PCB Implant Optical Current Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current current measurement methods in power electronics face challenges such as electromagnetic compatibility issues, significant effort for accurate measurement, power losses, and space constraints on printed circuit boards, particularly due to strong electromagnetic fields and high-frequency currents.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a fiber-optic current sensor within the printed circuit board using a three-dimensional electro-optical circuit board (EOCB) with light-guiding structures, where the sensor operates based on the Faraday effect, allowing non-contact current measurement without affecting system efficiency or space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional current measurement methods (shunt, XMR) are used, then current measurement capability is achieved, but electromagnetic compatibility problems arise due to strong electromagnetic fields and high-frequency currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic or mechanical measurement systems (shunt resistors, magnetic cores, coils) with an optical measurement system. Light-guiding structures made of transparent material guide light around the conductor, and the Faraday effect rotates the polarization plane of light in proportion to the current, enabling measurement without electromagnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to measure current indirectly. Instead of directly measuring electrical current with electromagnetic sensors, the system uses light propagation through transparent material around the conductor, where the current's magnetic field subtly affects light polarization without directly interacting with measurement components.
2Measurement precision
If shunt resistors are used for current measurement, then current measurement is achieved, but power loss increases and cooling expenditure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces resistive shunt measurement with optical measurement. Instead of forcing current through a resistor and measuring voltage drop (which causes I²R losses), the system uses light-guiding structures that passively detect current via the Faraday effect on light polarization, eliminating power loss entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-guiding structures and transparent material perform the measurement function without consuming power or generating heat. The system uses the existing magnetic field around the conductor to affect light propagation, requiring no additional energy input or cooling infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If traditional fiber optic current sensors are used, then current measurement is achieved, but the device dimensions are too large for printed circuit board integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional fiber optic cables to two-dimensional planar light-guiding structures integrated directly into the PCB trace layer. The light-guiding structures are formed as flat patterns in transparent material, allowing integration within the confined space of a printed circuit board while maintaining optical measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the current measurement function with the existing PCB structure. The light-guiding structures are integrated into the circuit board's conductor track, combining the mechanical support, electrical conductor, and optical measurement functions into a single unified structure rather than adding separate bulky sensor components.
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 solution provides a compact, interference-resistant current measurement system that minimizes power losses and efficiently measures currents on printed circuit boards, addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The first and the second optical layer, each have at least one light-guiding structure with a first end and a second end
Implementation Method 2
a fiber-optic ical current sensor for current measurement of a current flowing through the conductor is formed. The evaluation means are designed to determine the phase shift between the transmitted and the received light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a printed circuit board (1) with a conductor track (2) having a recess (3) arranged in the course of the conductor track (2) such that the conductor track (2) is interrupted, wherein an implant (4) with a left, right, lower and upper edge (l,r,u,o) is arranged in the recess (3), wherein - a conductor (5) is arranged in the implant (4), which, when the implant (4) is inserted, closes the conductor track (2) interrupted by the recess (3), - wherein the implant (4) has a first optical layer (6) and a second optical layer (7) and the conductor (5) is arranged between the two layers (6,7), the first and the second optical layer (6,7) each have at least one light guide structure (101, 201) with a first end (11) and a second end (12), - wherein in a right edge region (8) of the implant (4), in which the respective second ends (12) of the Light guide structures (101, 201) are located,a light guide (30) is arranged so that light injected at the first end (11) of the optical fiber (101) of the first optical layer (6) is deflected to the second end (12) of the light guide structure (201) of the second optical layer (7) so that a beam path (40) of the light encloses the conductor (5), - further comprising an optical transmitter (41) and an optical receiver (42) with evaluation means (43), thereby forming a fiber optic current sensor for measuring a current (I) flowing through the conductor (5).