PCB-Integrated Dielectric Spectroscopy with Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dielectric spectroscopy devices using coaxial probes are not suitable for wearable applications due to their size and weight, and integrating these components on a circuit board leads to measurement inaccuracies from drift caused by heat and signal changes.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric spectroscopy measuring device with a signal generation, separation, changeover switch, sensor, and calibration units integrated on a single circuit board, utilizing a calibration standard unit with open, short, and termination circuits to correct measurement values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If dielectric spectroscopy devices using coaxial probes are integrated on a circuit board to reduce size, then device size is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to drift caused by heat and signal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements before actual dielectric spectroscopy measurements. The calibration standard unit (comprising open circuit, short circuit, and termination circuit) is measured first to establish reference values, which are then used to correct subsequent measurement values. This preliminary calibration compensates for drift effects that occur during operation, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the compact integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the calibration process where measurement values obtained from the calibration standard unit are used to correct measurement values from actual samples. The system continuously monitors and adjusts for drift by comparing current measurements against calibrated reference values, enabling the compact device to maintain accuracy over time and across different operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If multiple units (signal generation, separation, changeover switch, sensor, calibration) are integrated on a single circuit board, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement stability deteriorates due to heat and signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration unit performs preliminary measurements to establish baseline characteristics of the integrated circuit board and its components. By capturing the electrical characteristics (including heat and signal interference effects) during calibration, the system creates reference data that accounts for the specific board's variations. This allows the compact integrated design to maintain stability by correcting for its own inherent variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from calibration measurements to continuously correct for drift and interference effects. The measurement values obtained from calibration standards are used to adjust and correct subsequent measurements, compensating for the instability introduced by integrating multiple units on a single circuit board. This feedback mechanism enables the compact device to maintain measurement stability despite the close proximity of heat-generating and signal-sensitive components.
3Measurement precision
If calibration standard unit with open, short, and termination circuits is added, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration standard unit (open circuit, short circuit, and termination circuit) with the main device body on the same circuit board. Instead of using separate external calibration equipment, all calibration functions are integrated into the device itself. This combining approach improves measurement accuracy through proper calibration while avoiding the complexity of separate calibration systems, as the calibration circuits share the same substrate and signal paths as the measurement circuits.
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 configuration reduces drift and improves measurement accuracy by correcting for errors using reflected waves from calibration standards, enhancing the device's ability to accurately measure dielectric properties.
Implementation Method 1
a calibration standard unit including a circuit for a calibration standard, the circuit outputting reflected waves for calibration generated by receiving the electromagnetic waves output by the changeover switch unit to the changeover switch unit
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit configured to irradiate a measurement target with the electromagnetic waves output by the changeover switch unit, and output measurement target waves obtained by irradiation to the changeover switch unit
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric spectroscopy measuring device includes a signal generation unit that generates electromagnetic waves, a signal separation unit that separate the electromagnetic waves according to a transmission direction and outputs the separated electromagnetic waves to an output destination corresponding to the transmission direction, a changeover switch unit that receives the electromagnetic waves generated by the signal generation unit via the signal separation unit, switches an output destination, and outputs the received electromagnetic waves, and outputs electromagnetic waves returning from the output destination to the signal separation unit, a sensor unit that irradiates a measurement target with the electromagnetic waves output by the changeover switch unit, and outputs measurement target waves obtained by irradiation to the changeover switch unit, a calibration standard unit including a circuit for calibration standard, the circuit outputting reflected waves for calibration generated by receiving the electromagnetic waves output by the changeover switch unit to the changeover switch unit, a signal reception unit that receives the measurement target waves and the reflected waves for calibration via the signal separation unit, and an operation unit that receives a measurement value output by the signal reception unit receiving the measurement target waves and the reflected waves for calibration, and corrects the received measurement value of the measurement target on the basis of the measurement value corresponding to the received reflected waves for calibration.