Buried Conductor Detector Using Digital Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detectors for buried current-carrying conductors lack sensitivity, dynamic range, and selectivity, requiring multiple sweeps in different modes to locate and track buried cables, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A detector equipped with two magnetic sensors, a delta-sigma analogue to digital converter, and a digital signal processor that processes signals in multiple frequency bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for pre-selective filtering and multiple gain stages, allowing for simultaneous operation in active, power, and radio modes, and providing enhanced sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional detectors use pre-selective filtering and multiple gain stages, then frequency selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/analog filtering systems with digital signal processing. Instead of using physical filters and gain stages to achieve frequency selectivity, the system uses a digital signal processor to implement filtering and signal conditioning algorithms, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining or improving frequency selectivity performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a 24-bit stereo delta-sigma ADC with oversampling capability. By increasing the sampling rate and using digital processing, the system achieves superior frequency resolution and selectivity without requiring complex analog filtering components, thus resolving the contradiction between selectivity and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If detectors operate in multiple modes sequentially, then detection versatility is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection modes (active mode, power mode, radio mode) into a single integrated detector that can operate simultaneously. The digital signal processor is configured to process signals from different frequency bands at the same time, allowing the detector to perform multiple detection functions in parallel rather than sequentially, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple detection modes through a single device. The digital signal processor can be programmed to detect different frequency bands and modes simultaneously, making the detector a multi-functional tool that eliminates the need for separate detectors or sequential operation, thus addressing the contradiction between versatility and time efficiency
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors have high sensitivity, then detection precision is improved, but noise floor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes analog noise filtering with digital signal processing techniques. Instead of trying to filter noise in the analog domain where high-sensitivity sensors generate noise floors, the system uses a digital signal processor to apply filtering algorithms after ADC conversion, thereby maintaining the high sensitivity of the magnetic sensors while effectively managing noise through digital processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the noise management approach by using a 24-bit stereo delta-sigma ADC that converts signals to digital domain with high precision. By increasing the bit depth and using oversampling, the system pushes the noise floor down in the digital domain, allowing high-sensitivity magnetic sensors to operate at their full capability without being limited by noise floor issues
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 detector achieves improved sensitivity and selectivity, enabling accurate detection and tracking of buried conductors in a single sweep, reducing time and effort while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of a 24-bit stereo delta-sigma ADC and digital signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
two magnetic sensors, each magnetic sensor for converting electromagnetic radiation from the conductor into a field strength signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detector 1 for detecting a buried current carrying conductor comprises a digital homodyne receiver. The receiver processes field strength signals induced in a pair of vertically spaced antennae 3, 5. The analogue to digital converter is an audio-grade stereo CODEC 11.