Delay Line Voltage Feedback for Stable Time-of-Flight Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time-of-flight distance measuring devices are affected by ambient temperature and system supply voltage changes, leading to variations in signal delay amounts that compromise detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission device with a delay control circuit and delay line circuit, utilizing a frequency-locked loop mechanism to maintain a consistent delay amount by adjusting a control voltage, ensuring the delay units in the circuit maintain a target delay despite environmental and power variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional time-of-flight distance measuring devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to signal delay variation with temperature and voltage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the delay control circuit continuously monitors the delay amount of the delay line circuit and adjusts the control voltage accordingly to maintain a constant delay amount. This feedback loop compensates for temperature and voltage variations, resolving the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision without requiring complete redesign of the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control voltage parameter dynamically to compensate for environmental variations. By adjusting the control voltage supplied to the delay units, the system maintains a constant delay amount despite temperature and voltage fluctuations, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If delay line circuit is used to maintain consistent delay amount, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The delay control circuit is designed to automatically monitor and adjust the delay amount without external intervention. The circuit self-regulates by detecting delay variations and adjusting the control voltage accordingly, which improves reliability while minimizing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay control circuit serves multiple functions: it monitors the delay amount, determines when adjustment is needed, and adjusts the control voltage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate circuits for each function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the delay amount is not compensated, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates under temperature and voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The delay compensation system operates automatically without requiring manual calibration or adjustment. The delay control circuit continuously monitors and adjusts the delay amount based on environmental conditions, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through self-regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism automatically detects delay variations caused by temperature and voltage changes and adjusts the control voltage accordingly. This automated feedback loop improves measurement precision without requiring complex manual operation or calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a signal transmission device includes: providing at least one delay line circuit having a plurality of first delay units connected in series; providing a control voltage as a supply voltage provided for a first delay unit of the at least one delay line circuit; and adjusting the control voltage to maintain a delay amount of the first delay unit at a specific delay amount when a variation of the delay amount of the first delay unit occurs.