Dual-Path Seismic Data Acquisition for 160 dB Dynamic Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seismic data acquisition devices, particularly 24-bit devices, fail to meet the dynamic range requirements of high-precision seismic monitoring, with a maximum dynamic range of only 138 dB, which is insufficient for capturing both small and large seismic signals effectively.

Innovation Solution

A seismic data acquisition device employing an anti-aliasing filter, a first conversion circuit for direct analog-to-digital conversion of signals below a voltage threshold, and a second conversion circuit for voltage-frequency conversion and frequency counting of signals above the threshold, combined with a controller to fit the results, achieving a dynamic range of 160 dB.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a 24-bit seismic data acquisition device is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the dynamic range is limited to 138 dB which is insufficient for high-precision seismic monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the seismic signal processing into two separate conversion circuits: a first conversion circuit for small signals and a second conversion circuit for large signals. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific signal range, achieving a combined dynamic range of 160 dB while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic signal routing that automatically selects between the first and second conversion circuits based on the input signal amplitude. The controller dynamically adjusts which conversion path is active, enabling the system to adapt to varying seismic signal conditions and achieve extended dynamic range without requiring a completely redesigned fixed-architecture device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the dynamic range is extended to 160 dB using dual conversion circuits, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the anti-aliasing filter, coordinates both conversion circuits, performs signal fitting between the two conversion paths, and handles data output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control units for each component, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving 160 dB dynamic range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the small signal conversion path and large signal conversion path into a single integrated data acquisition system with a unified controller. By combining these functions and using a fitting mechanism to integrate results from both paths, the system achieves extended dynamic range without the complexity of completely separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual conversion circuits are used to achieve 160 dB dynamic range, then the range of maximum input signals is expanded, but the ease of operation and manufacturing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of maximum input signalsVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each conversion circuit is designed with specialized components optimized for its specific function: the first conversion circuit uses an anti-aliasing filter and is optimized for small signals, while the second conversion circuit is optimized for large signals. This local optimization allows each subsystem to be manufactured with standard components while the overall system achieves expanded adaptability through their combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If the anti-aliasing filter is applied to all signals, then measurement precision for small signals is improved, but processing speed for large signals may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal resolutionVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-aliasing filter is applied preliminarily to the small signal path before conversion, ensuring high measurement precision for small seismic signals. The large signal path bypasses this filtering stage, allowing faster processing of large amplitude signals. This preliminary application of filtering only where needed maintains precision for small signals without sacrificing processing speed for large signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution ensures high-precision digital signal acquisition across a wide dynamic range, improving seismic observation precision and expanding the range of maximum input signals, thereby enhancing seismic monitoring capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The anti-aliasing filter is configured to filter the seismic data and then output an input signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

The first conversion circuit is configured to convert the input signal to a first digital conversion signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 3

The second conversion circuit is configured to convert the input signal to a second conversion digital signal based on voltage-frequency conversion and frequency counting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage-frequency conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12399290B2Seismic data acquisition device and seismic data acquisition method
Publication Date: 2025.08.26 INST OF GEOPHYSICS CHINA EARTHQUAKE ADMINISTRATION
  • US12399290B2 patent drawing
  • US12399290B2 patent drawing
  • US12399290B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A seismic data acquisition device and a seismic data acquisition method are disclosed. The seismic data acquisition device includes an anti-aliasing filter, a first conversion circuit, a second conversion circuit, and a controller. The anti-aliasing filter has an input configured to receive seismic data, which is generally an analog signal. The anti-aliasing filter has an output connected to an input of the first conversion circuit and an input of the second conversion circuit, respectively. The first conversion circuit has an output connected to a first input of the controller. The second conversion circuit has an output connected to a second input of the controller. The seismic data acquisition device and method enable wide dynamic seismic data acquisition with high resolution over the full amplitude range of the (seismic data) input signal.