Electric Field Probe Correction for Angular and Frequency Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical field probes face accuracy issues due to the influence of angular position and frequency changes, which affect measurement reliability, especially when measuring randomly oriented electrical fields with multiple frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A probe system with at least three non-coplanar antennas, a processing circuit, and a measurement correction mechanism that adjusts results based on the frequency and angular position of the probe relative to the electrical field, ensuring isotropic operation and improved accuracy by predicting and correcting measurement errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If three non-coplanar antennas are used to measure electrical field components, then the probe can sense fields from any orientation, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to angular position and frequency influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisotropic measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a correction mechanism that uses feedback from detected signal characteristics (amplitude, phase) to calculate angular position and frequency, then applies correction factors to compensate for measurement errors. This closed-loop approach maintains measurement accuracy across varying angles and frequencies while preserving isotropic capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters by introducing frequency-dependent and angle-dependent correction factors. By dynamically adjusting measurement results based on detected frequency and calculated angular position, the system compensates for environmental influences and maintains precision across diverse measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the probe structure is simplified for ease of operation, then usability improves, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to interference between housing, antenna, and processing elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobe usabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the processing elements from the housing structure and places them in a separate location. This physical separation eliminates interference between the housing, antenna, RF signals, and processing elements, thereby improving measurement reliability while keeping the probe housing simple and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary arrangement where processing elements are positioned outside the main housing structure. This spatial separation acts as an intermediary solution that prevents direct interference between components while maintaining functional integration through signal connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If correction mechanisms are added to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional correction mechanism that simultaneously compensates for both angular position errors and frequency-dependent errors using a unified processing approach. This universal correction system handles multiple error sources through integrated calculations, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate correction systems for each error type.

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

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 system maintains isotropic nature, allowing accurate measurement of electrical fields from any orientation, with enhanced usability and reliability by correcting for frequency and angular position-related errors, ensuring precise measurement results in diverse electromagnetic environments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one antenna (1), a detection circuit (2) for the antenna (1), which detection circuit (2) is connected to the corresponding antenna (1) for detecting an RF signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3540454B1Probe system and method for measuring an electric field
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 DARE BV
  • EP3540454B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3540454B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP3540454B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Probe (1) for measuring an electrical field, comprising: - at least three antennas (2), each antenna being adapted to receive a RF signal, the at least three antennas being arranged in accordance with three axes oriented perpendicularly of each other; - a detection circuit (9) for each antenna, connected to the corresponding antenna for detecting an RF signal; and - a processing circuit (4) operationally connected to an output of each detection circuit for processing the detected signals and outputting a measurement result; - a measurement correction mechanism for correcting the measurement result based on a frequency of said electrical field and an angular position of the probe relative to said electrical field.