Dual-Path Current Sensing for Precise Measurement and Fast Event Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor devices struggle to accurately and quickly detect current events, such as overcurrents, particularly in applications like electric vehicles where safety and precision are critical.
Innovation Solution
A current sensor device with a magnetic sensing element and amplification means that operate in two states, allowing for high precision in current measurement and fast event detection by separately processing signals for current and event detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high gain amplification is used to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but detection speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into two separate paths: one path (first amplification means) is dedicated to precision measurement with high gain and adjustable bandwidth, while another path (second amplification means) is dedicated to fast event detection with lower gain and high bandwidth. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The first amplification means employs adjustable gain and adjustable bandwidth that can be dynamically modified by processing means based on signal conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between precision and speed requirements in real-time, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and detection speed.
2Measurement precision
If high gain is used to amplify small signals, then signal precision is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The processing means serves multiple functions: it controls the adjustable gain and bandwidth of the first amplification means for precision measurement, simultaneously controls the second amplification means for event detection, and performs the actual event detection. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable gain and bandwidth in the first amplification means are controlled dynamically by processing means, allowing the system to adapt to different signal conditions without requiring multiple fixed-gain amplifier stages. This dynamic control simplifies the architecture compared to using multiple static amplification stages.
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 device achieves both high precision in current measurement and fast event detection, addressing the challenges of accurate and timely current monitoring in electrified applications.
Implementation Method 1
current sensing means comprising a magnetic sensing element for contactlessly measuring the current
Data Source
AI summary
A current sensor device for measuring a current in a conductor comprising: current sensing means comprising a magnetic sensing element for contactlessly measuring the current; amplification means 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 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 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 arranged for outputting a signal indicative of said current based on said first amplified signal; and an output terminal arranged for outputting said signal indicative of the event.