Constant Current Sensor Electronics for Noise Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems for noise measurement, such as those used in jet engines, require complex and costly arrays of microphones with external direct current constant voltage sources, leading to high initial costs and installation constraints due to the need for multi-conductor cables for power and signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a constant current power source to power sensor units and transmit signals over a single cable, reducing the complexity and cost of sensor systems by integrating signal conditioning electronics within the sensor units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external direct current constant voltage sources and multi-conductor cables are used to power sensors and transmit signals, then reliable power supply and signal transmission are achieved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and signal transmission into a single cable connection. The sensor unit integrates the sensing element and signal conditioning electronics, allowing both power and data to be carried over one cable rather than requiring separate power cables and signal cables, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable serves multiple functions: it provides both power delivery and signal transmission simultaneously. The sensor unit itself becomes a multi-functional component that performs both sensing and signal conditioning, eliminating the need for separate external power supplies and reducing the number of connectors and cables required
2Measurement precision
If external signal conditioning electronics are used, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity and installation constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal conditioning electronics are integrated directly into the sensor unit, merging the sensing function with the signal processing function. This eliminates the need for separate external signal conditioning devices and their associated cables and connectors, thereby improving installation flexibility while maintaining signal processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own signal conditioning electronics internally. The sensor unit processes its own output signal without requiring external assistance, making it easier to install and configure while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If arrays of microphones with external power sources are used, then noise data collection capability is improved, but initial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating power delivery and signal transmission into a single cable connection, and by incorporating signal conditioning electronics within the sensor unit, the overall system requires fewer components. This reduction in component count (fewer cables, connectors, and external power supplies) lowers the initial cost while maintaining noise data collection capability
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a sensor and a circuit. The sensor is capable of generating a signal in response to detecting a stimulus. The circuit is capable of powering the sensor and providing multiple other capabilities including signal conditioning, non-signal related noise cancellation, and signal transmission using a constant current source power input from a cable and sending the signal over the cable.