Frequency-Locked Measurement Circuit for Precise Element Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensing methods, such as thermocouples and resistance sensing, face challenges with complex signal processing, susceptibility to corrosion, poor noise resistance, and difficulty in measuring resistance values in electronic systems, limiting their precision, functionality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device utilizing a time average frequency-frequency lock loop (TAF-FLL) and time average frequency-direct period synthesis (TAF-DPS) to correlate the frequency of an oscillation circuit with an element's value, enabling precise measurement through a frequency control word, which is used to determine parameters like resistance or temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermocouple method is used for temperature measurement, then measurement range is wide and direct contact measurement is achieved, but signal processing becomes complex and noise resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thermocouple mechanical/electrical contact measurement system with an optical measurement system. The optical sensor detects temperature through light interaction with the measured object, eliminating the need for direct physical contact and complex signal processing circuits, thereby reducing noise while maintaining wide measurement range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) between the sensor and the measured object. Instead of direct electrical contact like thermocouples, the optical sensor uses light as a mediator to detect temperature, which simplifies signal processing and improves noise resistance while preserving the ability to measure across a wide temperature range
2Measurement precision
If resistance sensing method is used, then measurement is achieved through resistance value, but difficulty in measuring and using resistance value in electronic systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from resistance value (electrical domain) to optical properties (optical domain). By measuring changes in light absorption, reflection, or emission rather than resistance, the system achieves precise measurement while producing output signals that are directly compatible with electronic systems, eliminating the difficulty of converting and utilizing resistance values
3Temperature
If deformation-based temperature sensing methods are used, then temperature detection is achieved, but design limitations and poor transplantability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces deformation-based mechanical sensing with optical sensing. Instead of measuring physical deformation of materials in response to temperature, the optical sensor detects temperature through optical property changes, providing universal applicability across different environments and applications without being constrained by material deformation characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal temperature sensing approach using optical principles that can be applied across diverse applications. The optical sensor can detect temperature in various environments (contactless, through intermediaries, in harsh conditions) without requiring redesign, significantly improving adaptability and transplantability compared to deformation-based methods
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring device and a measuring method are provided. The measuring device (1) includes an oscillating circuit (11), a time average frequency-frequency lock loop (12), and a digital signal processing circuit. The oscillation circuit (11) includes an element to be measured and is configured to output a signal having an oscillation frequency correlated with an element value of the element to be measured. The time average frequency-frequency lock loop (12) is configured to receive the signal output by the oscillation circuit (11) and output a frequency control word correlated with the oscillation frequency. The digital signal processing circuit is configured to read the frequency control word output by the time average frequency-frequency lock loop (12) and obtain the element value of the element to be measured according to the read frequency control word. The measuring device (1) is easy to integrate, has small volume, low power consumption, and high reliability, and can achieve high-precision measurement.