Periodic Waveform Calibration for FPGA Timing and Voltage Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration processes for control circuits in nuclear power plants, which involve FPGAs, are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring individual verification of timing and analog voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system that includes a waveform generator, an FPGA, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processor, which uses periodic waveforms to automatically verify and adjust timing and voltage levels, allowing for rapid calibration by comparing sampled values against predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual voltage levels are injected to verify analog voltages, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a periodic waveform (such as a triangular wave) that naturally traverses through multiple voltage levels. Instead of injecting individual voltage levels separately, the system uses a single periodic waveform that covers the entire voltage range, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining measurement precision through threshold comparisons at different voltage points during the waveform cycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple different voltage levels are injected individually, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual voltage level injections into a single periodic waveform injection. The waveform generator produces one continuous periodic signal that encompasses all necessary voltage levels, and the system combines the verification of multiple voltage points into this single waveform traversal, thereby improving calibration efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By using periodic action with a waveform that repeatedly cycles through the voltage range, the system can verify multiple voltage levels in a continuous manner. The periodic nature allows the system to capture voltage level information at different phases of the waveform, achieving comprehensive calibration coverage in a single operational cycle rather than requiring multiple separate injections.
3Measurement precision
If timing calibration is verified separately from voltage calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges timing calibration verification with voltage calibration verification by using the same periodic waveform for both purposes. The system simultaneously measures timing characteristics (such as the time to reach specific voltage thresholds) and voltage levels during the waveform traversal, thereby achieving both calibration objectives in a single process rather than requiring separate verification steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
A calibration system is disclosed. The calibration system includes a waveform generator configured to generate a periodic waveform and a control circuit in signal communication with the waveform generator. The control circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the periodic waveform to digital values and an electronic device in signal communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The electronic device is configured to verify calibration of (1) timing of the control circuit and (2) voltage levels of the control circuit based on the periodic waveform.