Integrated Circuit for NMR Systems Reducing Downhole Sensor Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMR logging spectrometers are expensive, limited in pulse sequence formats, and have large, heavy downhole sensor packages, making them inefficient for NMR measurements.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit (IC) with a memory circuit, pulse sequencer, and NMR transmitter/receiver circuits that can generate and receive RF signals according to user-defined parameters, allowing for customizable NMR pulse sequences and multi-channel operations, reducing the size and weight of NMR systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional NMR logging spectrometers are used, then NMR measurements can be performed, but the system size and weight become large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pulse sequencer, NMR transmitter, and NMR receiver into a single integrated circuit chip. This merging of previously separate components into one unified device dramatically reduces the overall system size and weight while maintaining full NMR measurement functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and package weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions (pulse sequencing, RF signal generation, and NMR signal reception) within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing the overall system mass while preserving complete NMR operation capability.
2Reliability
If traditional NMR logging spectrometers are used, then NMR measurements can be performed, but the system expense becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple expensive separate components (pulse sequencer, transmitter, receiver) into a single chip, the patent reduces overall system cost through economies of scale, simplified manufacturing, and reduced assembly requirements, while maintaining full measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional discrete electronic components and interconnections with an integrated circuit implementation, eliminating the need for complex wiring harnesses, connectors, and mechanical assemblies, thereby reducing both cost and complexity while preserving functional capability.
3Reliability
If traditional NMR logging spectrometers are used, then basic NMR measurements can be performed, but the pulse sequence format support becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse sequencer within the integrated circuit is designed to be reconfigurable and programmable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different pulse sequence formats and experimental requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to support multiple pulse sequence types without hardware changes, resolving the contradiction between measurement reliability and format versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit allows modification of operational parameters including pulse sequence formats, timing characteristics, and signal processing settings. This parameter flexibility enables the same hardware to perform diverse NMR experiments with different pulse sequences, achieving both measurement reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit is provided for use in conjunction with an external antenna. The integrated circuit includes a memory circuit, a pulse sequencer, an NMR transmitter circuit and an NMR receiver circuit. The memory circuit is configured to store user-defined parameter data pertaining to an excitation period and an acquisition period that are part of an NMR pulse sequence. The pulse sequencer and the NMR transmitter circuit are configured to cooperate to generate RF signals in accordance the user-defined parameter data stored in the memory circuit, wherein such RF signals are supplied to the external antenna for emitting excitation signals from the external antenna during the excitation period of the NMR pulse sequence. The NMR receiver circuit is configured to receive electrical signals generated by the external antenna during the acquisition period of the NMR pulse sequence.