an ultra-sonic frequency, the system comprising:

a sounder comprising a first pin, a second pin, and a feedback pin;

a driver circuit coupled to the first pin and the second pin of the sounder;

a feedback monitoring circuit coupled to a feedback pin of the sounder, the feedback monitoring circuit including a DC filtering element to remove a DC component from the voltage detected at the feedback pin, and an operational amplifier,

a controller coupled to the driver circuit and the feedback monitoring circuit, wherein the controller is configured to:

operate the sounder device in a test mode, wherein the sounder device is operated in an inaudible frequency range during the test mode;

detect a feedback response voltage from the feedback monitoring circuit;

compare the feedback response voltage to a reference voltage using the operational amplifier; and

provide an indication of a failure mode based at least in part on the feedback response voltage.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to subsequently operate the sounder device in at least one of a test mode and a normal mode.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein when operated in the test mode, the controller provides a signal to the driver circuit to drive the sounder device at a frequency greater than 20 kHz.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein when operated in the normal mode, the controller provides a signal to the driver circuit to drive the sounder device at a frequency less than 20 kHz.

5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the driver circuit is an H-bridge circuit.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein an output of the feedback monitoring circuit indicates at least one of a failure or a non-failure of the sounder.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the output of the feedback monitoring circuit is used to provide a visual indication of a result of a test mode.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the feedback monitoring circuit comprises a window comparator circuit.

9. A method for self-testing a piezo sounder using a feedback pin while being driven by an ultra-sonic frequency, the method comprising:

operating a sounder device in a test mode, wherein the sounder device is operated in an inaudible frequency range during the test mode;

detecting a feedback response voltage;

removing a DC component from the feedback response voltage;

comparing the feedback response voltage to a reference voltage using an operational amplifier; and

providing an indication of a failure mode based at least in part on the feedback response voltage.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the sounder device is subsequently operable to be operated in at least one of the test mode and a normal mode.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein when operated in the test mode, operating the sounder device at a frequency greater than 20 KHz.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein when operated in the normal mode, operating the sounder device at a frequency less than 20 KHz.

13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the driver circuit is an H-bridge circuit.

14. The method of claim 9 , further comprising outputting an indication that is at least one of a failure or a non-failure of the sounder device is detected.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the indication is used to provide a visual indication of a result of a test mode.

16. The method of claim 9 , further comprising comparing the feedback response voltage to a window to determine the failure mode.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 10, 2025
From: CARRIER CORPORATION; CARRIER GLOBAL CORPORATION; CARRIER FIRE & SECURITY EMEA; CARRIER FIRE & SECURITY, LLC; CARRIER CANADA CORPORATION; CLIMATE, CONTROLS & SECURITY ARGENTINA S.A.; KIDDE IP HOLDINGS , INC.; KIDDE LTD.; KIDDE PRODUCTS LTD.; CARRIER TRANSICOLD AUSTRIA GMBH; CARRIER TRANSICOLD FRANCE SCS
To: KIDDE FIRE PROTECTION, LLC
Reel/Frame 072829/0574 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 28, 2022
From: TROTTO, FRANK
To: CARRIER CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 061236/0743 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 63249216 · Sep 28, 2021
Related Publication 20230100592A1 · Mar 30, 2023