Reference Channel Measurement Using Two-Phase Gain Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional reference channel measurements are compromised by environmental changes and signal variations, particularly in sensitive measurements, due to differences in gain amplifiers, leading to inaccuracies in device under test measurements.
Innovation Solution
A gain independent reference channel measurement system and method that involves making two phase measurements of a device under test, combining them to eliminate common mode parameters and errors arising from environmental variations and amplifier gain differences, using an analog front end with switchable amplifiers to ensure relative sensor responses are measured independently of amplifier gains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reference channel measurements are used, then the measurement system is simple and easy to implement, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to environmental changes and amplifier gain differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between different measurement configurations (DUT measurement and reference channel measurement) using a multiplexer. This periodic action allows the system to capture environmental variations at different times and use differential processing to eliminate their effects, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring completely separate simultaneous measurement paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference channel as an intermediary measurement path that captures environmental variations and common-mode signals. This reference channel acts as a mediator that allows the system to subtract out environmental effects from the DUT measurement, improving accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple architecture through shared amplifiers and signal processing paths
2Reliability
If separate amplifiers are used for DUT and reference channel measurements, then measurement independence is improved, but device complexity and gain matching requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes amplifiers universal by configuring them to handle both DUT and reference channel measurements through time-division multiplexing. The same amplifiers are switched between different measurement modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated amplifiers for each channel. This reduces device complexity and gain matching requirements while maintaining measurement stability through consistent amplifier characteristics across both measurement types
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to compensate for pathway disparities, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system requires frequent recalibration and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback through the reference channel that monitors environmental variations and common-mode signals in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically compensate for environmental effects during operation rather than relying on periodic calibration. The differential processing using reference channel data provides ongoing correction, reducing the need for frequent manual recalibration and maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
Gain independent reference channel measurement system and method. A method of making robust, stable measurements, in a variety of different applications is disclosed. More specifically, this disclosure describes systems and methods relating to performing gain independent reference channel measurements by making two phase measurements of a device under test. Mathematically, the measurements are combined and many common mode parameters drop out. The result yields an analysis of a device under test analysis which mitigated errors, predominately arising from environmental variations and changes in circuit behavior stemming from swings in signal input.