Adaptor Circuit for Wide-Range Capacitance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitance measurement systems, such as those using CDC microcontrollers, are limited in measuring range and unsuitable for larger capacitance values, as they have low impedance at measuring frequencies, making them ineffective for larger sensor applications.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement that includes an adaptor component, such as a resistor, capacitor, or coil, which adjusts the impedance of conductor patterns to match the measuring apparatus, allowing the same microcontroller to be used across various capacitance ranges by connecting the adaptor component in series with the conductor pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a CDC microcontroller is used for capacitance measurement, then the circuit simplicity and low cost are improved, but the measuring range is limited to small capacitance values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptor component as an intermediary element between the CDC microcontroller and the conductor pattern. This adaptor contains a capacitor that transforms the impedance level, allowing the microcontroller to measure both small and large capacitance values through the same interface, thus extending the measuring range without increasing circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameter by introducing an adaptor capacitor in series with the conductor pattern. By selecting appropriate capacitor values for the adaptor, the total impedance is adjusted to fall within the measurable range of the CDC microcontroller, enabling measurement of large capacitance values that would otherwise be outside the device's capability
2Area of stationary object
If the conductor pattern size is increased, then the sensor coverage area is improved, but the impedance at measuring frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor component serves as a mediator that compensates for the low impedance caused by large conductor patterns. The series capacitor in the adaptor increases the total impedance to a level that can be reliably measured by the CDC microcontroller, thus maintaining measurability while allowing large sensor areas
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor capacitor acts as an electrical 'counterweight' that offsets the low impedance effect of large conductor patterns. By adding the series capacitance of the adaptor, the total impedance is increased to compensate for the impedance reduction caused by the large sensor area, enabling reliable measurement
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring apparatuses are used to cover different capacitance ranges, then the measurement capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CDC microcontroller system universal by introducing the adaptor component. The same microcontroller can now measure both small and large capacitance values by simply changing the adaptor capacitor value, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measuring apparatuses and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to adjust to different capacitance ranges through simple component substitution (changing the adaptor capacitor value) rather than requiring fixed, dedicated hardware for each measurement range. This dynamic configuration capability enables one system to perform multiple functions
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 the use of a single microcontroller for a wide range of capacitance measurements, from 60 picofarads to 5 nanofarads, reducing component complexity and cost, while maintaining low current consumption and simplicity, thus suitable for both small and large-scale sensor applications.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptor component, which at the measuring frequency produces a suitable impedance when connected to the conductor pattern and to the measuring apparatus
Implementation Method 2
measuring apparatus (3) for measuring capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
The circuit arrangement according to the invention comprises a measuring apparatus that measures an electrical connection, and also one or more conductor patterns. The conductor pattern is connected to the measuring apparatus using an adaptor component, which fits the impedance produced by the conductor pattern to be suitable for the measuring apparatus.