Photodetector IC With Integrated EMI Sensing for Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial photodetector systems are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can affect the performance of electronic and optoelectronic components, making it difficult to distinguish between signal and noise, leading to performance issues in optical systems used in industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an EMI sensor into a photodetector IC chip, which includes a photodetector, first amplification circuitry for the photodetector signal, and second amplification circuitry for the EMI sensor signal, allowing for the detection and amplification of EMI levels proximate the photodetector to identify and mitigate potential interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an EMI sensor and amplification circuitry are integrated into the photodetector IC chip, then the ability to detect and respond to EMI events is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the EMI sensor and its amplification circuitry directly into the photodetector IC chip, combining multiple functions (photodetection, EMI sensing, and signal amplification) into a single integrated device. This merging approach enables simultaneous optical signal reception and EMI monitoring while sharing common circuit resources, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The IC chip is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a photodetector for optical signal conversion and an EMI sensor for electromagnetic interference detection. The amplification circuitry serves dual purposes by amplifying both optical conversion signals and EMI sensor outputs, making the device universal in its operational capabilities
2Measurement precision
If separate amplification circuitry is provided for both the photodetector signal and the EMI sensor signal, then the signal detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs separate amplification circuitry specifically dedicated to processing EMI sensor signals, providing localized high-gain amplification only where needed for EMI detection. This approach maintains high measurement precision for EMI events while avoiding the complexity of providing separate amplification for all signal types throughout the entire device
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 EMI sensor effectively senses and amplifies electromagnetic interference, enabling the identification of EMI events, determining their impact on the photodetector, and triggering protective measures to prevent performance degradation in industrial systems.
Implementation Method 1
A photodetector is an optoelectronic device that senses light and converts the sensed light into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The EMI sensor senses EMI and produces an electrical sense signal
Data Source
AI summary
A photodetector integrated circuit (IC) having an electromagnetic interference (EMI) sensor integrated therein is provided for sensing EMI at the photodetector. Integrating the EMI sensor into the photodetector IC ensures that the EMI sensor is in proximity to the photodetector so that any EMI that is sensed is actually EMI to which the photodetector is exposed. The sensed EMI may then be used for a number of reasons, such as to determine the root cause of damage to circuitry of the system, to determine the point in time at which an EMI event occurred, or to trigger a warning when a determination is made that an EMI limit has been reached.