MEMS Temperature Sensor Voltage Range Selector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature sensors face challenges in providing high resolution and consistent sensitivity across different temperature ranges, leading to increased costs due to the need for high bit A/D converters and varying voltage characteristics in temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS apparatus with a measuring range selector, comprising a sensor and an IC chip, that adjusts the voltage range to maintain consistent sensitivity across different intervals by using a voltage range selector to adjust the sub-voltage range to a full scale voltage range, allowing for higher resolution temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high bit A/D converter is used to increase resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement range into multiple sub-ranges, with each sub-range handled by a separate low-bit A/D converter. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall resolution by combining results from multiple low-resolution converters, avoiding the need for a single high-bit converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different sub-voltage ranges based on the detected temperature value. The voltage range selector adjusts which sub-range is active, and the system adapts its measurement approach based on the current temperature interval, enabling high resolution across the full temperature spectrum using low-bit converters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thermoelectric device operates across wide temperature ranges, then adaptability is improved, but sensitivity consistency deteriorates due to varying voltage characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wide temperature range into multiple narrower sub-ranges. Within each sub-range, the thermoelectric device operates with more consistent voltage characteristics, maintaining better sensitivity uniformity. The voltage range selector divides the full-scale voltage into multiple sub-voltage ranges, each corresponding to a specific temperature interval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage range parameter dynamically based on the temperature interval. By adjusting which sub-voltage range is active according to the detected temperature, the system maintains optimal sensitivity characteristics across the full temperature spectrum, compensating for the varying voltage-output characteristics of the thermoelectric device.
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 MEMS apparatus achieves identical or similar sensitivities across different temperature ranges, enabling higher resolution temperature measurements while reducing costs by utilizing a lower bit A/D converter, similar to conventional high-resolution temperature sensors.
Implementation Method 1
after a radiant heat is received by a conventional temperature sensor, the temperature of a thermoelectric device therein is increased by the heat to generate a voltage signal correspondingly
Implementation Method 2
An A/D converter is configured to receive the second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A MEMS apparatus having measuring range selector including a sensor and an IC chip is provided. The sensor includes a sensing device. The IC chip includes a voltage range selector, an analog front end, a control device and an A/D converter. The sensing device is configured to detect the physical quantity and generate a sensing voltage. The voltage range selector is configured to select a sub-voltage range having a first upper-bound and a first lower-bound. The analog front end is configured to receive the sensing voltage and output a first voltage. The A/D converter has a full scale voltage range having a second lower-bound and a second upper-bound. A ratio of the full scale voltage range to the sub-voltage range is defined as a gain factor. A difference obtained by subtracting the first lower-bound from the first voltage is defined as a shift factor. The control device is configured to adjust the first voltage to the second voltage according to the gain factor and the shift factor.