Digital Compensation for Displacement Sensor Non-Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Displacement sensors often suffer from non-linearity issues, particularly total harmonic distortion when measuring vibrations, which can lead to inaccurate readings in applications like seismic monitoring, where precise measurements are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for digital compensation of total harmonic distortion in displacement sensors, involving determining a compensation function based on reference input displacements and output signals, and applying this function to distorted output data to generate undistorted measurements, either through curve fitting or lookup tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a displacement sensor is used to measure vibration, then vibration measurement capability is achieved, but total harmonic distortion appears due to non-linearity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining a compensation function based on reference input displacements and output signals before actual measurement. The compensation function is calculated in advance using curve fitting or lookup tables, and then applied to correct distorted measurements in real-time, eliminating the need for complex real-time computation during vibration measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary compensation function that mediates between the distorted sensor output and the true displacement value. This compensation function acts as a mathematical transformer that converts the non-linear sensor response into an accurate linear measurement, effectively separating the measurement capability from the distortion problem.
2Measurement precision
If non-linearity reduction mechanisms are implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic non-linearity reduction mechanisms with a digital computation approach. Instead of using additional physical components or complex circuitry to linearize the sensor response, the invention uses software-based compensation functions that can be implemented through simple mathematical operations on the digital sensor output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the measurement data through mathematical functions rather than physically altering the sensor or its operating conditions. The compensation function modifies the output signal parameters (amplitude, phase) to correct distortion, achieving high accuracy without changing the physical sensor characteristics or adding complex hardware.
3Measurement precision
If digital compensation functions are applied, then total harmonic distortion is reduced, but computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces computational requirements by performing the complex compensation calculations in advance and storing the results in lookup tables. During actual measurement, the system only needs to perform simple table lookups and interpolation operations rather than complex real-time computations, significantly reducing power and processing requirements while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods for digital compensation for total harmonic distortion in a displacement sensor. The methods can include determining a total harmonic distortion compensation function for a displacement sensor; using the displacement sensor to measure a displacement by generating an output signal with total harmonic distortion; digitizing the distorted output signal to generate distorted output data; applying the total harmonic distortion compensation function to the distorted output data to generate undistorted output data; and outputting the undistorted output data.