Orthogonal Field Probes With Split Shield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field probes are limited in their ability to provide full three-dimensional resolution of electric and magnetic fields, especially at high frequencies and small dimensions, as they are sensitive to only one component of the field distribution, making it difficult to spatially and temporally resolve voltages and currents in circuits and materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of electric and magnetic field probes featuring a coaxial transmission line with a split shield and dielectric insulator, where the distal end can terminate in an open circuit, short-circuited current loop, or ground plate, allowing for the measurement and mapping of orthogonal field components through the use of tapered and shielded designs that include electrodes and gaps to minimize perturbation and enhance sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional field probes are used, then the probe structure is simple, but the probe can only measure one component of the field distribution, resulting in incomplete three-dimensional field resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a coaxial transmission line with a split shield containing multiple electrodes (at least two), each electrode capable of measuring different field components. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple field components (electric and magnetic fields in different orientations) while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed with multi-functionality to measure both electric and magnetic field components using a single integrated structure. The split shield with multiple electrodes can detect different field orientations, and the coaxial transmission line can operate in different modes (electric field sensing, magnetic field sensing via short-circuited current loop, or both), providing comprehensive three-dimensional field resolution from one probe
2Measurement precision
If the probe dimensions are reduced to match small circuit dimensions, then spatial resolution is improved, but the probe becomes less effective at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The probe utilizes parameter changes by operating the coaxial transmission line in different resonant modes depending on frequency requirements. At lower frequencies, the probe can function in electric field sensing mode, while at high frequencies, the short-circuited current loop configuration enables magnetic field sensing with enhanced high-frequency response. The electrical length and impedance parameters are optimized for the specific frequency range and circuit dimensions being measured
3Measurement precision
If the probe is made more sensitive to detect small fields, then measurement capability is improved, but the probe perturbs the field being measured
Solution Approach 1:
The probe introduces an intermediary approach by using the coaxial transmission line structure as a mediator between the field being measured and the measurement system. The transmission line couples to the field through its electromagnetic fields rather than direct physical contact, and the split shield configuration allows the probe to sense field components through induced currents and voltages without significantly disturbing the original field distribution. The dielectric insulator material also serves as an intermediary that minimizes perturbation while enabling field coupling
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
These probes enable the spatial resolution of orthogonal electric and magnetic fields, particularly at sub-millimeter dimensions and high frequencies, allowing for complete field mapping and improved sensitivity with reduced perturbation, facilitating diagnostics in circuits and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a coaxial transmission line comprising: (a) a core conductor forming a longitudinal axis of the coaxial transmission line; (b) a split shield comprising two or more electrodes disposed about the longitudinal axis with gaps separating the electrodes from one another; and (c) a dielectric insulator separating the split shield from the core conductor
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric insulator separating the split shield from the core conductor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are electric and magnetic field probes for measuring and mapping distributions of such fields on, for example, circuits, antennas and materials.