Optoelectronic Sensor Amplifier Noise Cancellation Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic sensors face challenges in achieving flexibility, compactness, and cost-effectiveness due to complex architectures and the need for multiple circuits for different applications, along with difficulties in noise cancellation and sensitivity adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor design featuring independent amplification chains for each photodetector signal, a hardware accelerator for fast signal processing, and a processor for managing configuration and detection logic, along with a commutator for noise cancellation and variable gain amplifiers to adjust sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate circuits are implemented for different sensor types, then each circuit can be optimized for its specific application, but the overall device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal front-end circuit architecture that can process signals from different photodetector configurations (single photodetector, dual photodetectors, PSD) using the same electronic components. The circuit includes a photodetector input stage, transimpedance amplifier, and signal processing block that can handle various sensor types through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware circuits for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal processing functionality into independent software modules that can be selectively activated based on the sensor type. The front-end circuit is divided into functional blocks (photodetector interface, amplification, filtering, ADC) that can be independently configured, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple applications without requiring complete separate circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If analog circuits are designed to handle all sensor types, then flexibility is improved, but the circuit becomes excessively bulky and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces extensive analog circuitry with a hybrid architecture that uses minimal analog front-end components followed by digital signal processing. The analog section includes only essential components (photodetector, transimpedance amplifier, basic filtering) while more complex signal processing functions are implemented in the digital domain using ADC and microcontroller, significantly reducing the analog circuit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions signal processing from the analog domain to the digital domain, moving functionality from the physical circuit dimension to the software/firmware dimension. This allows the same physical circuit to be reconfigured for different applications through software, effectively adding a configuration dimension without increasing physical size.
3Measurement precision
If noise cancellation circuits are added to improve signal quality, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements noise cancellation using feedback mechanisms where the circuit monitors its own noise sources and generates compensating signals. The transimpedance amplifier and subsequent stages use feedback loops to actively cancel low-frequency noise and drift, improving measurement precision without requiring separate complex noise cancellation circuits for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signal processing as an intermediary between the analog front-end and the final measurement output. The ADC and microcontroller implement digital filtering and noise cancellation algorithms that process the raw signal, providing precise noise rejection without adding complex analog circuitry.
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 design enables flexible, compact, and cost-effective operation across various applications with improved noise cancellation and sensitivity adjustment, enhancing detection speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver suitable for receiving electromagnetic radiation and transforming it into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic sensor and a method of measurement with such sensor. The sensor includes an emitter arranged for emitting an electromagnetic, preferably a pulsed radiation, and a receiver arranged for receiving said electromagnetic radiation and transforming it into an electric signal.