MOS Capacitor Electric Field Measurement via Gate Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric field measurement apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring the intensity and direction of composite electric fields, particularly in systems using alternating current and direct current, and struggle with weak electric fields due to shielding effects, and are limited in measuring frequency bands and directionality.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors to measure electric fields by controlling gate voltages and electron flow, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrostatic and time-varying electromagnetic fields, and visualizing electric field distributions using multiple MOS capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general electric field measurement apparatuses are used, then electrostatic fields can be measured, but time-varying electromagnetic fields cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus is divided into multiple sensor units, each configured to detect specific components of the electric field. By segmenting the measurement function across multiple specialized sensors, the system can accurately measure both electrostatic fields and time-varying electromagnetic fields simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to measure both electrostatic fields and time-varying electromagnetic fields using the same device. This is achieved by configuring sensors that can detect electric field components through different physical mechanisms depending on the field type
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna measurement apparatus is used, then time-varying electromagnetic fields can be measured, but electrostatic fields cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple sensor units with different detection mechanisms. Some sensors are optimized for time-varying electromagnetic field detection while others detect electrostatic fields, allowing both field types to be measured accurately by the same apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus achieves universal measurement capability by integrating multiple sensor types that can detect both electrostatic and time-varying electromagnetic fields. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform measurements that previously required separate specialized apparatus
3Measurement precision
If amplification is increased to measure weak electric fields, then measurement sensitivity improves, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary integration of electric field components over time before final measurement output. This preliminary action accumulates signal information while averaging out random noise, improving detection sensitivity for weak electric fields without proportionally increasing noise
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and adjust for noise levels. By continuously comparing expected signal patterns with actual measurements, the system can distinguish between genuine weak electric field signals and noise, maintaining high detection sensitivity
4Device complexity
If a single sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement of electric field direction and magnitude requires multiple measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus is segmented into multiple sensor units arranged in specific spatial configurations. Each sensor detects electric field components in different directions simultaneously, allowing complete characterization of electric field magnitude and direction in a single measurement cycle rather than requiring multiple sequential measurements
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
Enables precise measurement of electric field intensity and direction, including weak fields, and provides comprehensive visualization of electric field distributions, overcoming limitations of existing technologies in frequency band measurement and directionality.
Implementation Method 1
a potential well for holding electrons, which corresponds to a MOS capacitor
Implementation Method 2
The electrostatic field is determined by an amount of electric charges accumulated in a specific position
Implementation Method 3
a phenomenon in which a portion of holes or electrons stored in a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor flow out from the MOS capacitor and are recombined with a hole in a substrate, when the MOS capacitor is exposed to the electric field
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a technique of adjusting a gate voltage to be applied to at least one MOS capacitor and an amount of electric charges to be stored in the MOS capacitor so as to determine a sensitivity of a change in the amount of electric charges stored in the MOS capacitor, and exposing the MOS capacitor to an electric filed for a predetermined amount of time and then reading an electron inflow or outflow result due to the electric field so as to interpret the intensity and the direction of the electric field, thereby measuring the intensity and the direction of the electric field.