Semiconductor Phase Sensing for Distance-Independent Moisture Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices struggle with inaccurate measurements of physical quantities due to fluctuations in the distance to the measuring object, especially when using radio waves for detection.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device that modulates a carrier wave with a modulating signal, estimates the modulating signal start timing based on the demodulating signal waveform, and calculates phase changes to determine physical quantities independently of measurement distance, using a metamaterial structure for accurate frequency phase characteristic measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radio waves are transmitted to measure physical quantities, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when distance to the measuring object fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional contact-based or proximity-dependent mechanical measurement systems with radio wave-based measurement. By using phase change detection of reflected radio waves, the system achieves measurement capability without physical contact, though this initially creates sensitivity to distance fluctuations. The phase-based measurement method substitutes mechanical positioning requirements with electromagnetic wave detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures physical quantities by detecting changes in the phase parameter of reflected radio waves. Instead of relying on signal strength or time-of-flight measurements that are distance-dependent, the system focuses on phase changes which contain information about the measured object's physical properties. This parameter transformation allows measurement of physical quantities through phase modulation of the reflected signal.
2Measurement precision
If phase change detection is used to measure physical quantities, then measurement capability is achieved, but distance dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by storing reference phase information corresponding to known physical quantity values before actual measurement. During measurement, the system compares detected phase changes against these pre-stored reference values. This preliminary action creates a lookup table or reference database that simplifies subsequent measurements and reduces the need for real-time distance compensation calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a reference model or copy of the phase signal characteristics under known conditions. By storing reference phase information that represents the relationship between phase changes and physical quantities, the system has a template to compare against during actual measurements. This copying approach allows the system to identify measured values by matching detected phase patterns against stored reference patterns.
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
Enables accurate measurement of physical quantities like moisture content without relying on measurement distance, eliminating the need for physical connection between transmission and reception devices and reducing costs by eliminating the need for a battery.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission signal generated by modulating a carrier wave with a modulating signal
Implementation Method 2
generating a demodulating signal by receiving the transmission signal via the measuring object from the antenna, and performing a processing to the demodulating signal
Implementation Method 3
calculates a second phase that is a phase at the modulation start timing, calculates a variation to the second phase based on the stored first phase, and determine a physical quantity corresponding to the variation
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a transmission device and a reception device generating a demodulating signal by receiving the transmission signal via the measuring object from the antenna, and performing a processing to the demodulating signal. The transmission device is configured to start modulation at a first phase. The reception device stores a first phase and a physical quantity corresponding to a phase change amount in advance, estimate modulating signal start timing at which the reception signal switches from a non-modulation period to a modulation period based on a waveform of the demodulating signal; calculate a second phase that is a phase at the modulation start timing, calculates a variation to the second phase based on the stored first phase; and determine a physical quantity corresponding to the variation based on the physical quantity corresponding to a stored phase change amount.