Parallel Current Ranging Circuit for Continuous Wide-Range Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current measurement systems face discontinuities and errors due to real-time switching between discrete measurement ranges, struggle with accurate measurements across small and large currents, and have difficulty measuring small changes in large currents without sacrificing accuracy or resolution, particularly when dealing with both simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A current measurement system utilizing a plurality of parallel sensing circuits that measure respective voltage ranges, triggered by a common buffer threshold, with a processor combining data to determine current, and incorporating a virtual ground buffer and feedback loops for continuous and accurate measurements across a wide range of currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If real-time switching between discrete measurement ranges is implemented, then the system can measure currents across different magnitudes, but discontinuities and errors are introduced at range boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple parallel sensing circuits, each dedicated to a specific current range. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate independently within its optimal range without switching, eliminating discontinuities and errors at range boundaries while maintaining adaptability across the full measurement spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing circuits are configured to simultaneously handle different current ranges, creating a universal measurement system that can measure currents across various magnitudes without switching. The parallel architecture enables the system to function across the entire measurement range using multiple specialized circuits working concurrently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement resistors are used in series or parallel configurations, then wide current range measurement is enabled, but the system requires manual switching between discrete ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and activates the appropriate sensing circuit based on the input current magnitude, eliminating the need for manual switching. The parallel sensing circuits are continuously active and the system self-determines which circuit to use, providing ease of operation while maintaining wide measurement range capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching between measurement ranges is implemented, then different current magnitudes can be measured, but momentary interruptions in measurement occur
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing circuits operate continuously in parallel, ensuring that measurement action is never interrupted. Each circuit remains active and ready to measure, providing continuous reliable measurement across the full current range without momentary interruptions that would occur with switching mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If guarding is implemented in low current ranges, then measurement accuracy is improved, but circuit design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple parallel sensing circuits, with dedicated circuits for low current ranges that incorporate guarding techniques. This segmentation allows guarding to be applied selectively only where needed for low current accuracy, rather than complicating the entire circuit design, thus improving low current measurement precision without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A current measurement system, comprising a plurality of parallel sensing circuits, each sensing circuit configured to measure a respective range of voltage corresponding to a current through a load, wherein each sensing circuit is triggered to initiate measurement of a voltage across the load in response to a buffer current through a common buffer reaching a respective threshold, a buffer circuit for inputting a virtual ground voltage or a virtual ground current to the load and to the plurality of parallel sensing circuits, the virtual ground voltage corresponding to the voltage across the load or the current through the load, and a processor coupled to the plurality of parallel sensing circuits, wherein the processor is configured to combine data representing voltage measurements from the plurality of parallel sensing circuits to determine the current through the load.