Multi-Dynamic-Range Sensor Using Parallel ADC Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors often produce analog output signals across a wide dynamic range, which can be challenging to accurately process, particularly when requiring different resolutions and dynamic ranges for various applications, leading to inefficiencies in data interpretation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple channels with distinct Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) within a flow sensor system, where one channel provides a wider dynamic range with lower resolution and another channel offers a narrower dynamic range with higher resolution, allowing for flexible and configurable data processing to suit diverse applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ADC is used to process the analog output signal across the entire dynamic range, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because a single resolution cannot adequately cover both low and high signal levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single signal processing path into multiple parallel channels, each with its own ADC. The first channel uses a first ADC with first resolution for the full dynamic range, while the second channel uses a second ADC with second resolution for a subset range. This segmentation allows each ADC to be optimized for its specific range, improving overall measurement precision without requiring one overly complex high-resolution ADC for the entire range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect by creating multiple processing channels with different resolution characteristics. Instead of trying to achieve high resolution across the entire dynamic range in a single dimension, the system uses multiple dimensions (channels) where each handles a specific portion of the dynamic range with appropriate resolution, effectively solving the precision-complexity tradeoff.
2Measurement precision
If a high-resolution ADC is used across the entire dynamic range, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates because the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dynamic range into multiple portions handled by different channels. The first channel processes the full range with moderate resolution, while the second channel processes only the subset range with high resolution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision only where needed, reducing overall processing time and improving productivity compared to processing the entire range at high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using high-resolution processing only for the subset dynamic range where it is actually needed, rather than applying high-resolution processing across the entire dynamic range. This reduces unnecessary computational overhead and improves productivity while maintaining precision where required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor output is processed with fixed resolution, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because the system cannot optimize for different application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing into multiple channels with different resolution characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to different application requirements. Applications requiring high precision over a narrow range can use the second channel, while applications needing broad range coverage can use the first channel, providing versatility without requiring complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional processing system where the first channel handles the full dynamic range and the second channel handles a subset range with higher resolution. This universal architecture can serve multiple application needs simultaneously, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable device complexity through a systematic multi-channel approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system that produces a multi-dynamic range output is provided. In an illustrative embodiment, a first channel and a second channel receive an analog output signal from a sensing element. The first channel provides a first digital output signal that has a first dynamic range, and the second channel provides a second digital output signal that has a second narrower dynamic range. In some cases, the second narrower dynamic range falls within the first dynamic range, and the first digital output signal may provide a first resolution and the second digital output signal may provide a second greater resolution. The dynamic range and/or resolution of one or more of the first channel and second channel may be dynamically reconfigurable, if desired.