Multi-Channel Current Output Correction Using Shared Reference Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional current output devices require highly accurate reference resistors for each channel, leading to increased costs when applied to multi-channel systems.
Innovation Solution
A current output device comprising multiple current output units, an alternative current generation unit, a signal conversion unit, and an output current correction unit, where the alternative current generation unit generates a current that substitutes for the output current using a resistor integrated in the circuit, and the signal conversion unit converts this alternative current into a voltage signal for correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a highly accurate reference resistor is used for each channel in a multi-channel current output device, then the output current detection accuracy is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an alternative current generation unit that creates a copy of the output current through a current mirror circuit. This alternative current is then used for detection purposes instead of directly measuring the original output current with a high-accuracy reference resistor for each channel. The copying approach allows using lower-accuracy resistors while maintaining detection precision through the current mirror relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an alternative current as an intermediary between the output current and the detection process. Instead of directly comparing the output current with a reference voltage through a high-accuracy reference resistor, the system uses the alternative current (generated via current mirror) as a mediator that can be safely measured with lower-accuracy components while still providing accurate feedback for correction.
2Measurement precision
If a highly accurate reference resistor is used for each channel, then the error in output current detection is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into a shared resource rather than duplicating high-accuracy reference resistors across all channels. The alternative current generation unit and the single reference resistor are shared among multiple channels, reducing the overall component count and device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the current mirror mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternative current generation unit serves multiple functions: it provides the detection current for the feedback mechanism, enables sharing of the reference resistor across channels, and maintains the current relationship needed for accurate measurement. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for channel-specific high-accuracy components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple high-accuracy reference resistors are used in a multi-channel device, then the stability of each output current is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses current copying through the alternative current generation unit to maintain output current stability without requiring multiple high-accuracy reference resistors. The current mirror ensures that the alternative current accurately reflects the output current, and this copied signal is used for feedback control, thereby maintaining stability while reducing component costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the alternative current (converted to voltage via a single reference resistor) is compared with a target value, and the difference is used to correct the output current. This feedback loop maintains output current stability without requiring expensive high-accuracy reference resistors for each channel, as the correction process compensates for variations.
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
This configuration simplifies the current output device, reduces the need for high-accuracy resistors, and lowers costs while maintaining accurate output current stabilization across multiple channels.
Implementation Method 1
an alternative current generation unit that generates an alternative current on the basis of a resistor arranged in an integrated circuit which also includes the current output units
Implementation Method 2
a signal conversion unit that converts the alternative current into a voltage signal on the basis of a reference resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A current output device has a plurality of current output units, an alternative current generation unit, a signal conversion unit, and an output current correction unit. The current output unit outputs, to an external circuit, an output current based on an output current signal that is input. The alternative current generation unit generates an alternative current, which is a current that substitutes for the output current of the current output unit, on the basis of a resistor arranged in an integrated circuit which also includes the current output units. The signal conversion unit converts the alternative current into a voltage signal on the basis of a reference resistor. The output current correction unit is arranged for each of the current output units and generates the output current signal on the basis of a difference between the voltage signal and a target value.