Bolometer Bias Circuit Simplification via Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic wave detecting apparatuses with bolometer type thermoelectric conversion elements require complex circuit configurations due to the need for selective bias voltage application, which becomes impractical with increasing numbers of detecting elements.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus with a single voltage applying device that connects detecting devices in parallel, applies bias voltage in different periods to different groups, and periodically changes or switches the voltage to simplify the circuit configuration and ensure optimal bias voltage application to each element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a switch is used to selectively supply bias voltage to each bolometer type thermoelectric conversion element, then optimal bias voltage can be applied to each detecting element, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidcircuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bias voltage supply function into a single constant voltage bias circuit that serves all bolometer type thermoelectric conversion elements simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate switches for each element. This combining approach maintains optimal bias voltage application while dramatically simplifying the circuit configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The constant voltage bias circuit is designed to universally supply bias voltage to multiple detecting elements at the same time, making a single circuit perform the function previously requiring multiple separate circuits and switches. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between optimal bias application and circuit simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of bolometer type thermoelectric conversion elements is increased to improve detection coverage, then detection capability is enhanced, but the circuit configuration becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidcircuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bias voltage supply circuit is designed with universal applicability to accommodate any number of detecting elements arranged in a grid. A single constant voltage bias circuit can simultaneously supply bias voltage to all elements regardless of their quantity, preventing circuit complexity from increasing with detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple bias voltage supply functions are merged into one constant voltage bias circuit that serves the entire array of detecting elements. This consolidation ensures that increasing the number of elements for enhanced detection coverage does not proportionally increase circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If selective reading out of electric current from each detecting element is implemented, then detailed measurement data is obtained, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement data detailVSAvoidcircuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function at the element level while keeping the bias voltage supply unified. Each bolometer type thermoelectric conversion element can be independently read out for precise measurement, while the bias voltage supply remains consolidated in a single circuit, resolving the contradiction between detailed measurement capability and circuit simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach prevents complex circuit configurations, allows for efficient application of optimal bias voltage to each detecting device, and enhances detection sensitivity while reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of bolometer type thermoelectric conversion elements, which are arranged in a grid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric conversion: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

configured to detect an electromagnetic wave, such as, for example, a terahertz wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3633333B1Electromagnetic wave detection apparatus and method for setting detection signal acquisition timing

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 PIONEER IP

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AI summary

An electromagnetic wave detecting apparatus is provided with: a plurality of detecting devices each of which is configured to detect an electromagnetic wave; a voltage applying device configured to apply bias voltage to each of the plurality of detecting devices; an obtaining device configured to obtain a detection signal outputted from each of the plurality of detecting devices; and a setting device configured to set acquisition timing of the detection signal for each of the plurality of detecting devices, on the basis of the bias voltage, which is applied to each of the plurality of detecting devices, and the detection signal of each of the plurality of detecting devices.