Element Array Circuit with Pre-Charging for Fast Resistance Readout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing element array circuits, such as infrared detection circuits, face challenges in providing quick and accurate measurements of resistance values due to slow charging of parasitic capacitances, which affects the reliability and speed of output voltage measurements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed element array circuit includes a configuration with operational amplifiers, capacitors, and switches that allow for quick charging of parasitic capacitances on column lines, enabling rapid establishment of electrical continuity and subsequent measurement of output voltages from impedance elements, thereby improving measurement speed and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional element array circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the charging of parasitic capacitances is slow, resulting in slow measurement speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a dedicated charging period before measurement, during which column line selection signals are applied to pre-charge parasitic capacitances. This separates the charging process from the measurement process, allowing capacitances to be fully charged before voltage measurement begins, thereby achieving fast measurement without overly complicating the circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the operation into distinct phases: a charging period where column line selection signals are applied to charge parasitic capacitances, and a measurement period where output voltages are measured. This temporal segmentation allows the circuit to optimize for speed during measurement while managing complexity through controlled signal application during the charging phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If conventional element array circuits are used, then the circuit configuration is simple, but the output voltages cannot reach steady state quickly, resulting in poor measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance value measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime to reach steady state
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by applying column line selection signals during a charging period before measurement to ensure parasitic capacitances are fully charged. This preliminary charging action guarantees that when measurement begins, the circuit has reached or is approaching steady state, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring excessive measurement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning from the charging period to the measurement period. The column line selection signals continue to be applied during the measurement period, ensuring that the charging action is not interrupted and the circuit remains in a steady state throughout the measurement process, thereby achieving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

This configuration enables quick and accurate measurement of resistance values by bringing output voltages into a steady state rapidly, overcoming the limitations of slow charging in existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more conversion elements are each coupled to the negative input terminal and the output terminal of corresponding one of the one or more operational amplifiers, and each configured to convert a current flowing through one of the second wiring lines that is coupled to the negative input terminal into a voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240035893A1Element array circuit, electromagnetic wave sensor, temperature sensor, and strain sensor
Publication Date: 2024.02.01 TDK CORP
  • US20240035893A1 patent drawing
  • US20240035893A1 patent drawing
  • US20240035893A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An element array circuit includes one or more first wiring lines, second wiring lines, impedance elements, one or more operational amplifiers, one or more conversion elements, and one or more switchers. The second wiring lines each extend in a direction different from a direction of extension of the first wiring lines. The impedance elements are each coupled to one each of the first and second wiring lines. The operational amplifiers each include a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal couplable to one of the second wiring lines, and an output terminal. The conversion elements are each coupled to the negative input terminal and the output terminal, and each convert a current flowing through the second wiring line coupled to the negative input terminal into a voltage. The switchers are each coupled to one of the conversion elements and come into a conducting state or a nonconducting state.