Matched-Impedance Voltage Divider for Temperature-Stable Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage sensors for switchgear face accuracy issues due to temperature dependence, necessitating complex and costly temperature compensation systems that require multiple temperature sensors, which can introduce errors.
Innovation Solution
A voltage sensor design with two circuit portions, each comprising temperature-dependent impedance components, where the impedance components of the second circuit portion are configured to match the temperature dependence of the first portion, ensuring they experience the same temperature, thereby eliminating the need for active temperature compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is performed using temperature sensors and programmed controllers, then the voltage sensor accuracy across temperature ranges is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful temperature-dependent drift of impedance components into a beneficial self-compensation mechanism. By configuring the second circuit portion's impedance components to have matching temperature dependence characteristics with the first circuit portion, the temperature-induced errors in the measurement path are automatically cancelled out in the output path, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors and controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage sensor performs its own temperature compensation through intrinsic circuit design. The impedance components in both circuit portions experience the same temperature conditions and exhibit matched temperature-dependent behavior, enabling the sensor to automatically maintain accuracy without requiring external temperature measurement or active compensation control systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed at each location with temperature dependent components, then the temperature compensation accuracy is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple temperature sensors by converting the temperature sensitivity of impedance components from a source of error into a self-compensating mechanism. The matched temperature dependence of impedance components in both circuit portions automatically cancels temperature-induced measurement errors without requiring external temperature sensing or additional components.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and active compensation systems are used, then the voltage sensor accuracy across temperature ranges is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential error sources
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage sensor achieves reliable temperature compensation through its own circuit configuration rather than relying on external temperature sensors and active control systems. The matched temperature-dependent impedance components in both circuit portions provide passive, inherent compensation that eliminates potential error sources associated with temperature sensing and control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the temperature sensitivity that would normally require complex sensing and control systems into a reliable self-compensating feature. The intrinsic temperature dependence of the impedance components is harnessed to automatically cancel measurement errors, improving reliability by eliminating external compensation hardware and software.
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 sensor achieves improved accuracy and reduced complexity by maintaining consistent temperature-dependent variations across a wide temperature range, outperforming both uncompensated and temperature-compensated sensors, with reduced costs and increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
said first circuit portion comprising at least one impedance component providing a first impedance that is temperature dependent; and a second circuit portion connected between said voltage output and said voltage reference, said second circuit portion comprising at least one impedance component providing a second impedance that is temperature dependent
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage sensor comprises a voltage divider configuration with first and second circuit portions providing first and second impedances. The first and second circuit portions are configured such that the temperature dependence of the second impedance matches the temperature dependence of the 5 first impedance within an operating temperature range. The impedance component of the second circuit portion and the impedance component of the first circuit portion are co-located with each other or otherwise located in one or more location that is subject to, in use, substantially the same temperature. The voltage sensor exhibits improved accuracy in comparison with voltage sensors without temperature compensation, and may also exhibit improved accuracy over temperature-0 compensated voltage sensors that rely on temperature measurement since temperature measurement can be a source of error.