Programmable Phase Delay Unit for Nanowire Signal Demodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lock-in amplification techniques for nanochannel-based sensors are costly, large in size, and computationally expensive, limiting their application in compact and cost-effective sensing solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of programmable measurement devices that use a programmable phase delay unit to demodulate signals from semiconductor nanowires, enabling adaptive signal processing and reducing the need for large-scale equipment, allowing for compact and inexpensive fluid sample measurement devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lock-in amplification techniques are used for signal demodulation, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lock-in amplification hardware with a programmable phase delay unit implemented in software or firmware. The phase delay unit digitally adjusts the phase of the reference signal to match the received signal, eliminating the need for large, complex analog lock-in amplifier circuits while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed analog parameter adjustment to programmable digital parameter control. The phase delay is adjusted by changing digital parameters in the programmable phase delay unit, allowing precise control of the reference signal phase without requiring complex analog circuitry, thus reducing device size while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional lock-in amplification techniques are used for signal demodulation, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive analog lock-in amplifier hardware with a cost-effective programmable phase delay unit that can be implemented using standard digital signal processing components. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to achieve precise signal demodulation through digital phase adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive programmable logic devices or microcontrollers to implement the phase delay functionality, replacing costly dedicated analog lock-in amplifier circuits. These programmable components are widely available, low-cost items that can be easily manufactured and integrated into measurement devices.
3Productivity
If traditional lock-in amplification techniques are used, then signal processing capability is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of lock-in amplification (phase-matched signal demodulation) and implements it through a simplified programmable phase delay unit. By taking out the core functionality and removing unnecessary complex computational elements, the system achieves efficient signal processing with reduced computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary phase delay adjustment using the programmable phase delay unit before signal demodulation. By pre-adjusting the reference signal phase to match the received signal, the system simplifies subsequent processing steps and reduces overall computational complexity while maintaining processing efficiency.
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 reliable, small-scale, and cost-effective detection of electrical characteristics in nanowires, improving sensitivity and signal quality by extracting a significant majority of the signal power from received signals, thus enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing device size.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction of the nanowires with molecular entities can induce a change in a property (such as conductance) of the nanowire
Implementation Method 2
the demodulation circuitry is configured to mix the delayed oscillator signal with the received signal to generate a baseband signal including the component of the received signal
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide measurement devices and methods for detecting electrical characteristics of devices under test (DUTs), such as semiconductor nanowires. Techniques described herein provide programmable measurement devices that may be implemented in a compact form factor while being able to perform reliable measurements. In some embodiments, measurement devices described herein may be programmed to modulate signals for transmitting to a DUT, and may demodulate signals from the DUTs adaptively using self-programming techniques described herein. Such self-programming may include applying a programmable phase delay to oscillator signals used during demodulation. In some embodiments, such measurement devices may be implemented on a single circuit board, in a single integrated circuit package, or even on a single solid-state semiconductor die. Techniques described herein may enable reliable, inexpensive, and small-scale fluid sample measurement devices.