Differential Signal Switching to Prevent Amplifier Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal measurement technologies face challenges in accurately measuring impedance signals from biological tissues without saturating the amplifier, which can lead to loss of meaningful signal information.
Innovation Solution
A signal measurement apparatus that includes an amplifier and a controller, where the controller outputs a control signal to change connections between input terminals of the amplifier and paths along which the differential voltage signal is transmitted, based on the signal value reaching specific threshold values, thereby preventing amplifier saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the amplifier gain is increased to improve measurement precision of impedance signals, then the measurement precision is improved, but the amplifier saturation occurs leading to loss of signal information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the amplifier gain adjustable rather than fixed. The gain is dynamically changed based on the measured signal level - when the signal approaches saturation threshold, the gain is reduced; when the signal is weak, the gain is increased. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying signal conditions without saturating the amplifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the output signal level and using this information to adjust the amplifier gain. The controller detects when the amplified signal approaches saturation and automatically adjusts the gain accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents signal information loss due to saturation while maintaining optimal measurement precision throughout the measurement process.
2Device complexity
If a fixed gain amplifier is used to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the amplifier may saturate or fail to accurately measure varying impedance signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an amplifier system that can adapt to multiple signal conditions through variable gain. Rather than requiring multiple fixed-gain amplifiers for different signal levels, a single amplifier with adjustable gain serves multiple functions - handling both weak and strong impedance signals reliably. This multi-functionality maintains measurement reliability across varying conditions without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal measurement apparatus and signal measurement method are provided. The signal measurement apparatus includes a switching circuit configured to transmit a differential voltage signal to an amplifier, the amplifier configured to amplify the differential voltage signal; and a controller configured to output, in response to a signal value of the amplified differential voltage signal reaching a first threshold value, a control signal to change a connection of the switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit is configured to, based on the control signal, reverse connections between input terminals of the amplifier and paths along which the differential voltage signal is transmitted.