Millimeter-Wavelength Gyroscope and Accelerometer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gyroscopes and accelerometers, particularly those based on laser and MEMS technologies, face manufacturing challenges due to their complexity and cost, especially in forming optical elements on integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A substrate-based apparatus with a phase locked loop (PLL) generating millimeter and submillimeter wavelength signals, coupled with propagation path sections and detection circuitry, including phase detectors and dividers, to measure phase differences and determine physical movement, utilizing reflective materials and integrated circuits for compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser based technology is used for accelerometer, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to forming optical elements on integrated circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical system (laser-based) with an electrical system using radio frequency signals and standard integrated circuit components. The ring laser gyroscope is transformed into an electrical equivalent using transmission lines, capacitors, and inductors that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor processes, eliminating the need for complex optical element fabrication on ICs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from optical frequencies to radio frequencies, allowing the use of standard electronic components instead of optical components. This parameter change enables the system to achieve similar measurement precision while using manufacturable electrical circuits with standard process technologies
2Measurement precision
If monolithic integrated ring laser gyroscope is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in forming optical elements on IC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical-based ring laser gyroscope with an electrical equivalent circuit that uses standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. The optical paths are replaced with electrical transmission lines, and optical components are replaced with electrical components, enabling easy fabrication using standard IC manufacturing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor processes applicable to both gyroscopes and accelerometers. The same fabrication processes and component libraries can be used for different sensing applications, improving ease of manufacture and reducing production costs
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 enables the production of compact, cost-effective, and accurate gyroscopes and accelerometers by leveraging millimeter and submillimeter wavelength radiation, overcoming the manufacturing and cost limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a phase locked loop (PLL) formed on the substrate, wherein the PLL generates an input signal having a wavelength that is less than 10 mm and greater than 100 μm
Implementation Method 2
detection circuitry that is coupled to the third and fourth propagation path sections, wherein the first and second lengths are selected such that, when the apparatus is at rest, output signals from the third and fourth propagation path sections are substantially in phase
Data Source
AI summary
Accelerometers have a number of wide-ranging uses, and it is desirable to both increase their accuracy while decreasing size. Here, millimeter or sub-millimeter wavelength accelerometers are provided which has the advantage of having the high accuracy of an optical accelerometer, while being compact. Additionally, because millimeter or sub-millimeter wavelength signals are employed, cumbersome and awkward on-chip optical devices and bulky optical mediums can be avoided.