Wide Dynamic Range Current Measurement with Event Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring current consumption in battery-powered, network-enabled devices are error-prone and tedious, as they struggle to accurately capture the wide dynamic range of current usage from hundreds of nano-amperes to amperes, lacking the ability to validate measurements in the normal operating environment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for wide dynamic range current measurement with consumption event analysis, utilizing a current measurement device that switches between high and low gain burden resistors based on current thresholds, allowing for accurate measurement and storage of summary statistics and events, enabling precise tracking of current consumption across a 10,000:1 range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional current measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately capture wide dynamic range current usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current measurement system into multiple segments with different gain levels. Multiple burden resistors with different resistance values are used to create segmented measurement ranges, allowing accurate measurement across a wide dynamic range from nano-amperes to amperes by selecting the appropriate segment for each measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different burden resistors based on the current measurement range. The system automatically selects the appropriate resistor value (e.g., 0.01 ohm for high current, 10 ohm for low current) to optimize measurement precision for the current operating condition, making the measurement system adaptive rather than static.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurement tools are used to cover different current ranges, then measurement precision for each range is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal current measurement device that can measure across multiple current ranges using a single instrument. By integrating multiple burden resistors and automatic range selection logic, the device performs multiple measurement functions (nano-ampere measurement, micro-ampere measurement, ampere measurement) that would otherwise require separate specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system automatically selects the appropriate burden resistor and measurement range without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The system monitors the current level and self-adjusts the measurement parameters, eliminating the need for the user to manually switch between different tools or configure measurement settings.
3Measurement precision
If manual measurement and summation of current segments is performed, then measurement precision for individual segments is maintained, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to error-prone manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system. Instead of separately measuring different current segments with different tools and then manually summing the results, the system combines multiple burden resistors and measurement circuits into one unified device that automatically performs all measurements and calculates total power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors current consumption and provides real-time feedback on power usage across different operational modes. The measurement system automatically aggregates data from different current segments and provides cumulative power consumption information, enabling immediate validation of battery lifetime calculations without manual intervention.
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 accurate and efficient measurement of current consumption across a wide dynamic range, providing validated results and improving battery sizing and device lifetime verification, reducing errors and complexity in measurement processes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a current measurement device that switches between high and low gain burden resistors based on current thresholds
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for a wide dynamic range current measurement with consumption event analysis are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes analyzing a plurality of a set of input data characteristics from a device under test. The method also includes totalizing the set of input data characteristics. The method also includes determining whether at least one of the plurality of the set of input data characteristics occurs above a quiescent level. Further, the method includes establishing an event in response to determining that at least one of the plurality of the set of input data characteristics occurs above the quiescent level. The method also includes creating a summary statistic based on the plurality of the set of input data characteristics. Further, the method includes storing the summary statistic and the event as a result.