Hybrid Reference Voltage Supply for Stable, Accurate Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voltage supplies for mass spectrometers lack the necessary accuracy and stability, particularly in providing reference voltages that are both highly accurate and stable over time and temperature, which is crucial for achieving precise mass analysis.
Innovation Solution
A voltage supply system comprising an ultra-stable DC voltage source and an accurate DC voltage source, along with a tuning unit and comparator, to provide a reference voltage that is both highly accurate and stable, utilizing a tunable voltage divider and digital-to-analog converters for precise voltage adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an ultra-stable DC voltage source is used, then voltage stability over time and temperature is improved, but voltage accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an ultra-stable DC voltage source and an accurate DC voltage source into a single hybrid voltage supply system. The stable voltage source provides the reference voltage with excellent long-term stability, while the accurate voltage source provides a calibration voltage with high accuracy. These two sources are merged through a control unit that can switch between them and blend their characteristics to produce a reference voltage that possesses both high stability and high accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the ultra-stable DC voltage source and the accurate DC voltage source. It receives inputs from both sources, compares their characteristics, and dynamically adjusts the reference voltage output to optimize both stability and accuracy. The control unit mediates the trade-off by selectively utilizing the strengths of each voltage source under different operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single DC voltage source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both high stability and high accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage supply function into two distinct parts: an ultra-stable DC voltage source dedicated to providing long-term stability, and an accurate DC voltage source dedicated to providing calibration accuracy. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise, while the control unit integrates their outputs to deliver comprehensive voltage performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage supply and a method for calibrating the voltage supply are provided. The voltage supply is for providing a reference voltage to supply a voltage to at least one electrode. The voltage supply comprises: an ultra-stable DC voltage source, an accurate DC voltage source, a tuning unit, a comparator, and a control unit. An ultra-stable voltage is applied to the tuning unit, which is provided based on a supplied voltage of the ultra-stable DC voltage source. The tuning unit provides an output voltage. A voltage based on the output voltage of the tuning unit is compared by the comparator with an accurate voltage. The accurate voltage is provided based on a supplied voltage of the accurate DC voltage source. The comparator provides a signal resulting from the comparison to the control unit, wherein the control unit is tuning the tuning unit during a tuning period according to the signal provided by the comparator to minimize the absolute difference between the voltage based on the output voltage of the tuning unit and the accurate voltage. The reference voltage of the voltage supply is provided based on the output voltage of the tuning unit after the tuning period.