Electron Multiplier Gain Control for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring and processing high dynamic input signals, such as those used in leak detection, face challenges with discontinuous gain control of electron multipliers, leading to long response times and instabilities, particularly when signals approach amplification range limits.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that determine the exponent of the electron multiplier's gain prior to calculating control circuit parameters, allowing for precise adjustment without iterative measurements, using a logarithmic compressor amplifier and varying supply voltage to measure and calculate gain and offset parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional iterative adjustment method is used to set gain and offset parameters, then the output signal range can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming due to interdependence of parameters requiring multiple iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating theoretical gain and offset parameters using a predetermined exponent value before actual measurement. This pre-calculation approach eliminates the need for iterative adjustments during operation, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a predetermined exponent value as a simplified model that replaces complex iterative parameter tuning. This predetermined value acts as a 'cheap' approximation that provides sufficient accuracy without requiring time-consuming iterative measurements, effectively trading minor precision for significant time savings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gain parameter of the control circuit is adjusted, then the output signal range changes, but both offset and gain of the output signal range change due to parameter interdependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parameter adjustment process by calculating gain and offset parameters separately through theoretical computation. By using a predetermined exponent to independently determine each parameter, the method eliminates the interdependence complexity that would otherwise require coordinated adjustment of multiple parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from iterative parameter tuning to direct theoretical calculation. By transforming the adjustment process into a mathematical computation based on a predetermined exponent, the system achieves adaptability without the complexity of interdependent parameter interactions.
3Manufacturing precision
If offset parameter is adjusted to change output signal range, then the range is modified, but both offset and gain change requiring fine tuning and multiple iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of both gain and offset parameters using a predetermined exponent before actual operation. This pre-computation ensures manufacturing precision through accurate parameter determination while eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative fine-tuning, thereby improving productivity.
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
This approach enables continuous signal measurement over a wide dynamic range, reducing the need for iterative adjustments and stabilizing output signals more efficiently, thus improving processing accuracy and speed.
Implementation Method 1
Electron multipliers are components that have an amplifying function. Their generally very high gain can go up to 10^5
Implementation Method 2
a logarithmic compressor amplifier delivering an output signal and also acting on the control circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring and processing an input signal (To) of at least two decades, comprising: an electron multiplier (4) that has an exponential gain on the basis of the power supply voltage (Vm) thereof and which receives said input signal (To); a power supply (5) that provides the power supply voltage (Vm) of said multiplier (4); a control circuit (6) of the power supply (5), the gain (10) and shift (11) parameters of which are adjustable and define an output signal range while varying the exponential gain of said multiplier (4); a logarithmic compression amplifier (T), the output of which is received as an input of the control circuit (6) so as to vary the exponential gain of the electron multiplier (4), in a continuous manner over the dynamic range of a measurement, on the basis of the output signal (IoG) of the electron multiplier (4), and forming the output signal (Vout) of said device; a measuring and calculating means for predetermining the value of the exponent (b) for the exponential gain of the electron multiplier (4) and for calculating the gain (10) and shift (11) parameter values of said control circuit (6) on the basis of the value of said predetermined exponent (b). The invention also relates to a corresponding leak detector and measuring and processing method.