Configurable Interface Circuit for Shared Analog and Digital Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing configurable interface circuits lack the ability to efficiently measure both analog and digital currents and voltages without significant cost or complexity, particularly due to the impracticality of routing digital currents through existing sense resistors, which would require expensive and power-consuming ADCs or compromise measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a digital sense resistor in the digital current path allows the same measurement circuit to measure both digital and analog signals by ensuring no current flows through the analog path during digital mode and vice versa, utilizing a single measurement circuit without additional cost or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital current is routed through the existing analog sense resistor to enable digital measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to current interference and ADC complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sense resistor function into two separate components: an analog sense resistor (R1) for analog current paths and a digital sense resistor (R2) for digital current paths. This segmentation allows each resistor to be optimized for its specific current type, preventing measurement interference and maintaining high precision for both analog and digital measurements simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the digital sensing function from the analog sense resistor by introducing a separate digital sense resistor (R2) in the digital current path. This extraction eliminates the interference that would occur if digital current flowed through the analog sense resistor, thereby preserving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If separate measurement circuits are added for digital and analog modes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single measurement circuit universal by configuring it to measure voltage across different sense resistors (R1 for analog, R2 for digital) depending on the operational mode. The measurement circuit maintains the same structure while adapting its measurement target based on whether the system is in analog or digital mode, thereby avoiding the need for separate measurement circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the analog and digital measurement functions into a single measurement circuit that can operate in both modes. By using the same measurement circuit to measure voltage across R1 in analog mode and across R2 in digital mode, the design consolidates hardware resources and reduces overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional sense resistors and measurement circuits are added to support both analog and digital modes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement circuit is designed as a universal component that serves both analog and digital measurement needs through configuration rather than hardware changes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of discrete components required, lowering bill of materials cost and simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines analog and digital measurement capabilities into a single integrated measurement circuit that can be configured for different modes. This consolidation reduces component count and assembly complexity, directly impacting manufacturing cost positively while maintaining full operational flexibility
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective measurement of both digital and analog currents and voltages by minimizing additional components and maintaining measurement accuracy, thus enhancing diagnostic capabilities without redesigning the measurement circuit.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a voltage between a second terminal of the first sense resistor and a second terminal of the second sense resistor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a configurable interface circuit supporting a plurality of different selectable operational modes. In one example the interface circuit comprises a device terminal couplable to an external field device, a digital current path coupled to the device terminal, and having a first sense resistor, and an analog current path having a second sense resistor. When the configurable interface circuit is operating in the analog mode, an analog current can flow through the analog current path and an analog signal can be measured by measuring a voltage across the first sense resistor and second sense resistor, and when the configurable interface circuit is operating in the digital mode, a digital current is controlled to flow through the digital current path and a digital signal can be measured by measuring the voltage across the first sense resistor and second sense resistor.