Analog Peak Capture Circuit for Radiation Detector Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation detectors require high-performance analog-digital converters and complex processing circuits to handle intense radiation, leading to high production costs and incompatibility with small-area detectors, and suffer from pulse overlap issues that result in spurious measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with an analog circuit that generates pulses proportional to radiation energy, a capture element with capacitors for storing peak values, and a control circuit that manages write and read switches to isolate peak values, using a comparator and delay lines to eliminate pulse overlap and reduce the need for high-performance converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-performance analog-digital converters and complex processing circuits are used to handle intense radiation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into two distinct stages: an analog stage that captures and stores peak values using simple capacitors and switches, and a digital stage that processes the stored values. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by capturing and storing peak signal values in analog memory (capacitors) before digital conversion. The analog circuit proactively identifies and holds the maximum voltage values during the integration period, preparing the data for subsequent digital processing. This preliminary capture eliminates the need for high-speed real-time conversion during intense radiation events.
2Productivity
If high-performance analog-digital converters are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The analog circuit performs preliminary identification and storage of peak values during the integration period, so that when digital conversion occurs, the data is already prepared and ready for immediate processing. This preliminary action enables high productivity without requiring high-speed real-time conversion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an analog copy of the peak signal values in the capacitor memory before digital conversion. This analog copying mechanism preserves the essential measurement information in a simple, low-cost format that can be converted to digital at a slower, more economical rate while maintaining measurement accuracy and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If complex processing circuits are used to handle pulse overlap, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the peak value detection function from the main signal processing path and implements it as a separate analog circuit with capacitors and switches. This extraction isolates the peak capture operation from the digital processing chain, allowing the analog circuit to handle overlapping pulses naturally by storing only the maximum values, thereby eliminating the need for complex digital algorithms to resolve pulse overlap.
4Productivity
If high-performance converters are used for fast processing, then productivity is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to incompatibility with small-area detectors
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the processing into analog peak capture and digital conversion stages, the patent enables the use of simple, manufacturable analog circuits with small-area detectors while maintaining high productivity through efficient batch conversion of the captured peak values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive analog components (capacitors, switches, operational amplifiers) for the peak capture function instead of expensive high-performance converters. These simple analog elements are easily manufactured and integrated with small-area detectors, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains productivity through efficient subsequent digital processing.
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
The solution enables efficient energy spectrum measurement with reduced hardware requirements, compatible with small-area detectors, and minimizes spurious measurements by capturing peak values effectively, thus lowering production costs and improving detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises an operational amplifier having a first input connected to receive the first signal, a second input connected to receive the second signal, and an output forming an output terminal
Implementation Method 2
a capture element having a set of capacitors arranged in parallel, each capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for processing information delivered by a photon detector, comprising: an analogue circuit for generating a signal comprising a series of pulses, each pulse having an amplitude proportional to the energy freed by an interaction of a photon in the detector; an analogue circuit for determining the instant at which the amplitude of a pulse of the signal is maximal; and an element for capturing the value of the signal at said instant.