Capacitor-Based Working Current Measurement Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the working current of low power-consumption circuit modules are inaccurate due to the low current levels, typically measuring around 1 μA, while the actual current is in the range of hundreds of nano-ampere, resulting in significant measuring errors.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method utilizing a capacitor to supply voltage to the circuit module, with a voltage measuring module determining the working current based on voltage change and capacitance, allowing for precise measurement of low power-consumption currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a precision power source is used to measure the working current of the circuit module, then the measurement can be performed, but the measuring accuracy is insufficient with an error of approximately 1 μA while the actual current is only hundreds of nano-ampere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary component between the power source and the circuit module under test. The capacitor stores electrical charge and releases it to the circuit module, allowing the measurement system to indirectly determine the working current by measuring voltage changes across the capacitor rather than measuring the current directly. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement of ultra-low currents (hundreds of nano-ampere level) that are beyond the direct measurement capability of conventional precision power sources.
2Ease of operation
If a precision power source supplies voltage directly to the circuit module, then the circuit module can operate, but the current measurement precision is insufficient for low power-consumption apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct electrical current measurement mechanism with a voltage measurement mechanism. Instead of using a current sensor or ammeter to measure the working current directly, the system measures the voltage change across the capacitor terminals. This substitution transforms the measurement from a direct current measurement (which has insufficient precision for ultra-low currents) to a voltage measurement approach, enabling precise determination of working currents in the hundreds of nano-ampere range.
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 achieves high precision in measuring low power-consumption currents, ensuring accurate and reliable results for low power-consumption circuit modules.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor C1, configured to supply a voltage to the circuit module (10) by using a voltage on the two terminals of the capacitor C1
Implementation Method 2
a voltage measuring module configured to measure a voltage change amount on the two terminals of the capacitor C1 in an unit time
Data Source
AI summary
Circuits and methods for measuring a working current of a circuit module. An exemplary circuit for measuring a working current of a circuit module includes a capacitor. The capacitor supplies a voltage to the circuit module using a voltage on the two terminals of the capacitor. The circuit also includes a voltage measuring module. The voltage measuring module measures a voltage change amount on the two terminals of the capacitor in an unit time. The working current of the circuit module is determined by the circuit according to the voltage change amount on the two terminals of the capacitor in the unit time and a capacitance of the capacitor.