Phase-Locked Signal Conversion for Low-Noise DC Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog-to-digital converters face challenges in effectively converting DC voltage signals into digital signals, particularly due to noise issues and the need for efficient signal transformation without modifying the converter structure.
Innovation Solution
A transducer device and method utilizing an oscillator device to generate phase-locked oscillator signals, an analog frequency converter to shift the signal into a lower noise frequency range, and a digital frequency converter to transform the signal back to the original frequency, incorporating filters and mixers for noise reduction and efficient conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analog-to-digital converters are used for DC voltage signal conversion, then the converter structure remains simple, but noise effects significantly degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency conversion of the DC voltage signal to an AC signal at a frequency where noise effects are lower, before the analog-to-digital conversion process. This preliminary frequency transformation allows the subsequent conversion to occur in a more favorable noise environment, thereby improving signal quality without requiring complex modifications to the converter structure.
2Measurement precision
If frequency conversion is performed to reduce noise, then signal quality improves, but device complexity increases due to additional oscillator and frequency converter components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using frequency conversion as a mediating process between the DC voltage signal and the analog-to-digital converter. The signal is transformed to an intermediate frequency domain where noise is reduced, converted to digital form, and then transformed back. This intermediary frequency conversion step acts as a bridge that improves signal quality while keeping the overall converter structure relatively simple by reusing existing converter components.
3Measurement precision
If conventional conversion methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but power consumption is high due to noise compensation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces power consumption by performing preliminary frequency conversion to a noise-favorable frequency range before analog-to-digital conversion. This preliminary action allows the conversion process to proceed with lower noise interference, reducing the need for additional power-consuming noise compensation techniques such as filtering or signal averaging, thereby achieving both high conversion accuracy and low power consumption.
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 reduces noise effects and enhances the conversion process by shifting the signal into a frequency range with lower noise, allowing for effective digital signal generation without requiring significant modifications to the analog-to-digital converter structure, thereby improving signal quality and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillator device is formed to output a first oscillator signal and a second oscillator signal phase-locked to one another and with same a frequency from a reference signal different from the first and second oscillator signal
Implementation Method 2
The analog frequency converter is formed to transform the analog (DC voltage) signal in a first spectral range with a first center frequency to obtain a transformed signal by means of the first oscillator signal
Implementation Method 3
The digital frequency converter is formed to transform the transformed digital signal in a second spectral range with a second center frequency to obtain the digital signal by means of the second oscillator signal
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer device for converting an analog DC voltage signal into a digital signal is provided, with an oscillator device for outputting a first oscillator signal and a second oscillator signal, whereby the oscillator device is formed to generate the first oscillator signal and the second oscillator signal phase-locked to one another and with the substantially same frequency from a reference signal, with an analog frequency converter connected to the oscillator device for transforming the analog DC voltage signal by the first oscillator signal in a first spectral range with a first center frequency to obtain a transformed signal, with an analog-to-digital converter for converting the transformed signal into a transformed digital signal; and with a digital frequency converter connected to the oscillator device for transforming the transformed digital signal by means of the second oscillator signal in a second spectral range with a second center frequency to obtain the digital signal.