Tunable BAW Resonator Voltage Sensing for High-Voltage Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage AC or DC signal sensing poses risks of physical harm and equipment damage, and existing sensing techniques are ineffective or require expensive components, especially at voltages above 1000V.
Innovation Solution
A voltage sensor device utilizing a tunable bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator with an oscillator unit and frequency analyzer to determine voltage sense values based on frequency measurements, allowing for accurate sensing without direct contact and adjustable sensitivity through dielectric layers and electrode configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensing techniques are used for high-voltage signals (1000V or more), then measurement capability is achieved, but risk of physical harm and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (capacitive coupling through dielectric layers) between the high-voltage signal and the sensing circuit. The BAW resonator senses voltage through electric field coupling without direct electrical contact, acting as a mediator that transfers voltage information while isolating the sensing electronics from harmful high-voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical contact-based sensing with a mechanical resonance-based sensing system. The BAW resonator converts voltage information into frequency shifts through piezoelectric effects, allowing the sensing system to operate in a different domain (mechanical resonance frequency) that is inherently safer and more isolated from high-voltage dangers.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensing techniques are used for high-voltage signals, then voltage measurement is possible, but cost of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copy mechanism where the BAW resonator replicates the voltage signal's frequency characteristics without requiring expensive high-voltage rated components in the main sensing circuit. The resonator creates a frequency-copied version of the voltage signal that can be safely measured by standard low-voltage electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct voltage measurement to frequency measurement. By converting voltage information into frequency shifts of the BAW resonator, the system可以使用 standard, low-cost frequency measurement circuits instead of expensive high-voltage differential probes or attenuators.
3Device complexity
If direct contact sensing is used for high-voltage signals, then simple measurement approach is achieved, but equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric layers serve as an intermediary barrier between the high-voltage signal and the sensing electronics, enabling non-contact sensing while maintaining system safety. This intermediary structure adds minimal complexity while dramatically reducing equipment damage risk.
4Device complexity
If fixed sensitivity sensing is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different voltage ranges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sensing system where the BAW resonator's operating point and sensitivity can be adjusted by changing the bias voltage or dielectric configuration. This allows the same device to adapt to different voltage ranges and measurement requirements without requiring multiple fixed-sensitivity sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of sensing parameters (bias voltage, dielectric thickness, electrode configuration) to change the resonator's operating characteristics. By changing these parameters, the same BAW resonator can be optimized for different voltage ranges and sensitivity requirements.
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 safe and accurate measurement of high-voltage signals by predicting frequency shifts in response to voltage levels, reducing equipment risk and cost while providing precise voltage sensing across various ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator with an oscillator unit and frequency analyzer to determine voltage sense values based on frequency measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage sensor device includes an oscillator unit, the oscillator unit having a tunable bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator device and an oscillator core. The voltage sensor device also includes a frequency analyzer configured to obtain frequency measurements for the oscillator unit and to determine a voltage sense value based on a comparison of at least some of the obtained frequency measurements. The voltage sensor device also includes an output interface configured to store or output voltage sense values determined by the frequency analyzer.