Thermoelectric Power Measurement Cell with Merged Heating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric power-measurement circuits for microwave power in the range of 1 GHz to 110 GHz require frequent recalibration due to instability, leading to low power-carrying capacity and large space requirements, and existing solutions with two heating resistors result in increased power conversion and spatial separation issues.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric power-measurement cell with closely spaced heating elements and thermo-elements, utilizing a copper-nickel alloy and silicon oxide membrane for enhanced thermal coupling and accuracy, along with a verification signal to maintain calibration and prevent non-linear effects, allowing for accurate and stable power measurement with minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two heating resistors are used with spatial separation for calibration purposes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function into the existing measurement structure by placing the second heating resistor at the same location as the first heating resistor, eliminating the need for spatial separation. Both heating resistors share the same sensor element, allowing calibration without requiring additional space.
2Measurement precision
If two heating resistors are used for measurement and calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the heating resistors through a control unit that selectively activates either the first or second heating resistor based on the measurement mode. During normal measurement, only the first heating resistor is active, while during calibration, the second heating resistor is activated. This dynamic switching prevents simultaneous operation of both heating resistors, thereby reducing unnecessary power conversion and energy loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating elements are spatially separated for independent control, then calibration capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both heating resistors at the same spatial location, sharing the same sensor element. This merging approach maintains the calibration capability while reducing structural complexity, as only one sensor element and one set of thermal coupling structures are needed instead of separate sensor elements for each heating resistor.
4Area of stationary object
If heating elements are closely spaced for compact design, then space requirement is reduced, but thermal coupling strength increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first thermal coupling structure specifically positioned between the first heating resistor and the sensor element, and a second thermal coupling structure between the second heating resistor and the sensor element. This localized thermal coupling approach ensures strong and stable thermal connection for both heating resistors despite their close spacing, maintaining measurement accuracy while achieving compact design.
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 high measurement accuracy, long-term stability, and improved power-carrying capacity with reduced space requirements, enabling continuous monitoring and correction of measurement accuracy to maintain optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
A first heating element (10, 20, 21, 25) can be heated by a measurement signal
Implementation Method 2
A temperature can be measured by means of the thermo-element (30, 80)
Implementation Method 3
The thermal conductivity of the membrane (11) preferably determines the measurement accuracy and the power-carrying capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A power measurement cell comprises at least one thermoelement (30) and at least two heating elements (20, 21, 25). A first heating element (20, 21) can be heated by a measurement signal. A temperature can be measured by means of the thermoelement (30). The two heating elements (20, 21, 25) have a very small spacing. The at least one thermoelement (30) and the two heating elements (20, 21, 25) have a high thermal coupling.