Detector IC Temperature Compensation Using Power Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced CT and PET scanner systems face challenges in accurately measuring detector temperature due to the lack of integrated temperature-measuring devices, leading to indirect and imprecise temperature data and slow temperature regulation, which affects performance and signal quality.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit (IC) is electrically and thermally coupled to the detector, incorporating an analog front end, low-pass filter, and circuits to monitor power dissipation, enabling fast and accurate temperature compensation by predicting temperature fluctuations based on power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated temperature sensors are attached near detectors to measure temperature, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases and measurement precision remains insufficient because the sensors do not directly measure detector temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The detector circuitry performs temperature measurement as part of its own operation by monitoring its own power consumption. The circuit uses its dedicated power supply and internal circuits to measure the voltage and current drawn from the power supply, calculating temperature based on power dissipation. This self-measurement approach eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors and achieves direct temperature data from the detector itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses power consumption as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure temperature. Instead of directly measuring temperature with separate sensors, the system measures the electrical power consumed by the detector circuitry, which correlates with temperature through thermal dissipation. This intermediary approach provides accurate temperature data without requiring direct thermal contact or separate sensing components.
2Temperature
If air-to-air or water-to-air cooling techniques are used with heat sinks, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but response speed decreases due to additional time constants introduced by the cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively regulates temperature by continuously monitoring power consumption and adjusting the detector's operating parameters before temperature excursions occur. The circuitry modifies its power draw in real-time based on measured power consumption, preventing temperature drift rather than reacting to it after it has developed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for large thermal mass heat sinks and enables faster response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the detector circuitry dynamically based on measured power consumption. By adjusting voltage, current, or other electrical parameters in real-time, the system directly controls its own thermal output without relying on external cooling systems. This parameter modulation enables rapid temperature control with minimal thermal inertia.
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
The solution allows for rapid and precise temperature stabilization, reducing temperature gradients and improving detector performance by proactively adjusting power dissipation to maintain consistent operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first circuit configured to output a second signal based on power consumed by the IC
Implementation Method 2
a low-pass filter coupled to an output of the analog front end and configured to output a first signal
Implementation Method 3
the IC being electrically and thermally coupled to the detector
Data Source
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AI summary
An example apparatus for temperature compensation in an imaging system (100) is described. The apparatus includes an analog front end (302) configured to receive a signal from a detector (104) of the imaging system (100), the analog front end (302) being integrated in an integrated circuit (IC) (106) electrically and thermally coupled to the detector (104); a low-pass filter (306) coupled to an output of the analog front end (302) and configured to output a first signal; a first circuit configured to output a second signal based on power consumed by the IC (106); and a second circuit configured to receive the first and second signals and output a third signal in response to the first and second signals.