Modular Multi-Channel Measurement Boards for EMC Test Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for environmental testing of devices are expensive, have low accuracy, use communication systems with limited measurement frequencies, and require a high number of physical connections, leading to communication losses and compatibility difficulties, while also affecting current-measurement reliability and causing errors.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus with a base board hosting multiple circuit boards, each equipped with voltage and current testing modules, capable of simultaneous and high-frequency measurements, and featuring an interface for robust communication, enabling flexible and accurate electrical characteristic testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement cards are used for environmental testing, then multiple devices can be tested simultaneously, but the measurement accuracy is low and measurement frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent circuit boards, each handling specific measurement tasks. This allows parallel processing of multiple devices while maintaining high measurement accuracy through dedicated measurement units on each board, thereby increasing overall measurement frequency without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical measurement systems with a digital-based measurement architecture using microcontrollers and digital signal processing. This substitution enables higher measurement frequencies and improved accuracy through software-based signal conditioning and processing, overcoming the limitations of traditional hardware-based measurement cards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a high number of physical connections are used in the test rack, then multiple devices can be connected for simultaneous testing, but communication losses and compatibility difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple physical connections are merged into a single standardized interface per circuit board. The interface consolidates power, ground, and data communication lines, allowing multiple devices to be tested simultaneously through a reduced number of connections. This merging reduces communication losses and improves reliability while maintaining adaptability to test multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board interface is designed as a universal multi-functional connection that can accommodate multiple devices with different requirements. The single interface provides power supply, signal grounding, and bidirectional data communication capabilities, enabling one interface to serve multiple testing functions and connect to various device types without requiring separate dedicated connections for each device.
3Productivity
If current measurement is performed in the presence of high current consumption from testing units, then comprehensive electrical characteristics can be measured, but current-measurement reliability is affected and errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of high current consumption on measurement reliability is extracted and isolated through separate power supply circuits for the measurement system. The testing units and measurement circuitry are powered from independent sources, preventing the high current consumption of devices under test from interfering with the sensitive current measurement operations, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while enabling comprehensive electrical characteristic testing.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary measurement circuit is introduced between the high-current device under test and the sensitive measurement instrumentation. This intermediary circuit includes current sensing resistors and signal conditioning amplifiers that can accurately measure current in high-power environments by translating high-current signals into measurable low-voltage signals, thus maintaining measurement reliability while enabling comprehensive electrical characteristic measurement.
4Reliability
If national standards and customer requirements prescribe high measurement accuracy and robust communication protocols, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and physical size increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized circuit board design is created that universally implements all required measurement functions and communication protocols specified by national standards and customer requirements. This universal board includes integrated power supply circuits, multiple measurement channels, and robust bidirectional data communication capabilities, allowing the same hardware platform to meet diverse reliability requirements without increasing overall system complexity through standardization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement apparatus is described which has a base board to host a plurality of circuit boards containing measurement circuitry for measuring current and voltage information of a device under test, on a plurality of channels. The apparatus is suitable for mounting in a test rack as a modular system for measuring electrical parameters of a plurality of devices during electromagnetic compatibility tests.