Charged Particle Beam Power Circuit for Low-Noise Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Charged particle beam apparatuses face noise issues due to AC-DC power supply switching noise, which is difficult to remove, especially in high impedance circuits, and existing solutions like dropper power supplies have low power conversion efficiency and fluctuating DC voltages, while battery-powered systems require frequent replacement and limited installation locations.

Innovation Solution

A charged particle beam apparatus with a power storage device that stores DC voltage and is charged during non-measurement periods, using a control circuit to manage charging and prevent noise during measurement periods, thereby reducing power supply noise and simplifying battery replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a switching power supply is used to convert AC voltage to DC voltage, then power conversion efficiency is improved and miniaturization is achieved, but switching noise is transmitted to various circuits via power supply wiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidswitching noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: a switching power supply for efficient power conversion and a linear power supply for noise-sensitive circuits. This segmentation isolates the noise source from the sensitive circuits while maintaining high efficiency in the power conversion path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A linear power supply acts as an intermediary between the AC power source and the noise-sensitive detection circuits. It provides a clean, low-noise DC voltage to the detection circuits while the switching power supply handles the main power conversion tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a dropper power supply using a transformer is used instead of a switching power supply, then switching noise is avoided, but power conversion efficiency is reduced and DC voltage fluctuates due to temperature drift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching noiseVSAvoidpower conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply functions are segmented between switching and linear power supplies. The switching power supply handles efficient power conversion while the linear power supply provides stable, low-noise output, combining the advantages of both approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges switching power supply efficiency with linear power supply stability by using both types in the same system. The switching power supply converts AC to DC efficiently, while the linear power supply regulates the voltage with minimal noise and temperature drift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a battery is used as a power storage device, then noise is isolated from the measurement circuits, but time and effort are required to replace the battery and installation location is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise isolationVSAvoidbattery replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage device is designed to be rechargeable and integrated into the measurement probe, allowing it to serve itself by being recharged during instrument operation or between uses, eliminating the need for manual replacement and reducing maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rechargeable power storage device serves multiple functions: providing isolated power to noise-sensitive circuits, enabling portable operation, and being rechargeable rather than disposable. This multi-functionality replaces the battery with a more versatile power solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If a power storage device is charged during measurement periods, then continuous power is available, but noise from charging interferes with measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power availabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The charging operation is performed periodically during non-measurement intervals rather than continuously during measurements. This periodic charging ensures continuous power availability from the power storage device during measurements while avoiding charging noise interference with measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively suppresses power supply noise, reduces the effort and time required for battery replacement, and improves noise isolation, enhancing measurement accuracy and efficiency while allowing for miniaturization and flexible installation.

Implementation Method 1

a charge circuit including a power storage device configured to store a DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20230268158A1Charged Particle Beam Apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.24 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • US20230268158A1 patent drawing
  • US20230268158A1 patent drawing
  • US20230268158A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A charged particle beam device according to the present invention comprises a charged particle source that emits charged particles, a detection circuit that detects electrons which are generated by a sample as a result of irradiation with the charged particles, and a power storage device (107_VHD) that holds direct voltage, and comprises a charge circuit (107_CHG) that charges the power storage device with supplied voltage, and a control circuit (107_CTL) that controls the charge circuit such that charging is carried out in a period in which no sample is measured, wherein the direct voltage held by the power storage device (107_VHD) is used as operating voltage.