Coaxial RC Voltage Divider for High-Frequency Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RC voltage dividers face limitations in accurately measuring frequencies above 3 kHz and achieving a linear response with sufficient bandwidth and accuracy for power quality measurements across a wide voltage range.
Innovation Solution
An RC voltage divider with a coaxial secondary part arrangement, featuring a metallic housing as an electrical shield connected to ground, which reduces inductive influences and includes capacitors and resistors arranged symmetrically around a tap conductor to minimize frequency-dependent inductance and enhance linearity across a wide frequency spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flat arrangement of secondary components on PCB is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for frequencies above 3 kHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat PCB arrangement to a three-dimensional coaxial cylindrical structure. Secondary components are arranged radially around the tap conductor in multiple layers, creating a coaxial geometry that minimizes inductance and improves high-frequency measurement accuracy while accepting increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved and cylindrical geometries in the coaxial structure, with secondary components arranged in circular patterns around the central tap conductor. This curved arrangement optimizes electromagnetic field distribution and reduces parasitic inductance compared to flat linear arrangements
2Measurement precision
If inductive or capacitive voltage transformers are used, then bandwidth is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to narrow bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental electrical parameters of the voltage divider by using a coaxial geometry with minimized inductance and optimized capacitance distribution. This allows the system to maintain accurate voltage division across a broad frequency range from DC to several kHz, overcoming the narrow bandwidth limitations of traditional transformer-based solutions
3Reliability
If secondary components are arranged flat on PCB, then ease of manufacture is improved, but linearity deteriorates at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coaxial structure into modular segments including the tap conductor, secondary components arranged in radial layers, and protective housings. This segmentation allows for systematic assembly while maintaining the precise coaxial geometry needed for linear high-frequency response
4Productivity
If conventional PCB layout is used, then device complexity is reduced, but frequency bandwidth deteriorates above 3 kHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tap conductor and secondary components into a unified coaxial assembly where all elements are positioned concentrically. This integration minimizes parasitic inductance and capacitance effects, enabling extended frequency bandwidth while the modular coaxial design manages the inherent structural complexity
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 coaxial design provides improved linearity and frequency bandwidth, enabling accurate voltage measurement over a wide range while protecting against electromagnetic interference, thus addressing the limitations of conventional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The metallic housing 6 serves as an electrical shield for protecting the RC voltage divider 1 against electromagnetic influences, such as induction, and is connected to ground
Implementation Method 2
The advantage of a coaxial build up is a well equalized arrangement that allows a good linearity over a large frequency spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An RC voltage divider includes a secondary part connected to a primary part. The secondary part has a coaxial build up, assembly, configuration or alignment.