Acoustic Current Measurement System for High-Resolution PCB Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric current measurement devices, such as Hall-effect sensors, lack the spatial resolution and bandwidth to accurately measure highly localized and high-frequency electric currents, particularly in conductive tracks on printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a device for generating a magnetic field using a ferromagnetic rod with coils, an acoustic waveguide, and an electroacoustic transducer, which detects ultrasonic waves generated by the Lorentz force to measure electric current intensity and direction with high spatial resolution and frequency response, allowing for contactless or contact-based measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Hall-effect sensors are used to detect electric current, then the device structure is simple and cost is reduced, but the spatial resolution is greater than 0.1 mm and bandwidth is limited to below 100 kHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the Hall-effect sensor's direct magnetic field detection method with an acoustic wave-based detection system. A pulsed magnetic field is generated to induce Lorentz forces that create acoustic waves in the conductive element, which are then detected by an acoustic transducer. This substitution enables spatial resolution better than 0.1 mm and bandwidth exceeding 100 kHz, overcoming the limitations of conventional Hall-effect sensors.
2Measurement precision
If Hall-effect sensors are used to detect electric current, then the device structure is simple and cost is reduced, but the bandwidth does not exceed 100 kHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the Hall-effect sensor's direct magnetic field detection method with an acoustic wave-based detection system. A pulsed magnetic field is generated to induce Lorentz forces that create acoustic waves in the conductive element, which are then detected by an acoustic transducer. This substitution enables spatial resolution better than 0.1 mm and bandwidth exceeding 100 kHz, overcoming the limitations of conventional Hall-effect sensors.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the spatial accuracy is higher than 0.1 mm making it unsuitable for highly localized current measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the Hall-effect sensor's direct magnetic field detection method with an acoustic wave-based detection system. A pulsed magnetic field is generated to induce Lorentz forces that create acoustic waves in the conductive element, which are then detected by an acoustic transducer. This substitution enables spatial resolution better than 0.1 mm and bandwidth exceeding 100 kHz, overcoming the limitations of conventional Hall-effect sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulsed magnetic field excitation to generate acoustic waves in the conductive element. By applying short-duration magnetic field pulses and detecting the resulting acoustic wave responses, the system achieves high spatial resolution measurements. The periodic pulsing allows for time-gated detection that isolates the acoustic signal from background noise, enabling precise localization of current flow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise measurement of electric current with a spatial resolution less than 0.1 mm and a bandwidth suitable for high-frequency currents, reducing costs and improving measurement accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a device for generating a magnetic field in the electrically conductive element, comprising a support and an electrically conductive wire rigidly coupled to the support and comprising at least one coil wound around the support
Implementation Method 2
detects ultrasonic waves generated by the Lorentz force
Implementation Method 3
an electroacoustic transducer rigidly coupled to the base
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system (10) for measuring an electric current (I) flowing through an electrically conductive element (2). The system comprises a device (15) for generating a magnetic field in the electrically conductive element, comprising a support (53) and an electrically conductive wire (50) rigidly coupled to the support, and comprising at least one coil (52) wound around the support, a device for detecting (60) acoustic waves on the surface of the electrically conductive element, and a control and acquisition device (30) comprising a generator (33) configured to provide at least one current pulse in the electrically conductive wire and an acquisition chain for detecting an electrical signal(S) provided by the detection device.