Transducer excitation circuit, ultrasonic metering device and ultrasonic gas meter

Abstract

The utility model discloses a transducer excitation circuit, an ultrasonic metering device and an ultrasonic gas meter. The transducer excitation circuit comprises a transceiving switching module and a bidirectional excitation module, the transmit-receive switching module is respectively connected with the first transducer and the second transducer, accesses a switching control signal, and is used for controlling one of the first transducer and the second transducer to be an excitation transducer and the other to be a receiving transducer according to the switching control signal; the bidirectional excitation module is connected with the transmit-receive switching module and accesses a clock signal. And the transmission module is used for transmitting the first power supply signal to the positive end of the excitation transducer and transmitting the second power supply signal to the negative end when the clock signal is at the first level, and transmitting the second power supply signal to the positive end of the excitation transducer and transmitting the first power supply signal to the negative end when the clock signal is at the second level. According to the embodiment of the utility model, two-way excitation can be utilized, compared with traditional one-way excitation, the amplitude can be doubled, a booster circuit is not needed, and related switching noise cannot be brought.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasonic metering technology, and in particular to a transducer excitation circuit, an ultrasonic metering device, and an ultrasonic gas meter. Background Technology

[0002] The power supply voltage of ultrasonic gas meters, and the pulse wave voltage of the ultrasonic transducer's transmitting circuit, are typically low. This results in a weak raw ultrasonic signal received at the transducer's receiving end, with a low signal-to-noise ratio. This is particularly problematic in specific applications, such as when ultrasonic signals attenuate more severely in methane or hydrogen gas compared to air, leading to even weaker received signals and complicating subsequent amplification and signal processing. To address these issues, the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal is usually increased by either raising the voltage of the excitation circuit or improving the transducer's sensitivity. However, the former requires a boost circuit, increasing cost and board space, and introducing switching noise interference. The latter requires adjusting transducer parameters to increase the output signal amplitude, but this alters many other transducer parameters, such as the resonant frequency and bandwidth, making the transducer's performance unstable and offering only a limited increase in amplitude. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a transducer excitation circuit, an ultrasonic metering device, and an ultrasonic gas meter. By utilizing bidirectional excitation, the amplitude can be doubled compared to traditional unidirectional excitation while ensuring the stability of the transducer. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a boost circuit and avoids associated switching noise.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a transducer excitation circuit is provided, comprising:

[0005] A transceiver switching module is connected to a first transducer and a second transducer respectively, and is connected to a switching control signal; the transceiver switching module is used to control one of the first transducer and the second transducer to be an excitation transducer and the other to be a receiving transducer according to the switching control signal.

[0006] A bidirectional excitation module is connected to the transceiver switching module and receives a clock signal, a first power signal, and a second power signal. The bidirectional excitation module is used to transmit the first power signal to the positive terminal of the excitation transducer and the second power signal to the negative terminal of the excitation transducer through the transceiver switching module when the clock signal is at a first level; and to transmit the second power signal to the positive terminal of the excitation transducer and the first power signal to the negative terminal of the excitation transducer through the transceiver switching module when the clock signal is at a second level. The first level and the second level are different, and the voltages of the first power signal and the second power signal are different.

[0007] Optionally, the bidirectional excitation module includes:

[0008] A first excitation unit has a control terminal connected to the clock signal, a first connection terminal connected to the first power signal, a second connection terminal connected to the second power signal, and a common terminal connected to the transceiver switching module. The first excitation unit is used to control the common terminal of the first excitation unit to connect to either the first or second connection terminal of the first excitation unit according to the clock signal.

[0009] The second excitation unit has a control terminal connected to the clock signal, a first connection terminal connected to the second power signal, a second connection terminal connected to the first power signal, and a common terminal connected to the transceiver switching module. The second excitation unit is used to control the common terminal of the second excitation unit to connect to either the first or second connection terminal of the second excitation unit according to the clock signal.

[0010] Optionally, the transmit / receive switching module includes:

[0011] A transceiver switching submodule is connected to the common terminal of the first excitation unit, the common terminal of the second excitation unit, the positive terminal of the first transducer, the negative terminal of the first transducer, the positive terminal of the second transducer, and the negative terminal of the second transducer, respectively, and is connected to a switching control signal. The transceiver switching submodule is configured to transmit the signal from the common terminal of the first excitation unit to the positive terminal of the first transducer and the signal from the common terminal of the second excitation unit to the negative terminal of the first transducer when the switching control signal is at the first level; and the transceiver switching submodule is configured to transmit the signal from the common terminal of the first excitation unit to the positive terminal of the second transducer and the signal from the common terminal of the second excitation unit to the negative terminal of the second transducer when the switching control signal is at the second level.

[0012] A voltage control unit is provided, wherein the control terminal of the voltage control unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the voltage control unit is grounded, the first connection terminal of the voltage control unit is connected to the negative terminal of the second transducer, and the second connection terminal of the voltage control unit is connected to the negative terminal of the first transducer; the voltage control unit is used to control the common terminal of the voltage control unit to connect to either the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the voltage control unit according to the switching control signal.

[0013] A signal transmission unit is provided, wherein the control terminal of the signal transmission unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the signal transmission unit is used to output the ultrasonic echo electrical signal output by the receiving transducer, the first connection terminal of the signal transmission unit is connected to the positive terminal of the second transducer, and the second connection terminal of the signal transmission unit is connected to the positive terminal of the first transducer; the signal transmission unit is used to control the common terminal of the signal transmission unit to connect with the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the signal transmission unit according to the switching control signal.

[0014] Optionally, the transmit / receive switching submodule includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit;

[0015] The control terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the common terminal of the first excitation unit, the first connection terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the positive terminal of the first transducer, and the second connection terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the positive terminal of the second transducer; the first switching unit is used to control the common terminal of the first switching unit to connect with the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the first switching unit according to the switching control signal.

[0016] The control terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the common terminal of the second excitation unit, the first connection terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the negative terminal of the first transducer, and the second connection terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the negative terminal of the second transducer; the second switching unit is used to control the common terminal of the second switching unit to connect with the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the second switching unit according to the switching control signal.

[0017] Optionally, the first excitation unit, the second excitation unit, the voltage control unit, the signal transmission unit, the first switching unit, and the second switching unit all include an analog switch chip.

[0018] Optionally, the voltage of the first level is greater than the voltage of the second level, and the voltage of the first power supply signal is greater than the voltage of the second power supply signal;

[0019] And / or,

[0020] One of the first power signal and the second power signal is a 3.3V DC voltage signal, and the other is a ground signal.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic measuring device is provided, comprising: a first transducer, a second transducer, and a transducer excitation circuit provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0022] Optionally, the ultrasonic metering device further includes an amplification circuit; the input terminal of the amplification circuit is connected to the transceiver switching module, the transceiver switching module is used to transmit the ultrasonic echo electrical signal output by the receiving transducer to the input terminal of the amplification circuit, and the amplification circuit is used to amplify the ultrasonic echo electrical signal to obtain an amplified echo signal and output it.

[0023] Optionally, the ultrasonic metering device further includes a control module, which is connected to the output terminals of the transceiver switching module, the bidirectional excitation module, and the amplification circuit, respectively; the control module is used to output the switching control signal and the clock signal, and to process the amplified echo signal.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic gas meter is provided, including the ultrasonic metering device provided in the above embodiments.

[0025] The transducer excitation circuit provided in this embodiment includes a transmit / receive switching module and a bidirectional excitation module. The transmit / receive switching module can flexibly control the transmit / receive relationship between the first and second transducers according to the switching control signal, thereby improving the flexibility of the ultrasonic metering device. The bidirectional excitation module enables bidirectional excitation; compared to unidirectional excitation by grounding the negative terminal of the excitation transducer and applying pulse excitation only to the positive terminal, bidirectional excitation doubles the excitation, thus doubling the ultrasonic signal received by the receiving transducer. That is, under the same noise interference conditions, by bidirectionally exciting the excitation transducer, without increasing the excitation voltage amplitude, the excitation time can be doubled, thereby doubling the excitation effect, and thus doubling the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving the quality of the ultrasonic signal received by the receiving transducer and reducing the error of the ultrasonic metering device. Therefore, this embodiment does not require a boost circuit, avoiding boost-related switching noise interference, and it does not require adjustment of the transducer's parameters, effectively ensuring the transducer's stability.

[0026] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a transducer excitation circuit according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another transducer excitation circuit provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another transducer excitation circuit provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another transducer excitation circuit provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of an ultrasonic metering device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and their variations, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0035] This utility model embodiment provides a transducer excitation circuit to achieve bidirectional excitation of the transducer. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a transducer excitation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 The transducer excitation circuit includes a transceiver switching module 10 and a bidirectional excitation module 20. The transceiver switching module 10 is connected to the first transducer HNQ1 and the second transducer HNQ2 respectively, and is connected to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. The transceiver switching module 10 is used to control one of the first transducer HNQ1 and the second transducer HNQ2 to be the excitation transducer and the other to be the receiving transducer according to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. The bidirectional excitation module 20 is connected to the transceiver switching module 10 and is connected to a clock signal CLK, a first power signal V1, and a second power signal V2. The bidirectional excitation module 20 is used to transmit the first power signal V1 to the positive terminal of the excitation transducer and the second power signal V2 to the negative terminal of the excitation transducer through the transceiver switching module 10 when the clock signal CLK is at the first level, and to transmit the second power signal V2 to the positive terminal of the excitation transducer and the first power signal V1 to the negative terminal of the excitation transducer through the transceiver switching module 10 when the clock signal CLK is at the second level. The first level and the second level are different, and the voltages of the first power signal V1 and the second power signal V2 are different.

[0036] The first transducer HNQ1 and the second transducer HNQ2 can send and receive ultrasonic signals to each other. The received ultrasonic signals are processed and transmitted to the signal processing unit in the ultrasonic metering device for analysis, thereby completing the measurement of the ultrasonic transmission medium between the first transducer HNQ1 and the second transducer HNQ2. The transmission medium can be, for example, natural gas; that is, the first transducer HNQ1 and the second transducer HNQ2 can be used to measure natural gas.

[0037] The transceiver switching module 10 is specifically used to control the transmit / receive relationship of the first transducer HNQ1 and the second transducer HNQ2 according to the level of the switching control signal HNQ_CS. For example, when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the first level, the transceiver switching module 10 controls the first transducer HNQ1 to be the excitation transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 to be the receiving transducer; when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the second level, the transceiver switching module 10 controls the first transducer HNQ1 to be the receiving transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 to be the excitation transducer. The bidirectional excitation module 20 provides an excitation signal to the excitation transducer through the transceiver switching module 10, and the receiving transducer outputs the ultrasonic electrical signal SG_OUT1 through the transceiver switching module 10.

[0038] The clock signal CLK is a pulse signal that alternates between a first level and a second level according to a certain pattern. In this embodiment, when the clock signal CLK is at the first level, the positive and negative terminals of the excitation transducer are respectively the first power supply signal V1 and the second power supply signal V2, and it can be excited; when the clock signal CLK is at the second level, the positive and negative terminals of the excitation transducer are respectively the second power supply signal V2 and the first power supply signal V1, and it can also be excited. That is to say, regardless of whether the clock signal CLK is at the first level or the second level, there is a voltage difference between the first power supply signal V1 and the second power supply signal V2 between the positive and negative terminals of the excitation transducer, and it can be effectively excited, thereby realizing bidirectional excitation.

[0039] For example, one of the first power signal V1 and the second power signal V2 is the power supply voltage of the device where the transducer excitation circuit is located (e.g., an ultrasonic metering device), and the other is a ground signal. The power supply voltage is, for example, 3.3V.

[0040] The transducer excitation circuit provided in this embodiment includes a transmit / receive switching module 10 and a bidirectional excitation module 20. The transmit / receive switching module 10 can flexibly control the transmit / receive relationship between the first transducer HNQ1 and the second transducer HNQ2 according to the switching control signal HNQ_CS, thereby improving the flexibility of the ultrasonic metering device. The bidirectional excitation module 20 enables bidirectional excitation; compared to unidirectional excitation by grounding the negative terminal of the excitation transducer and applying pulse excitation only to the positive terminal, bidirectional excitation doubles the excitation, thus doubling the ultrasonic signal received by the receiving transducer. That is, under the same noise interference conditions, by bidirectionally exciting the excitation transducer, without increasing the excitation voltage amplitude, the excitation time can be doubled, thereby doubling the excitation effect, and thus doubling the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving the quality of the ultrasonic signal received by the receiving transducer and reducing the error of the ultrasonic metering device. Therefore, this embodiment does not require a boost circuit, avoiding boost-related switching noise interference, and does not require adjustment of the transducer's parameters, effectively ensuring the stability of the transducer.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, one of the first level and the second level is a high level and the other is a low level; for example, the voltage of the first level can be set to be greater than the voltage of the second level. One of the first power signal V1 and the second power signal V2 is a high voltage and the other is a low voltage; for example, the voltage of the first power signal V1 can be set to be greater than the voltage of the second power signal V2. Specifically, one of the first power signal V1 and the second power signal V2 is a 3.3V DC voltage signal, and the other is a ground signal. The voltages of the above signals can be set according to actual needs and are not specifically limited here.

[0042] See Figure 1 Taking a first power supply signal V1 of 3.3V and a second power supply signal V2 as ground (e.g., 0V) as an example, the specific working process of this transducer excitation circuit can be as follows:

[0043] When the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the first level, the transceiver switching module 10 controls the first transducer HNQ1 to be the excitation transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 to be the receiving transducer. In this case, when the clock signal CLK is at the first level, the first power signal V1 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 through the transceiver switching module 10, and the second power signal V2 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 through the transceiver switching module 10. At this time, the voltage at the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is 3.3V, and the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is grounded, that is, the voltage at the negative terminal is 0V. When the clock signal CLK is at the second level, the second power signal V2 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 through the transceiver switching module 10, and the first power signal V1 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 through the transceiver switching module 10. At this time, the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is grounded, that is, the voltage of the positive terminal is 0V, and the voltage of the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is 3.3V.

[0044] When the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the second level, the transceiver switching module 10 controls the first transducer HNQ1 to be a receiving transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 to be an excitation transducer. In this scenario, when the clock signal CLK is at the first level, the first power signal V1 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 through the transceiver switching module 10, and the second power signal V2 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 through the transceiver switching module 10. At this time, the voltage at the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is 3.3V, and the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is grounded, i.e., the voltage at the negative terminal is 0V. When the clock signal CLK is at the second level, the second power signal V2 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 through the transceiver switching module 10, and the first power signal V1 input to the bidirectional excitation module 20 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 through the transceiver switching module 10. At this time, the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is grounded, i.e., the voltage at the positive terminal is 0V, and the voltage at the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is 3.3V.

[0045] In the transducer excitation circuit provided in this embodiment, bidirectional excitation can be achieved through the bidirectional excitation module 20. Compared to unidirectional excitation, which grounds the negative terminal of the excitation transducer and applies pulse excitation only to the positive terminal, bidirectional excitation can double the excitation, thereby doubling the ultrasonic signal received by the receiving transducer. That is, under the same noise interference conditions, by bidirectionally exciting the excitation transducer, the excitation time can be doubled without increasing the excitation voltage amplitude, thus doubling the excitation effect, thereby doubling the signal-to-noise ratio, improving the quality of the ultrasonic signal received by the receiving transducer, and reducing the error of the ultrasonic metering device.

[0046] The above embodiments exemplarily explain the basic principle of bidirectional excitation of the transducer excitation circuit. The specific structures that each functional module in the circuit may have are described below, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another transducer excitation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 2 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the bidirectional excitation module 20 includes: a first excitation unit 21 and a second excitation unit 22. The control terminal IN1 of the first excitation unit 21 is connected to the clock signal CLK, the first connection terminal NO1 of the first excitation unit 21 is connected to the first power signal V1, the second connection terminal NC1 of the first excitation unit 21 is connected to the second power signal V2, and the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 is connected to the transceiver switching module 10; the first excitation unit 21 is used to control the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 to connect with either the first connection terminal NO1 or the second connection terminal NC1 according to the clock signal CLK. The control terminal IN2 of the second excitation unit 22 is connected to the clock signal CLK, the first connection terminal NO2 of the second excitation unit 22 is connected to the second power signal V2, the second connection terminal NC2 of the second excitation unit 22 is connected to the first power signal V1, and the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 is connected to the transceiver switching module 10; the second excitation unit 22 is used to control the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 to connect with either the first connection terminal NO2 or the second connection terminal NC2 according to the clock signal CLK. Figure 2 For example, the first power signal V1 is a 3.3V DC voltage signal, and the second power signal V2 is a ground signal.

[0048] Specifically, when the clock signal CLK is at the first level, the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 is connected to the first connection terminal NO1 of the first excitation unit 21, and the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 is connected to the first connection terminal NO2 of the second excitation unit 22. When the clock signal CLK is at the second level, the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 is connected to the second connection terminal NC1 of the first excitation unit 21, and the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 is connected to the second connection terminal NC2 of the second excitation unit 22.

[0049] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, both the first excitation unit 21 and the second excitation unit 22 include analog switches to realize bidirectional excitation of the excitation transducer. Based on the analog switches, the common terminal of the excitation unit is connected to the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal according to the clock signal CLK. This eliminates the need to use discrete components such as switching transistors to realize bidirectional excitation of the excitation transducer, thus avoiding the problem of significant delay caused by high and low levels and improving the stability of the transducer excitation circuit.

[0050] Specifically, the first excitation unit 21 may include a first analog switch chip U1, and the second excitation unit 22 may include a second analog switch chip U2. Both the first analog switch chip U1 and the second analog switch chip U2 include a control terminal, a common terminal, a normally open terminal, and a normally closed terminal. Specifically, the control terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 serves as the control terminal IN1 of the first excitation unit 21, the common terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 serves as the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21, the normally open terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 serves as the first connection terminal NO1 of the first excitation unit 21, and the normally closed terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 serves as the second connection terminal NC1 of the first excitation unit 21. Similarly, the control terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 serves as the control terminal IN2 of the second excitation unit 22, the common terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 serves as the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22, the normally open terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 serves as the first connection terminal NO2 of the second excitation unit 22, and the normally closed terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 serves as the second connection terminal NC2 of the second excitation unit 22.

[0051] See also Figure 2 Taking the first voltage level as high and the second voltage level as low, and using the first transducer HNQ1 as the excitation transducer as an example, Figure 2 The waveform of the clock signal is shown, as well as the signal waveforms received at the positive and negative terminals of the first transducer, respectively. It can be seen that the transducer excitation circuit can realize bidirectional excitation of the excitation transducer.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another transducer excitation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 3Based on the above embodiments, the transmit / receive switching module 10 may optionally include: a transmit / receive switching submodule 11, a voltage control unit 12, and a signal transmission unit 13.

[0053] The transceiver switching submodule 11 is connected to the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21, the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22, the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1, the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1, the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2, and the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2, and is connected to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. The transceiver switching submodule 11 is used to transmit the signal of the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 and the signal of the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the first level, and to transmit the signal of the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the second level.

[0054] The control terminal IN5 of the voltage control unit 12 is connected to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. The common terminal COM5 of the voltage control unit 12 is grounded. The first connection terminal NO5 of the voltage control unit 12 is connected to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2, and the second connection terminal NC5 of the voltage control unit 12 is connected to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1. The voltage control unit 12 is used to control the common terminal COM5 of the voltage control unit 12 to connect with either the first connection terminal NO5 or the second connection terminal NC5 according to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. Specifically, when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the first level, the common terminal COM5 of the voltage control unit 12 is connected to the first connection terminal NO5 of the voltage control unit 12; when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the second level, the common terminal COM5 of the voltage control unit 12 is connected to the second connection terminal NC5 of the voltage control unit 12.

[0055] The control terminal IN6 of the signal transmission unit 13 is connected to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. The common terminal COM6 of the signal transmission unit 13 is used to output the ultrasonic echo signal SG_OUT1 output by the receiving transducer. The first connection terminal NO6 of the signal transmission unit 13 is connected to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2, and the second connection terminal NC6 of the signal transmission unit 13 is connected to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1. The signal transmission unit 13 is used to control the connection between the common terminal COM6 and the first connection terminal NO6 or the second connection terminal NC6 of the signal transmission unit 13 according to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. Specifically, when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the first level, the common terminal COM6 of the signal transmission unit 13 is connected to the first connection terminal NO6 of the signal transmission unit 13; when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the second level, the common terminal COM6 of the signal transmission unit 13 is connected to the second connection terminal NC6 of the signal transmission unit 13.

[0056] Specifically, when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the first level, the transceiver switching submodule 11 controls the first transducer HNQ1 to act as an excitation transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 to act as a receiving transducer, and transmits the signals from the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 and the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 to the positive and negative terminals of the first transducer HNQ1, respectively. Furthermore, the voltage control unit 12 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal COM5 to its first connection terminal NO5, thereby grounding the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2. The signal transmission unit 13 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal COM6 to its first connection terminal NO6, so that the ultrasonic signal SG_OUT1 output by the second transducer HNQ2 is output through the common terminal COM6 of the signal transmission unit 13.

[0057] When the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at the second level, the transceiver switching submodule 11 controls the first transducer HNQ1 to be a receiving transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 to be an excitation transducer, and transmits the signals from the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 and the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 to the positive and negative terminals of the second transducer HNQ2, respectively. In response to the switching control signal HNQ_CS, the voltage control unit 12 controls its common terminal COM5 to connect with its second connection terminal NC5, thereby grounding the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1. The signal transmission unit 13, in response to the switching control signal HNQ_CS, controls its common terminal COM6 to connect with its second connection terminal NC6, so that the ultrasonic electrical signal SG_OUT1 output by the first transducer HNQ1 is output through the common terminal COM6 of the signal transmission unit 13.

[0058] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of another transducer excitation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the transceiver switching submodule 11 includes a first switching unit 101 and a second switching unit 102. The control terminal IN3 of the first switching unit 101 is connected to the switching control signal HNQ_CS, the common terminal COM3 of the first switching unit 101 is connected to the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21, the first connection terminal NO3 of the first switching unit 101 is connected to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1, and the second connection terminal NC3 of the first switching unit 101 is connected to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2. The first switching unit 101 is used to control the common terminal COM3 of the first switching unit 101 to connect with the first connection terminal NO3 or the second connection terminal NC3 of the first switching unit 101 according to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. The control terminal IN4 of the second switching unit 102 is connected to the switching control signal HNQ_CS. The common terminal COM4 of the second switching unit 102 is connected to the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22. The first connection terminal NO4 of the second switching unit 102 is connected to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1. The second connection terminal NC4 of the second switching unit 102 is connected to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2. The second switching unit 102 is used to control the common terminal COM4 of the second switching unit 102 to connect with the first connection terminal NO4 or the second connection terminal NC4 of the second switching unit 102 according to the switching control signal HNQ_CS.

[0059] Specifically, when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at a first level, the common terminal COM3 of the first switching unit 101 is connected to its first connection terminal NO3, and the common terminal COM4 of the second switching unit 102 is connected to its first connection terminal NO4. The signal from the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1, and the signal from the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1. When the switching control signal HNQ_CS is at a second level, the common terminal COM3 of the first switching unit 101 is connected to its second connection terminal NC3, and the common terminal COM4 of the second switching unit 102 is connected to its second connection terminal NC4. The signal from the common terminal COM1 of the first excitation unit 21 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2, and the signal from the common terminal COM2 of the second excitation unit 22 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2.

[0060] Continue to refer to Figure 4Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the voltage control unit 12, the signal transmission unit 13, the first switching unit 101 and the second switching unit 102 all include analog switch chips. Compared with the implementation using discrete transistor components or the implementation using H-bridge dedicated circuit, the frequency limitation of the excitation circuit can be reduced, the delay can be reduced, and the application scenarios of the transducer can be expanded.

[0061] Specifically, the first switching unit 101 includes a third analog switch chip U3, the second switching unit 102 includes a fourth analog switch chip U4, the voltage control unit 12 includes a fifth analog switch chip U5, and the signal transmission unit 13 includes a sixth analog switch chip U6. Each analog switch chip includes a control terminal, a common terminal, a normally open terminal, and a normally closed terminal. Specifically, the control terminal of each analog switch chip serves as the control terminal of the corresponding unit, the common terminal of each analog switch chip serves as the common terminal of the corresponding unit, the normally open terminal of each analog switch chip serves as the first connection terminal of the corresponding unit, and the normally closed terminal of each analog switch chip serves as the second connection terminal of the corresponding unit.

[0062] Optionally, in the transducer excitation circuit, each analog switch chip also includes a power supply terminal and a ground terminal. The power supply terminal of each analog switch chip is connected to a power supply signal (e.g., a 3.3V DC voltage signal), and the ground terminal of each analog switch chip is grounded to provide the power supply voltage required for normal operation of each analog switch chip. Furthermore, a filter capacitor can be connected to the power supply terminal of each analog switch chip to ensure power supply stability. Specifically, capacitor C1 is connected between the power supply terminal and ground terminal of the first analog switch chip U1, capacitor C2 is connected between the power supply terminal and ground terminal of the second analog switch chip U2, capacitor C3 is connected between the power supply terminal and ground terminal of the third analog switch chip U3, capacitor C4 is connected between the power supply terminal and ground terminal of the fourth analog switch chip U4, capacitor C5 is connected between the power supply terminal and ground terminal of the fifth analog switch chip U5, and capacitor C6 is connected between the power supply terminal and ground terminal of the sixth analog switch chip U6.

[0063] The following is combined Figure 4 The working principle of the transducer excitation circuit provided in this embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0064] Specifically, when the switching control signal HNQ_CS is high, the first analog switch chip U1 and the second analog switch chip U2 select the first transducer HNQ1 as the excitation transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 as the receiving transducer. The third analog switch chip U3 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal. Similarly, the fourth analog switch chip U4 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal. When the clock signal CLK is high, the first analog switch chip U1 responds to the clock signal CLK by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal. Similarly, the second analog switch chip U2 responds to the clock signal CLK by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal. This allows the first power signal V1, received at the normally open terminal of the first analog switch chip U1, to be transmitted to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 through the normally open terminal of the third analog switch chip U3. Conversely, the second power signal V2, received at the normally open terminal of the second analog switch chip U2, is transmitted to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 through the normally open terminal of the fourth analog switch chip U4. At this time, the voltage at the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is 3.3V, and the voltage at the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is 0V. Here, since the first power supply signal V1 is 3.3V, the second power supply signal V2 is 0V, and the clock signal CLK is high, it can be assumed that the common terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 transmits the in-phase excitation signal of the clock signal CLK, and correspondingly, the common terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 transmits the in-phase excitation signal of the clock signal CLK. When the clock signal CLK is low, the in-phase excitation signal transmitted from the common terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 via the normally open terminal of the third analog switch chip U3, and the in-phase excitation signal transmitted from the common terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 via the normally open terminal of the fourth analog switch chip U4. At this time, the voltage at the positive terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is 0V, and the voltage at the negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is 3.3V. At this time, both the positive and negative terminals of the first transducer HNQ1 have excitation signals, which is equivalent to doubling the excitation. Simultaneously, the fifth analog switch chip U5 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal. The sixth analog switch chip U6 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal. The negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is grounded, and the ultrasonic electrical signal SG_OUT1 output by the second transducer HNQ2 is output through the common terminal of the sixth analog switch chip U6.

[0065] When the switching control signal HNQ_CS is low, the first analog switch chip U1 and the second analog switch chip U2 select the first transducer HNQ1 as the receiving transducer and the second transducer HNQ2 as the excitation transducer. The third analog switch chip U3 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally closed terminal, and the fourth analog switch chip U4 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally closed terminal. When the clock signal CLK is high, the first analog switch chip U1 responds to the clock signal CLK by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal, and the second analog switch chip U2 responds to the clock signal CLK by connecting its common terminal to its normally open terminal. This causes the first power signal V1, received at the normally open terminal of the first analog switch chip U1, to be transmitted to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 via the normally closed terminal of the third analog switch chip U3. The second power signal V2, received at the normally open terminal of the second analog switch chip U2, is transmitted to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 via the normally closed terminal of the fourth analog switch chip U4. In other words, the in-phase excitation signal transmitted at the common terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 via the normally closed terminal of the third analog switch chip U3, and the out-of-phase excitation signal transmitted at the common terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 via the normally closed terminal of the fourth analog switch chip U4. At this time, the voltage at the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is 3.3V, and the voltage at the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is 0V. When the clock signal CLK is low, the in-phase excitation signal transmitted from the common terminal of the first analog switch chip U1 is transmitted to the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 via the normally closed terminal of the third analog switch chip U3, and the in-phase excitation signal transmitted from the common terminal of the second analog switch chip U2 is transmitted to the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 via the normally closed terminal of the fourth analog switch chip U4. At this time, the voltage at the positive terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is 0V, and the voltage at the negative terminal of the second transducer HNQ2 is 3.3V. Therefore, both the positive and negative terminals of the second transducer HNQ2 have excitation signals, effectively doubling the excitation. Simultaneously, the fifth analog switch chip U5 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally closed terminal, and the sixth analog switch chip U6 responds to the switching control signal HNQ_CS by connecting its common terminal to its normally closed terminal. The negative terminal of the first transducer HNQ1 is grounded, and the ultrasonic electrical signal SG_OUT1 output by the first transducer HNQ1 is output through the common terminal of the sixth analog switch chip U6.

[0066] The technical solution of this utility model embodiment achieves bidirectional excitation of the transducer by setting multiple analog switches, eliminating the need for discrete components such as switching transistors. This results in a simpler structure, fewer components, higher switching speed, and shorter delay, avoiding significant delays during high-low level switching and thus improving the stability of the transducer excitation circuit.

[0067] This utility model embodiment also provides an ultrasonic metering device, which includes the transducer excitation circuit provided in any of the above embodiments, and thus has corresponding beneficial effects. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 5 The ultrasonic measuring device includes: a first transducer HNQ1, a second transducer HNQ2, and a transducer excitation circuit.

[0068] Furthermore, the ultrasonic measuring device also includes an amplifier circuit 30; the input terminal of the amplifier circuit 30 is connected to the transceiver switching module 10, the transceiver switching module 10 is used to transmit the ultrasonic echo electrical signal SG_OUT1 output by the receiving transducer to the input terminal of the amplifier circuit 30, and the amplifier circuit 30 is used to amplify the ultrasonic echo electrical signal SG_OUT1 to obtain the amplified echo signal SG_OUT and output it.

[0069] The amplifier circuit 30 may, by way of example, include resistors R1-R4, capacitors C7-C8, and operational amplifier U7, but this is not intended to limit the scope of this embodiment. Specifically, the first end of capacitor C8 is connected to the transceiver switching module 10, the second end of capacitor C8 is connected to the first input terminal of operational amplifier U7, and is also connected to the first end of resistor R3. The second end of resistor R3 is connected to the first ends of resistors R4 and R5 respectively. The second end of resistor R4 is grounded, and the second end of resistor R5 is connected to a 3.3V DC voltage. The first end of resistor R1 is connected to the first end of capacitor C7, and the second end of capacitor C7 is grounded. The second end of resistor R1 is connected to the first end of resistor R2, and is also connected to the second input terminal of operational amplifier U7. The second end of resistor R2 is connected to the output terminal of operational amplifier U7. The first power supply terminal of operational amplifier U7 is connected to a 3.3V DC voltage, and the second power supply terminal of operational amplifier U7 is grounded.

[0070] Based on the above embodiments, the ultrasonic measuring device may optionally include a control module 40; the control module 40 is connected to the output terminals of the transceiver switching module 10, the bidirectional excitation module 20 and the amplifier circuit 30 respectively; the control module 40, as the core data processing component in the ultrasonic measuring device, can be used to output the switching control signal HNQ_CS and the clock signal CLK, as well as process the amplified echo signal SG_OUT.

[0071] This utility model embodiment also provides an ultrasonic gas meter, which includes the ultrasonic metering device provided in any of the above embodiments, and therefore has corresponding beneficial effects.

[0072] It should be understood that the various forms of the process shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this utility model can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this utility model can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0073] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A transducer excitation circuit, characterized in that, include: A transceiver switching module is connected to a first transducer and a second transducer respectively, and is connected to a switching control signal; the transceiver switching module is used to control one of the first transducer and the second transducer to be an excitation transducer and the other to be a receiving transducer according to the switching control signal. A bidirectional excitation module is connected to the transceiver switching module and receives a clock signal, a first power signal, and a second power signal. The bidirectional excitation module is used to transmit the first power signal to the positive terminal of the excitation transducer and the second power signal to the negative terminal of the excitation transducer through the transceiver switching module when the clock signal is at a first level; and to transmit the second power signal to the positive terminal of the excitation transducer and the first power signal to the negative terminal of the excitation transducer through the transceiver switching module when the clock signal is at a second level. The first level and the second level are different, and the voltages of the first power signal and the second power signal are different.

2. The transducer excitation circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bidirectional excitation module includes: A first excitation unit has a control terminal connected to the clock signal, a first connection terminal connected to the first power signal, a second connection terminal connected to the second power signal, and a common terminal connected to the transceiver switching module. The first excitation unit is used to control the common terminal of the first excitation unit to connect to either the first or second connection terminal of the first excitation unit according to the clock signal. The second excitation unit has a control terminal connected to the clock signal, a first connection terminal connected to the second power signal, a second connection terminal connected to the first power signal, and a common terminal connected to the transceiver switching module. The second excitation unit is used to control the common terminal of the second excitation unit to connect to either the first or second connection terminal of the second excitation unit according to the clock signal.

3. The transducer excitation circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transceiver switching module includes: A transceiver switching submodule is connected to the common terminal of the first excitation unit, the common terminal of the second excitation unit, the positive terminal of the first transducer, the negative terminal of the first transducer, the positive terminal of the second transducer, and the negative terminal of the second transducer, respectively, and is connected to a switching control signal. The transceiver switching submodule is configured to transmit the signal from the common terminal of the first excitation unit to the positive terminal of the first transducer and the signal from the common terminal of the second excitation unit to the negative terminal of the first transducer when the switching control signal is at the first level; and the transceiver switching submodule is configured to transmit the signal from the common terminal of the first excitation unit to the positive terminal of the second transducer and the signal from the common terminal of the second excitation unit to the negative terminal of the second transducer when the switching control signal is at the second level. A voltage control unit is provided, wherein the control terminal of the voltage control unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the voltage control unit is grounded, the first connection terminal of the voltage control unit is connected to the negative terminal of the second transducer, and the second connection terminal of the voltage control unit is connected to the negative terminal of the first transducer; the voltage control unit is used to control the common terminal of the voltage control unit to connect to either the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the voltage control unit according to the switching control signal. A signal transmission unit is provided, wherein the control terminal of the signal transmission unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the signal transmission unit is used to output the ultrasonic echo electrical signal output by the receiving transducer, the first connection terminal of the signal transmission unit is connected to the positive terminal of the second transducer, and the second connection terminal of the signal transmission unit is connected to the positive terminal of the first transducer; the signal transmission unit is used to control the common terminal of the signal transmission unit to connect with the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the signal transmission unit according to the switching control signal.

4. The transducer excitation circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transceiver switching submodule includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit; The control terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the common terminal of the first excitation unit, the first connection terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the positive terminal of the first transducer, and the second connection terminal of the first switching unit is connected to the positive terminal of the second transducer; the first switching unit is used to control the common terminal of the first switching unit to connect with the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the first switching unit according to the switching control signal. The control terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the switching control signal, the common terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the common terminal of the second excitation unit, the first connection terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the negative terminal of the first transducer, and the second connection terminal of the second switching unit is connected to the negative terminal of the second transducer; the second switching unit is used to control the common terminal of the second switching unit to connect with the first connection terminal or the second connection terminal of the second switching unit according to the switching control signal.

5. The transducer excitation circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first excitation unit, the second excitation unit, the voltage control unit, the signal transmission unit, the first switching unit, and the second switching unit all include analog switch chips.

6. The transducer excitation circuit according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The voltage of the first level is greater than the voltage of the second level, and the voltage of the first power supply signal is greater than the voltage of the second power supply signal; And / or, One of the first power signal and the second power signal is a 3.3V DC voltage signal, and the other is a ground signal.

7. An ultrasonic measuring device, characterized in that, It includes a first transducer, a second transducer, and a transducer excitation circuit as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an amplifier circuit; the input terminal of the amplifier circuit is connected to the transceiver switching module, the transceiver switching module is used to transmit the ultrasonic echo electrical signal output by the receiving transducer to the input terminal of the amplifier circuit, and the amplifier circuit is used to amplify the ultrasonic echo electrical signal to obtain an amplified echo signal and output it.

9. The ultrasonic measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a control module, which is connected to the output terminals of the transmit / receive switching module, the bidirectional excitation module, and the amplifier circuit, respectively; the control module is used to output the switching control signal and the clock signal, and to process the amplified echo signal.

10. An ultrasonic gas meter, characterized in that, The ultrasonic measuring device includes any one of claims 7-9.

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