Handheld Signal Analyzer With Programmable Gain for Ultrasonic and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld data collector and analyzer devices face limitations in accurately monitoring both ultrasonic and vibration signals due to distortion caused by analog low-pass filters and instability at various frequency ranges, failing to effectively combine digital shifting and analysis across both bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device equipped with a multi-stage programmable amplifier for adjusting gain, a digital signal processing unit, and a conditioning circuit that includes a transducer identification circuit and analog-to-digital converters, enabling the collection and analysis of AC analog signals in both ultrasonic and vibration bandwidths with minimal distortion and high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If analog low-pass filters are used for frequency analysis, then frequency range selection is enabled, but signal distortion (amplitude, frequency, phase) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical analog low-pass filter system with a digital signal processing system. The analog filter that caused signal distortion is substituted by digital filtering algorithms implemented in a microprocessor, which process the digitized signal without introducing the same types of amplitude, frequency, and phase distortion. This substitution enables frequency analysis while maintaining signal integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If circuit designs are focused on certain preferred frequency ranges, then those frequency ranges are optimized, but stability at other frequency ranges (especially low frequencies) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frequency analysis system using digital signal processing that can accurately analyze signals across multiple frequency ranges (both low vibration frequencies and high ultrasonic frequencies) with a single device configuration. The microprocessor-based system with programmable digital filters provides stable and accurate analysis across the entire frequency spectrum, eliminating the need for frequency-range-specific circuit designs and their associated stability problems.
3Measurement precision
If digital signal processing is used instead of analog filtering, then signal distortion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog filtering circuitry with a digital signal processing system implemented in a microprocessor. While digital processing introduces computational complexity, it eliminates the need for multiple analog filter circuits, switches, and tuning components. The overall device complexity is managed through integrated digital processing, which provides superior signal fidelity and programmability.
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 device achieves precise and polyvalent signal processing across both ultrasonic and vibration bandwidths, providing stable and accurate data collection and analysis with reduced distortion, enhancing its capability to monitor a wide range of frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
converting pressure waves in the ultrasonic or in the vibration bandwidths into AC analog signals by an AC transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Data collector and analyzer hand held device capable of collecting and analyzing AC analog signals obtained by both converting pressure waves in the ultrasonic or in the vibration bandwidths into such signals comprising a conditioning circuit comprising a transducer identification circuit arranged for downloading a characteristic of an external transducer and at least a first amplifier, arranged for conditioning an AC analog signal at a desired amplitude, a first analog to digital converter, a digital signal processing unit, a central processing unit and a user interface. The first amplifier of the conditioning circuit is a multi-stage programmable amplifier arranged for enabling the adjustment of its gain between 0 and a predetermined value by the central processing unit as a function of a characteristic of an AC external transducer, downloaded by the identification circuit, transmitted by this circuit to the central processing unit and identified by this unit or of a known characteristic of an AC internal transducer.