Optical Sensor Probe for High Voltage Noise Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sensor probes struggle to accurately measure high voltage signals and detect electromagnetic noise in high voltage circuits without interfering with the normal operation of the circuit, and they fail to identify the occurrence part of the noise with sufficient accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A light sensor probe is designed with an optical sensor unit that modulates incident light based on the intensity of electric or magnetic fields, using an optical modulator and antennas to convert field intensities into optical signals. The probe includes a package with a shielding layer and an opening to focus on the measurement area, and it uses optical fibers for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical voltage probe is used to measure high voltage signals, then the measurement precision is improved and electrical separation is achieved, but the device complexity increases and normal circuit operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical measurement system with an optical measurement system. An optical sensor unit converts electric or magnetic field signals into optical signals, which are then transmitted through optical fibers to the measuring instrument. This substitution eliminates electrical connections between the probe and the circuit under test, achieving electrical isolation while maintaining measurement capability, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary medium to transmit measurement signals. The optical fiber carries optical signals from the optical sensor unit to the measuring instrument without electrical contact, serving as a mediator that enables signal transmission while maintaining electrical isolation between the probe and the circuit, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If a conventional electric probe is used to measure voltage signals, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to ground influence and capacity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electric probe with an optical probe system. The optical sensor unit converts field signals into optical signals that are transmitted through optical fibers, eliminating the capacity effects and ground influence that plague conventional electric probes. This substitution maintains relatively simple device structure while dramatically improving measurement precision, especially for high frequency signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving range of the sensor is widened to detect electromagnetic noise, then the detection capability is improved, but the ability to identify the occurrence part of noise deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into multiple independent optical sensors positioned at different locations. Each optical sensor detects electromagnetic noise from its specific position, and by comparing the signals from multiple sensors, the system can identify the occurrence part or source of the noise. This segmentation maintains wide detection capability while improving noise source identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple optical sensors with different local detection characteristics and positions. Each sensor has optimized reception characteristics for its specific location, allowing the system to both widely detect electromagnetic noise and precisely identify its source by analyzing the local detection results from multiple perspectives.
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 light sensor probe effectively measures high voltage signals and identifies the occurrence part of electromagnetic noise without contact, providing accurate waveform measurements and reducing interference from the test environment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor unit configured to modulate incident light depending on an intensity of an electric field or a magnetic field of a place on which the optical sensor unit is located and output the modulated light
Implementation Method 2
the package has a shielding layer formed of a material having a shielding effect for shielding the electric field or the magnetic field at least in a part of the package
Data Source
AI summary
A light sensor probe includes an optical sensor unit configured to modulate an incident light depending on an intensity of an electric field of a place on which the optical sensor unit is located and output the modulated light. The optical sensor unit includes an optical modulator having a modulation electrode integrally formed with antennas. The optical modulator is a branch interference type optical modulator and a reflection type optical modulator. An input optical fiber and an output optical fiber are formed by one input/output optical fiber. A package is formed by a metal plate which functions as a shielding layer to the electric field. An opening is provided on a tip surface at a position capable of being approached to a measurement place. An insulating layer is provided on an outermost surface of a circumference of the opening.