Programmable Capacitance Array for AC Voltage Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional AC voltage meters face challenges in precise measurement of high-frequency AC voltage sources due to signal strength degradation, and manual adjustment of external capacitors leads to instability and increased costs, especially when dealing with varying frequencies and environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A compensating circuit with a programmable capacitance array and a control unit that adjusts capacitance values based on external software instructions, allowing for precise tuning of capacitance values using a digital BIT array to accommodate a wide range of frequencies without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual capacitor adjustment is used to measure different frequencies, then measurement adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and stability deteriorate due to solder residue and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency measurement rangeVSAvoidcapacitance value stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment of capacitors with an automated electronic control system. A microcontroller digitally controls capacitor selection based on detected frequency, eliminating manual intervention and associated problems like solder residue and human error, thereby improving both manufacturing precision and measurement adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic parameter changes by automatically adjusting capacitance values based on detected frequency ranges. The system transitions from fixed capacitance to variable capacitance controlled by digital signals, allowing optimal measurement parameters to be selected for different frequency conditions without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If external capacitors are used for frequency compensation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple components and tuning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAC voltage measurement accuracyVSAvoidcapacitor array and tuning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the capacitor array multi-functional by designing it to serve both frequency compensation and voltage measurement functions. The same capacitor array that compensates for frequency effects also participates in the voltage division ratio adjustment, eliminating the need for separate tuning components and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automatic frequency detection and corresponding capacitance selection. The microcontroller automatically detects the input frequency and selects appropriate capacitance values without requiring external tuning or manual intervention, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If production labors perform final tuning, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tuning operations with automated digital control. The microcontroller automatically configures the capacitor array based on detected frequency parameters, eliminating the need for production labor intervention and enabling continuous automated assembly, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precision through consistent digital control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 AC voltage across a large frequency range by digitally adjusting capacitance values, improving precision and reducing costs associated with manual tuning and environmental instability.

Implementation Method 1

a variable capacitor, electrically linked to the first leads, for providing different capacitance value according to a programmable capacitance array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8890548B2Compensating circuit having programmable capacitance array for measuring AC voltage

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 SILICON INTEGRATED SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A compensating circuit which has a programmable capacitance array for measuring AC voltage is disclosed in the present invention. The compensating circuit includes a pair of first leads for linking to an AC circuit; a variable capacitor, electrically linked to the first leads, for providing different capacitance value according to a programmable capacitance array; and a control unit, electrically linked to the first leads, for changing the capacitance value of the variable capacitor as one capacitance of the programmable capacitance array according to an external instruction. Since the capacitance of the compensating circuit is changeable, and AC voltage meter designed with the compensating circuit is able to measure voltage in wider range of frequency.