Differential Op-Amp Buffer Circuit for Ground Loop Noise Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing buffer circuits in industrial systems suffer from ground loop issues due to mismatched ground potentials between the source and receiving circuits, leading to undesirable fluctuations in output signals.

Innovation Solution

Implementing feedback circuits in buffer circuits to suppress output signal fluctuations by coupling reference pins to non-inverting or inverting inputs of operational amplifiers via specific impedances, and using filtering circuits to modify reference signals, thereby preventing ground loop currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional noise cancellation methods (feedforward or feedback) are used, then noise reduction is achieved, but voice distortion occurs and/or buttonhole effect is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidvoice distortion and buttonhole effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the noise cancellation process into multiple independent adaptive filters (first adaptive filter for feedforward path, second adaptive filter for feedback path). Each filter processes specific signal components separately, allowing independent optimization without interfering with voice signals, thus reducing voice distortion and buttonhole effects while maintaining noise reduction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element that correlates with both noise and voice signals. This reference signal enables the adaptive filters to distinguish between noise and voice components through correlation analysis, allowing noise cancellation while preserving voice quality and eliminating buttonhole effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If adaptive filtering is applied to cancel noise, then noise reduction is achieved, but computational complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computational workload is segmented across multiple adaptive filters operating in parallel. Each filter handles specific noise components with dedicated processing, distributing the computational complexity rather than concentrating it in a single complex filter, making the system more manageable and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptive filters automatically adjust their coefficients using least mean squares (LMS) algorithms based on real-time signal correlations. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual tuning or complex external control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3949118B1Differential noise cancellation
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
  • EP3949118B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3949118B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3949118B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In one implementation, a circuit can include a reference pin and an operational amplifier that can include an output pin, an inverting input pin and a non-inverting input pin. The inverting input pin can be electrically coupled to the output pin via a first impedance and to the reference pin via a second impedance. The non-inverting input pin can be electrically coupled to the reference pin via a third impedance and can be configured to receive a detection signal. The reference pin can be configured to receive a detection reference signal associated with the detection signal.