Coupled Output Inductor Circuit for Multi-Frequency Ultrasonic Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic transducer driving circuits are limited by resonant technology, which requires tight frequency tolerances and cannot be used across different transducer frequencies, restricting their application and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with a coupled inductor pair and LC filter that allows for the same driver to be used across multiple transducers with different frequencies, utilizing a switching amplifier and digital synthesizer for flexible frequency control, and minimizing dead time to maintain low output impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resonant circuits are used to drive ultrasonic transducers, then the transducer can be driven at its resonance frequency, but the circuit cannot be used with transducers having different frequencies and tight frequency tolerances are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) that can dynamically adjust its output frequency to match the resonant frequency of different ultrasonic transducers. This dynamic frequency adjustment capability allows the same driving circuit to adapt to multiple transducer frequencies without requiring tight frequency tolerances or multiple dedicated circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameter (frequency) of the driving circuit by using a DCO that can be programmed to output different frequencies. This parameter change capability enables the circuit to drive transducers with different resonant frequencies, eliminating the limitation of fixed-frequency resonant circuits.
2Measurement precision
If tank circuits are used to drive specific frequency transducers, then high frequency accuracy is achieved, but the circuitry cannot be reused with transducers of different resonance frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal driving circuit that can interface with multiple types of ultrasonic transducers having different resonant frequencies. The digitally controlled oscillator and programmable logic allow a single circuit design to serve multiple frequency requirements, eliminating the need to manufacture different circuit boards for different transducer frequencies and enabling economies of scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit incorporates dynamic frequency control through the DCO, which can be programmed to output the specific resonant frequency of any connected transducer. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical circuit to function correctly with transducers of varying frequencies, maintaining frequency accuracy without requiring frequency-specific hardware designs.
3Reliability
If resonant circuits with tight frequency tolerances are used, then the transducer operates at the correct frequency, but device complexity increases and economies of scale are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional analog resonant circuitry with a digitally controlled system. Instead of using fixed-frequency LC resonant circuits that require precise component values and tight tolerances, the invention uses a DCO programmed with the target frequency, eliminating the need for complex analog frequency-matching circuits and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving circuit automatically determines the required frequency through digital programming rather than requiring manual adjustment or complex feedback mechanisms. The system self-configures to the appropriate frequency through software control, simplifying the overall circuit design and reducing the need for additional components.
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
Enables efficient driving of ultrasonic transducers over a broad range of frequencies, reducing production costs and allowing for the use of a single driver across various transducers, while maintaining high accuracy and frequency shifting speed.
Implementation Method 1
a coupled inductor pair including a first winding and a second winding magnetically coupled to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a first input terminal for receiving a first pulsed voltage and a second input terminal for receiving a second pulsed voltage. The circuit further includes a load and an LC filter. The LC filter includes a coupled inductor pair that includes a first winding and a second winding magnetically coupled to each other. The first winding is coupled between the first input terminal and the load, and the second winding is coupled between the second input terminal and the load. A frequency of a first current flowing through the first winding is increased by the second pulsed voltage applied to the second winding.