Multi-gain Current Sensor with Dual Signal Processing Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors in automated control systems face challenges in accurately measuring a wide range of current values due to varying sensitivities and errors across different ranges, which can lead to inaccuracies and the need for multiple sensors to cover different dynamic ranges.
Innovation Solution
A current sensor design featuring two signal processing paths with different sensitivities for low and high current ranges, coupled with a combiner to generate a single output signal with lower overall error, allowing for increased accuracy and compatibility with existing electronic circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single signal processing path is used in the current sensor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates across different current ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into multiple independent paths (first signal processing path and second signal processing path), each optimized for different current ranges. The first path handles low current ranges with higher sensitivity while the second path handles high current ranges with lower sensitivity, resolving the contradiction by segmenting the processing function rather than using a single complex path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic signal routing where the combiner selectively chooses which signal processing path output to use based on the current range being measured. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt its sensitivity characteristics in real-time, maintaining high measurement precision across varying current conditions without requiring a permanently complex processing architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to cover different dynamic ranges, then the measurement precision across all ranges is improved, but the device complexity and quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal processing paths into a single sensor device with a unified output interface. The combiner integrates the outputs of the first and second signal processing paths, allowing a single sensor to deliver the measurement precision of multiple specialized sensors while maintaining compatibility with existing single-sensor system architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensor that can accurately measure both low and high current ranges within a single device. The sensor universally handles different current ranges by dynamically selecting the appropriate processing path, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining measurement precision across the full dynamic range.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor is optimized for high sensitivity in low current ranges, then the measurement precision for low currents is improved, but the ability to measure high current ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into specialized paths: the first signal processing path is optimized for high sensitivity in low current ranges, while the second signal processing path is optimized for high current ranges. This segmentation allows each path to excel at its specific range without compromise, and the combiner integrates them to provide full range coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic range switching where the system automatically selects the appropriate signal processing path based on the detected current level. This allows the sensor to adapt its sensitivity characteristics in real-time, maintaining high measurement precision across the full current range from low to high currents.
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 provides a more accurate current sensor output across a wider dynamic range, reducing the need for multiple sensors and maintaining compatibility with legacy systems, thereby enhancing measurement precision and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit including one or more sensing elements, the sensing unit being arranged to generate, at least in part, an internal signal, the internal signal being generated in response to a magnetic field, the magnetic field being produced, at least in part, by an electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
A current sensor including: a sensing unit including one or more sensing elements, the sensing unit being arranged to generate, at least in part, an internal signal, the internal signal being generated in response to a magnetic field, the magnetic field being produced, at least in part, by an electrical current that is sensed with the sensing unit; a first signal processing path coupled to the sensing unit, the first signal processing path including a first compensation unit for adjusting the internal signal, the first signal processing path being configured to generate a first signal based on the internal signal; a second signal processing path coupled to the sensing unit, the second signal processing path including a second compensation unit for adjusting the internal signal, the second path having a different sensitivity than the first path.