Fiber Optic Powered Smart Sensor for EMI Immunity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control and data acquisition systems face challenges in high-reliability applications due to susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, noise-induced interference, and complex configuration and maintenance requirements, particularly in harsh environments like military and nuclear power plants.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optically powered data acquisition and control system using smart sensors with a microprocessor, fiber optic transceiver, and signal conditioning circuit enclosed in a Faraday cage, which communicates through a network of fiber optic splitters, providing immune power and communication links, and enabling decentralized or centralized architectures for efficient data transmission and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical systems with extensive grounding and shielding schemes are used to withstand electromagnetic interference, then reliability in harsh environments is improved, but system cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through copper wiring with optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive grounding and shielding schemes while maintaining immunity to electromagnetic interference, thereby reducing system complexity and weight while improving reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiber optic cables as an intermediary medium to transmit signals between sensors and control systems. This intermediary replaces direct electrical connections, providing a non-conductive transmission path that naturally isolates the system from electromagnetic interference without requiring complex grounding or shielding arrangements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fiber optic technology is used to eliminate electromagnetic interference, then immunity to electromagnetic interference is improved, but power transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional fiber optic cable system that simultaneously performs data communication and power transmission. By integrating photovoltaic power sources with the fiber optic infrastructure, the system enables both signal transmission and energy supply through the same optical medium, eliminating the need for separate electrical power lines and maintaining immunity to electromagnetic interference.
3Power
If conventional electrical power lines are used to supply power to sensors, then power delivery is improved, but susceptibility to damage and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical power transmission through copper wires with optical power delivery using fiber optic cables and photovoltaic converters. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability of electrical lines to damage and interference while maintaining the ability to deliver power to remote sensors, thereby improving system integrity in harsh environments.
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 achieves reliable operation in harsh environments by eliminating electromagnetic interference and simplifying maintenance through automatic validation and configuration updates, reducing costs and complexity in system design and operation.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic converter transforms the light to voltage for powering the sensor electronics
Implementation Method 2
The transceiver includes a fiber optic transmitter that converts the digital output to an optical signal
Implementation Method 3
smart sensors with a microprocessor, fiber optic transceiver, and signal conditioning circuit enclosed in a Faraday cage
Data Source
AI summary
A light-powered data acquisition and control system immune to electromagnetic interference employs smart sensors in a network configuration capable of decentralized communication. A smart sensor with integral transducer encloses a microprocessor, fiber optic transceiver, and photovoltaic converter within a Faraday cage. Optical fibers link plural sensors for duplex communication with a fiber optic splitter, which transmits high intensity light to the converter for powering the sensors. The sensor converts analog input from the transducer into bit packets for fiber optic transmission to the network via the splitter. Firmware in the splitter converts the bit packets to network protocol and vice versa enabling data communication among sensors, splitters, and control receivers. Verification algorithms for testing sensors are run automatically by the microprocessor or through commands issued via the network. Mnemonics stored in the sensors provide automatic updating of system configuration.