Multi-Range Sensor Bridge Circuit with Polarity Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face challenges in measuring pressure or other physical values across multiple ranges with a single device, often requiring two separate bridge circuits and increased chip space.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design featuring a single bridge circuit with selection elements that switch between modes, allowing measurements in both normal and extended ranges by inverting the second branch's polarity, enabling differential signal-based measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate bridge circuits are used to measure different pressure ranges, then measurement precision across multiple ranges is improved, but device complexity and chip space increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single bridge circuit is designed to perform multiple measurement functions by switching between different configurations. The circuit can measure both normal pressure ranges and extended pressure ranges (e.g., tire pressure, water pressure) by activating different sensor elements and adjusting circuit connections, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each range.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge circuit incorporates dynamic switching capabilities through selection elements that can reconfigure the circuit connections in real-time. The circuit transitions between different operational modes (normal range mode and extended range mode) by switching which sensor impedance elements are active and how they are connected, allowing adaptive measurement across varying pressure conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate bridge circuits are used for different pressure ranges, then adaptability to different measurement scenarios is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement capabilities that would traditionally require separate physical circuits are merged into a single shared bridge circuit. The circuit combines normal range sensor elements and extended range sensor elements within one structure, using switching mechanisms to activate the appropriate elements based on the measurement requirements, thereby reducing overall chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration to adapt to different measurement scenarios. Selection elements switch between connecting normal range sensor elements and extended range sensor elements to the bridge circuit, enabling the same physical circuit to adapt its measurement range based on the application (e.g., atmospheric pressure vs. tire pressure vs. water pressure).
3Adaptability or versatility
If selection elements are added to enable mode switching, then versatility of measurement ranges is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Selection elements are integrated into the bridge circuit to enable dynamic switching between measurement modes. These elements allow the circuit to reconfigure its connections based on whether normal range or extended range measurement is required, providing versatility without requiring physically separate circuits for each function.
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
This approach allows for precise pressure measurement across two different ranges using a single bridge circuit, reducing chip space and enabling adaptable measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor impedance element configured to transduce a magnitude to be measured into a first impedance-related parameter; a second sensor impedance element configured to transduce the magnitude to be measured into a second sensor impedance-related parameter
Implementation Method 2
Capacitive or impedance-based sensors are known. For example, a sensor capacitance element may be such that a value to be measured (such as pressure) modifies the capacitance of a capacitor
Implementation Method 3
a bridge circuit connected to the first and second signal source terminals, the bridge circuit including: a first branch including: a first reference impedance element; and a first sensor impedance element; a second branch including: a second reference impedance element; and a second sensor impedance element; a first output terminal intermediate between the first reference impedance element and the first sensor impedance element; and a second output terminal intermediate between the second reference impedance element and the second sensor impedance element; a circuitry configured to provide a measured value on the basis of a differential signal obtained between the first output terminal and the second output terminal
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a sensor includes: a signal source with a first signal source terminal and a second signal source terminal; a bridge circuit connected to the first and second signal source terminals, the bridge circuit including: a first branch including: a first reference impedance element; and a first sensor impedance element configured to transduce a magnitude to be measured into a first impedance-related parameter; and a second branch including: a second reference impedance element; and a second sensor impedance element configured to transduce the magnitude to be measured into a second sensor impedance-related parameter.