Logarithmic WMS Demodulator for Phase-Independent 2f/1f Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Wavelength Modulation Spectroscopy (WMS) demodulation techniques are limited by phase dependency and require multiple analog multipliers, leading to increased complexity, power consumption, and reduced dynamic range.

Innovation Solution

A logarithmic-based demodulator system using two band-pass filters with central frequencies of 2f and 1f, followed by separate logarithmic amplifiers and a differential amplifier to produce a phase-independent 2f/1f signal, reducing component count and power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional WMS demodulation techniques are used, then the demodulation function is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to requiring multiple analog multipliers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemodulator complexityVSAvoiddemodulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional analog multiplier circuits with a logarithmic amplifier-based demodulation system. The logarithmic amplifiers convert the multiplication operation into addition/subtraction operations in the logarithmic domain, significantly reducing circuit complexity while maintaining demodulation accuracy. This substitution transforms complex analog multiplication into simpler logarithmic transformation and differential operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational domain from linear amplitude domain to logarithmic amplitude domain. By applying logarithmic amplification to the detected signal and reference signal, the system transforms the multiplication relationship into a differential relationship, enabling simpler circuit implementation while preserving the essential demodulation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by stationary object

If traditional WMS demodulation techniques are used, then the demodulation function is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemodulator power consumptionVSAvoiddemodulator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes power-hungry analog multiplier circuits with energy-efficient logarithmic amplifier circuits. The logarithmic amplification approach requires less power while achieving the same demodulation objective, making it suitable for portable and battery-powered spectroscopy applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional WMS demodulation techniques are used, then the demodulation function is achieved, but the dynamic range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal dynamic rangeVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the signal processing from linear domain to logarithmic domain, which naturally expands the dynamic range. Logarithmic amplifiers can handle a wider range of input amplitudes without saturation, allowing the system to detect both weak and strong absorption signals with high fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If traditional WMS demodulation techniques are used, then the demodulation function is achieved, but phase dependency limits measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption measurement accuracyVSAvoidphase alignment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces phase-sensitive multiplication with phase-independent logarithmic differentiation. By working in the logarithmic domain and using differential amplification, the system eliminates the need for precise phase alignment between the detected signal and reference signal, making the measurement process more robust and easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution achieves higher dynamic range and reduced complexity, eliminating phase dependency and enabling more compact, cost-effective WMS demodulation with a single power supply.

Implementation Method 1

a first band-pass filter, where the first band-pass filter may be configured to receive and filter a detector signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBand-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a second band-pass filter, where the second band-pass filter may be configured to receive and filter the detector signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBand-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

a first logarithmic amplifier (Log Amp), where the first Log Amp may be configured to apply a first filtered detector signal from the first band-pass filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLogarithmic amplification:

Implementation Method 4

a second Log Amp, where the second Log Amp may be configured to apply a second filtered detector signal from the second band-pass filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLogarithmic amplification:

Implementation Method 5

a differential amplifier, where the differential amplifier may be configured to subtract a first applied signal from the first Log Amp from a second applied signal from the second Log Amp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential amplification:

Implementation Method 6

an Anti-Log Amplifier, where the Anti-Log Amplifier may be configured to determine an inverse logarithm of a subtracted signal from the differential amplifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInverse logarithmic amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12015386B2Logarithmic demodulator for laser Wavelength-Modulaton Spectroscopy
Publication Date: 2024.06.18 SEEKOPS INC
  • US12015386B2 patent drawing
  • US12015386B2 patent drawing
  • US12015386B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods including a first band-pass filter configured to receive and filter a detector signal, where the first band-pass filter has a central frequency of 2f; a second band-pass filter configured to receive and filter the detector signal where the second band-pass filter has a central frequency of 1f; a first logarithmic amplifier (Log Amp) configured to apply the filtered detector signal from the first band-pass filter; a second Log Amp configured to apply the filtered detector signal from the second band-pass filter; a differential amplifier configured to subtract the applied signal from the first Log Amp from the applied signal from the second Log Amp; and an Anti-Log Amplifier configured to determine an inverse logarithm of the subtracted signal from the differential amplifier.