Adaptive Capacitive Sampling Array for Wide Dynamic Range Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In signal sampling applications like impulse radar and lidar, the wide dynamic range of received signals poses challenges for capacitive sensors to maintain an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), as existing techniques struggle to adapt effectively to varying signal magnitudes.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sampling array with parallel channels, each having a specific capacitance, is dynamically controlled by a controller to select appropriate capacitive sampling channels based on signal magnitude, using larger capacitance for lower magnitude signals and smaller capacitance for higher magnitude signals, thereby maintaining a desirable SNR across a wide range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a capacitive sensor uses a fixed capacitance value, then the circuit design is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates when signal magnitude varies widely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the capacitance value adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects from multiple capacitive sampling channels with different capacitance values based on the magnitude of the received signal, allowing the capacitance to adapt in real-time to varying signal conditions while maintaining acceptable SNR across a wide dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capacitance parameter based on signal magnitude. By selecting from multiple capacitive sampling channels with different capacitance values, the system adjusts the capacitance parameter to match the signal strength, thereby optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio for both weak and strong signals without requiring a completely different circuit design
2Measurement precision
If a capacitive sensor uses larger capacitance, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves for weak signals, but the dynamic range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitive sensing function into multiple parallel channels, each with a different capacitance value. This segmentation allows the system to divide the wide dynamic range into multiple segments, with each channel optimized for a specific signal magnitude range, thereby achieving both high SNR for weak signals and adequate performance for strong signals across the entire dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sampling array achieves multi-functionality by having multiple capacitive sampling channels with different capacitance values available within a single sensor system. This universal design allows the same sensor to effectively handle both weak and strong signals by selecting the appropriate channel, thereby achieving wide dynamic range while maintaining good signal-to-noise ratio across all signal levels
3Adaptability or versatility
If a capacitive sensor uses smaller capacitance, then the dynamic range improves, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates for weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitive sensing function into multiple parallel channels, each with a different capacitance value. This segmentation allows the system to divide the wide dynamic range into multiple segments, with each channel optimized for a specific signal magnitude range, thereby achieving both high SNR for weak signals and adequate performance for strong signals across the entire dynamic range
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by monitoring the magnitude of received signals and using this information to select the appropriate capacitive sampling channel. This feedback mechanism ensures that the capacitance value is continuously optimized based on the current signal conditions, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio for weak signals while preserving dynamic range capability
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
This adaptive approach enables the capacitive sampling system to generate digital data with a consistent SNR, similar to that achieved with smaller capacitance alone, even when sampling signals with varying magnitudes, thus improving the system's dynamic range and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
each capacitive sampling channel has a channel-specific capacitor having a channel-specific capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for sampling signals are disclosed. In an example, a system includes a capacitive sampling array having an input interface, an output interface, and capacitive sampling channels connected in parallel between the input interface and the output interface, wherein each capacitive sampling channel has a channel-specific capacitor having a channel-specific capacitance, a readout system coupled to the output interface of the capacitive sampling array and configured to generate digital data in response to a signal received on the input interface of the capacitive sampling array, and a controller coupled to the readout system to receive the digital data and configured to select capacitive sampling channels of the capacitive sampling array to sample the signal in response to the digital data.