Debugging C Code of Heating Machine - PWM & Actual Current

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around debugging a C code for a heating machine, specifically focusing on the control of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) cycles in relation to actual current. Participants explore the implications of changing from variable to constant PWM cycles and the relationship between current and PWM control.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the relationship between real-time current and PWM cycles, questioning whether constant PWM cycles can be implemented without requiring constant current.
  • Another participant challenges the initial understanding, suggesting that if the load and duty cycle remain unchanged, the current should not vary, indicating a potential misunderstanding of cause and effect.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that the original poster (OP) intends to change the PWM from a variable period to a fixed period while varying the duty cycle, which raises concerns about the scope of the task being more than mere debugging.
  • One participant speculates that the code may involve phase angle modulation control, which could explain the perceived variable period PWM if the AC signal is being sensed.
  • Another participant notes the absence of the term "duty cycle" in the OP's post, suggesting that the OP may not fully grasp the concept of PWM, which typically involves duty cycle discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus among participants. Some express confusion about the OP's understanding of PWM and its implications, while others offer differing interpretations of the intended changes to the code.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential misunderstandings regarding the relationship between PWM cycles and current, as well as the technical terminology involved in PWM discussions. The discussion remains open-ended with various interpretations of the OP's intentions.

rama1001
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Hi,
I am debugging a C code of a heating machine. I am so confused about real time current and programming control over all the parameters of the machine. The code was written by some one though, i understand it well until now.
Problem is that the previous code works according to the actual current and the PWM cycles are purely depending on the actual current. I want to change this varying PWM cycles to constant PWM cycles even though the current changes. I noticed that the PWM cycle generation was depend on the actual current that generated from the transformer and because of that reason these cycles are always changing their period time.

My doubt is that, if i make this to constant PWM cycles even though the actual current not same for all the working time. Is this to show only to customers or the current should also constant during this constant PWM cycles?
 
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I guess I don't understand your post at all. The way I read it makes me believe that you have the cause and effect reversed. If the load doesn't change and the duty cycle of the PWM doesn't change, then how can the current change?
 
My take on this is that rama1001 is planning to change it from a variable period to a fixed period--and within that period vary the duty cycle. Such a major redesign falls outside my usual definition of "debugging".

I suggest that rama1001 get his supervisor's approval to proceed on this course before investing time in it. Can we assume the program does not control the heating satisfactorily as it stands?
 
mention of heaters and transformers suggests some form of AC power is being controlled.

is it possible that the code senses the AC signal and implements phase angle modulation control? this may appear as variable period PWM to somebody who wasn't aware of this method.
 
My guess is that the OP understands less than we even think. Nowhere in the original post do I see the words "duty cycle". What exactly does this mean:
I want to change this varying PWM cycles to constant PWM cycles.
I have never had a discussion of PWM without mentioning the words duty cycle.
 

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