Ion Trap Electrode Capacitance Sensing for Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault detection techniques for ion trap electrodes require expensive and complex external equipment, are slow, and lack scalability for large-scale manufacturing, posing a risk of electrode disconnection or shorting that affects ion trapping functionality.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a capacitance measurement device within the ion trap device to detect electrode faults by measuring capacitance, allowing for automated and scalable identification of disconnections or shorts without external equipment, using methods such as dynamic charge/discharge measurements and charge redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external equipment is used for fault detection, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the capacitance measurement functionality directly into the ion trap device by incorporating a capacitance measurement circuit that shares common electrodes with the ion trapping function. This merging eliminates the need for separate external measurement equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the unified design.
2Measurement precision
If complex external equipment is used for fault detection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ion trap device performs self-diagnosis by incorporating an integrated capacitance measurement circuit that automatically detects electrode faults without requiring external measurement equipment. This self-service capability enables rapid fault detection during manufacturing and operation, significantly improving productivity and scalability while maintaining accurate fault detection.
3Measurement precision
If external equipment is used for fault detection, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitance measurement circuit is pre-integrated into the ion trap device structure, allowing fault detection to be performed immediately without setting up external equipment. The circuit can perform preliminary capacitance measurements of electrodes before ion trapping operations begin, enabling rapid fault detection and reducing time loss during setup and operation.
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
Facilitates rapid and cost-effective detection of electrode faults, ensuring reliable electrical connections for precise ion control, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of ion trap device manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance measurement device electrically connected or connectable to each electrode of a first set of the plurality of electrodes and configured to generate, for each electrode of the first set of the plurality of electrodes, a measure of capacitance for the electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanism for determining a measure of capacitance of one or more electrodes (110) of an ion trapping device (100). The ion trapping device comprises a plurality of electrodes (110) and a capacitance measurement device (312), which are formed in a same integrated circuit (310). The capacitance measurement device determines a measure of capacitance of a (sub-)set of the plurality of electrodes.