Programmable Signal Formatting Circuit for Sensor Input Level Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal processing devices require physical access and hardware changes to adapt to new input signal levels, limiting the ability to reshape input signals without losing information content.
Innovation Solution
A method using programmable devices and semiconductor switching devices to control resistors between the raw input signal and ground potential, allowing software adjustments to reshape the signal to match the required input range of the signal processing device, without physical intervention or hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical access and hardware changes are used to adapt to new input signal levels, then the device can be configured for different signal levels, but the device cannot be upgraded wirelessly and requires physical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical jumper system with an electronic control system using MOSFET switching devices. The physical act of moving jumpers is substituted by electronic control signals that activate or deactivate specific resistors through MOSFETs, allowing signal level adaptation without physical access to the device interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic changing of electrical parameters (input signal levels) by controlling which resistors are connected to the input signal. Through software control of MOSFET switching devices, the system can change resistance values and voltage division ratios without any physical hardware modification, allowing wireless reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jumpers are used to route input signals through voltage dividers, then input signals at various levels can be handled, but the system lacks programmability and requires manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical jumper system is replaced by an automated electronic switching system using MOSFETs controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller can be programmed to automatically select appropriate voltage dividers based on detected input signal characteristics or pre-configured settings, eliminating manual configuration entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can automatically detect input signal levels and self-configure the appropriate voltage divider configuration without external intervention. The microcontroller monitors the input signal and activates the corresponding MOSFETs to route the signal through the appropriate resistance values, enabling self-adaptation to different signal sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage dividers are provided for different signal levels, then various input levels can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple voltage divider configurations are merged into a single integrated circuit structure. Instead of separate physical voltage divider circuits for each signal level, the patent uses a common set of resistors controlled by MOSFETs that can be electronically configured to create different voltage division ratios, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining multiple signal level capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The MOSFET-controlled resistor network serves multiple functions: it can create different voltage division ratios for various input signal levels, act as a switching matrix for routing signals, and provide programmable gain control. This universal structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated voltage divider circuits.
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 flexible and precise adaptation of input signals to match the signal processing device's requirements, ensuring no information loss and allowing various sensors to be directly coupled, with minimal power consumption and accurate voltage division.
Implementation Method 1
each control signal is served at each its switching device provided in a signal line arranged between the raw input signal potential and ground potential wherein the control signals allow switching devices to connect the raw input signal potential to ground potential through a resistor of predetermined size
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for reshaping a electrical raw input signal to a formatted electrical signal and a gateway adapted to receive a range of wireless and wired sensory input, which are processed and packaged and then delivered to a remote data storage facility by use of a cellular network and an on board cellular device, wherein the gateway comprises a signal formatting circuitry and programmable signal processing device where the signal formatting circuitry is adapted to receive an electrical raw input signal and comprise means to reshape the raw input signal to a formatted electrical input signal according to input requirements of a signal processing device.