Programmable Electronic Load Circuit with Multi-State Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically programmable load circuits face limitations in achieving a desired range and step with a minimal number of load units, often resulting in impractical implementations due to the relationship between load range, step, and the number of units, especially as the range grows and step shrinks, leading to inaccuracies and increased interconnection non-ideality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a programmable load circuit with multiple parallel load units, each comprising voltage-dependent elements that can receive control word components with three or more biasing values, allowing for a greater range or finer step with the same number of units by varying impedance values based on these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of load units is increased to achieve a desired load range and step, then the load range and resolution are improved, but the device complexity and interconnection non-ideality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing load unit elements to operate with three or more different impedance values instead of the conventional two values. This is achieved by applying control word components with three or more biasing values to the load unit elements, enabling each element to assume multiple discrete impedance states. This parameter expansion resolves the contradiction by achieving finer load step resolution without proportionally increasing the number of load units, thereby reducing device complexity and interconnection requirements while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the load range is increased, then the versatility of the electronic load is improved, but the number of load units required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the impedance parameter states of load unit elements from two to three or more discrete values. By applying control word components with three or more biasing values, each load unit element can assume multiple impedance states (e.g., minimum, intermediate, maximum values). This enables a broader load range to be achieved with fewer load units, as each unit contributes more distinct impedance levels to the overall programmable range, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing quantity.
3Measurement precision
If the load step is decreased for finer resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the number of load units required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by expanding the impedance parameter states of each load unit element from two to three or more discrete values. By applying control word components with three or more biasing values, each load unit element can assume multiple impedance states, effectively creating finer resolution steps within each unit. This approach achieves improved measurement precision without proportionally increasing the number of load units, as the additional impedance states are achieved through parameter variation rather than unit multiplication.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically programmable load having an impedance value dependent on a received control word. The electrically programmable load has several parallel load units. Each load unit has one or more load unit element who receive a control word component of the control word and have a load unit element impedance value which depends on a control word component value of the control word component, where the control word component value is one of three or more different biasing values.