Dual-Path Current Sensing for Precise Monitoring and Fast Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor devices struggle to achieve high precision and fast detection of current events, particularly in applications like electric vehicles, where overcurrents pose safety risks and require rapid response.
Innovation Solution
A current sensor device with separate signal processing paths for current and event detection, using adjustable and fixed gains to optimize signal precision and speed, and incorporating magnetic sensing elements like Hall sensors to contactlessly measure current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single amplification path is used for current monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but it is impossible to simultaneously achieve high precision current measurement and fast event detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into two separate amplification paths: a first amplification path with adjustable gain for precise current monitoring, and a second amplification path with fixed gain for fast event detection. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first amplification path uses adjustable gain that can be dynamically changed based on current levels, allowing the system to adapt between precision measurement mode and fast detection mode. The gain adjustment mechanism enables the system to maintain high precision across varying current conditions while preserving fast response capability.
2Measurement precision
If adjustable gain is used for high precision current monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but response time increases due to gain adjustment delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary gain adjustment based on predicted current levels or uses multiple pre-configured gain settings. This allows the amplification path to be pre-prepared for the expected measurement range, reducing the time penalty associated with gain changes and maintaining fast response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gain adjustment operates periodically or in discrete steps rather than continuously, allowing the system to maintain stable operation during each phase while making timely adjustments between phases. This periodic approach minimizes the impact of gain changes on overall response time.
3Measurement precision
If separate amplification paths are used for current and event detection, then both precision and speed requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two amplification paths and their processing logic into a single integrated current sensor device. By merging the precision monitoring path and fast detection path within one device, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate independent devices, while still maintaining the functional benefits of separate processing paths.
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
Enables high-precision current monitoring with fast event detection, preventing damage from overcurrents by optimizing gain settings and using non-contact measurement techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the current sensing means comprises a Hall sensor for contactlessly determining a current flowing through a conductor
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6
AI summary
A current sensor device for measuring a current in a conductor (6) comprising: current sensing means (1) comprising a magnetic sensing element for contactlessly measuring the current; amplification means (2) arranged to act in a first and second state, said amplification means in said first and second state being arranged for amplifying a first and second signal, respectively, from said current sensing means (1) with an adjustable first gain and a second gain and a first and second bandwidth to yield a first and second amplified signal, respectively, wherein said first gain is higher than the second gain, wherein the first gain and the second gain are larger than 1; processing means (3) for controlling at least said first gain, for detecting an event based on at least said second amplified signal and for producing a signal indicative of said event; an output terminal (4) arranged for outputting a signal indicative of said current based on said first amplified signal; and an output terminal (4) arranged for outputting said signal indicative of the event.