System and method for ovenized device temperature control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature control systems for MEMS-based inertial sensors and electronic devices face challenges in maintaining high accuracy due to temperature dependency of temperature sensors and electronics, leading to drift in the set point of the oven control platform, which affects stability and reproducibility across varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least two resistors with different temperature coefficients of electrical resistance (TCR) is employed, where the voltage difference across these resistors is matched to control the oven temperature, independent of the reference electronic voltage or current, using a controller to maintain a stable fixed temperature by amplifying and adjusting the heater signal to achieve zero voltage difference between branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional temperature sensors and electronics are used for oven control, then the system is simple and low-cost, but temperature drift occurs due to temperature dependency of sensors and electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional temperature sensors and electronic control systems with a purely electrical resistance-based control mechanism. By using resistors with different TCR values in a bridge configuration, the system eliminates the need for temperature sensors and electronic voltage references, substituting mechanical/electrical properties (resistance) for electronic measurement and control components. This reduces temperature dependency and improves stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the inherent temperature-dependent resistance properties of the resistors themselves to generate the control signal. The resistors in the bridge configuration automatically produce a voltage difference signal that reflects temperature deviations, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors or complex electronic processing. The system serves itself by using the physical properties of its components rather than requiring separate sensing and control elements.
2Reliability
If temperature compensation algorithms are applied to crystal oscillators, then frequency stability is improved, but additional electronics and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic temperature compensation algorithms with a passive electrical bridge circuit. Instead of using microprocessors, sensors, and software algorithms to compensate for temperature effects, the system uses the natural resistance-temperature characteristics of resistors in a bridge configuration to generate control signals. This mechanical/electrical substitution eliminates complex electronics while achieving frequency stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from electronic parameter processing (voltage, current, digital signals) to utilizing physical parameter variations (resistance changes with temperature) directly. By monitoring resistance changes through the bridge circuit and using these physical parameter variations to drive the control mechanism, the system achieves temperature compensation without electronic complexity.
3Measurement precision
If external temperature sensors are added for compensation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resistors in the bridge configuration serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the control signal generation, act as temperature indicators, and form part of the control mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors, as the resistors themselves perform both the sensing and control signal generation roles, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the control signal generation function into a single integrated bridge circuit. Instead of having separate temperature sensors and control electronics, the resistor bridge combines these functions by using the same components to both detect temperature variations and generate the appropriate control signals, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 enables high-accuracy, stable temperature control that is independent of temperature sensor and electronics' temperature dependency, enhancing the long-term stability and reproducibility of MEMS-based inertial sensors and electronic devices across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing at least two resistors with different temperature coefficients of electrical resistance (TCR), and matching the voltage difference across the resistors
Implementation Method 2
amplifier configured to amplify a voltage difference between the first branch and the second branch
Implementation Method 3
controller configured to control a heater based on an output of the amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a system and method for high accuracy temperature control of an oven used to operate an electronic device, sensor, or resonator at a fixed temperature. The fixed temperature operation may result in high stability and operation accuracy of the devices across varying environment temperature conditions. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods that enable realizing, sensing, and controlling the temperature of an ovenized device with high temperature control, accuracy, relaxed temperature sense, and control electronics requirements.