Pulse Counter Read-Out Switching for Dead-Time Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dead-time correction methods for pulse rate measurement devices are power-intensive and inaccurate, especially when dealing with non-uniform signal inputs and high count rates, as they rely on high-speed clocks that consume significant power and fail to accurately correct for dead-time losses.
Innovation Solution
A dead-time correction system that employs a first pulse counter with a selectable read-out rate, a second pulse counter with a faster read-out rate, a selection module, a multiplexer, and a control-and-readout module to apply appropriate dead-time correction transforms, allowing for accurate correction of pulse rates with reduced power consumption by adjusting the read-out rates and using look-up tables or equations for precise calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-speed clocks are used for dead-time correction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic read-out rate selection mechanism where the system automatically adjusts between fast and slow read-out rates based on the detected count rate. The counter operates at a fast read-out rate when count rates are high to maintain measurement accuracy, and switches to a slow read-out rate when count rates are low to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system's operational characteristics variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of the read-out rate based on operating conditions. By modifying the read-out rate parameter dynamically according to the count rate, the system achieves accurate dead-time correction when needed (high count rates) while minimizing power consumption during low-activity periods, thus resolving the power-accuracy tradeoff.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed slow read-out rate is used, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates under high count rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static slow read-out rate to a dynamic system that can switch between slow and fast read-out rates. The fast read-out rate is activated when high count rates are detected, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained during high-activity periods while the slow rate handles low-activity periods for power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the measured count rate is continuously monitored and used to control the read-out rate selection. This feedback loop ensures that the system automatically adapts its operational mode based on real-time conditions, switching to fast read-out when accuracy is critical and slow read-out when power efficiency is sufficient.
3Device complexity
If a single read-out rate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying count rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic read-out rate selection with multiple selectable rates (fast and slow) that can be automatically switched based on count rate conditions. This dynamic capability enhances adaptability to varying measurement conditions while the automated selection logic keeps the control complexity manageable through predefined switching criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both fast and slow read-out rates within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different counting conditions (high and low count rates) without requiring separate dedicated counters, thus improving versatility while controlling overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a pulse counter having a selectable pulse counter read-out rate, a pulse counter read-out (PCRO) storage register that stores a PCRO count, and a pulse-burst counter that has a pulse-burst counter read-out rate that is faster than all but the fastest selectable pulse counter read-out rate, a subtractor module in electronic communication with the pulse counter and the PCRO that subtracts the PCRO count from the pulse counter read-out count to output an uncorrected pulse count, a selection module in electronic communication with the pulse-burst counter that selects the pulse counter read-out rate in response to input from the pulse-burst counter, a multiplexer in electronic communication with the subtractor module and the selection module, the multiplexer selecting from among at least two dead-time correction transforms, the transform corresponding to the selected pulse counter read-out rate, and a control-and-readout module that outputs a dead-time corrected pulse rate.