Self-Calibrating Reference Voltage Circuit for Accurate Variable Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional variable signal sources require external measuring instruments for calibration, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially for high-resolution and high-accuracy applications.

Innovation Solution

A variable reference voltage source that includes a control unit for acquiring calibration data and generating a variable reference voltage by integrating multiple unit voltages, eliminating the need for external calibration instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional signal sources (R-2R ladder circuit, resistance string circuit, PWM circuit) are used to generate known voltage, then variable voltage output is achieved, but external measuring instruments are required for calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable voltage output capabilityVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-calibration by incorporating an integrator that automatically generates calibration data through integration of unit voltages. The system calibrates itself without requiring external measuring instruments, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the integrator continuously monitors and adjusts the output voltage based on integrated values. The calibration process feeds back calibration data to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the signal source to maintain accuracy without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If external measuring instruments are used for calibration, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but maintenance operations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration using internal integration operations. The integrator generates calibration data by integrating unit voltages produced by the signal source itself, eliminating the need for external measuring instruments and reducing maintenance operations to zero.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs calibration operations automatically during normal operation or at predetermined intervals without requiring separate maintenance sessions. The self-calibration process is integrated into the normal workflow, eliminating dedicated maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If R-2R ladder circuit or resistance string circuit is used, then high resolution and accuracy can be achieved, but resistance element adjustment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal source accuracyVSAvoidresistance element adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical resistance element adjustment with electronic integration operations. Instead of physically adjusting resistance values, the system uses digital integration of unit voltages to generate calibration data, eliminating mechanical adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs calibration through integration operations without requiring manual adjustment of resistance elements. The control unit manages the entire calibration process based on integrated values, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If PWM circuit is used, then performance stability is improved, but frequency accuracy of low-pass filter must be high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance stabilityVSAvoidfrequency accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the PWM circuit's stable performance characteristics and leverages them through self-calibration. The integrator automatically compensates for any frequency variations by generating calibration data based on actual integrated values, maintaining accuracy without requiring precise frequency control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 self-calibration without external measuring instruments, improving accuracy and reducing maintenance operations, making it suitable for remote calibration of sensor circuits.

Implementation Method 1

an integrated-voltage generating unit that repeats, when the calibration control unit controls the operation, an integrating operation until an integrated voltage obtained by integrating at least two or more kinds of unit voltages becomes equal to the reference voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntegration operation:

Data Source

PatentUS11714437B2Variable reference voltage source
Publication Date: 2023.08.01 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP
  • US11714437B2 patent drawing
  • US11714437B2 patent drawing
  • US11714437B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A variable reference voltage source that generates a variable reference voltage corresponding to setting data set from outside includes a control unit including a calibration control unit that controls operation for acquiring calibration data including calibration values of an offset voltage and a predetermined unit voltage of a determiner, which determines magnitudes of two voltages, and an output control unit that controls operation for generating, based on the calibration data, a variable reference voltage corresponding to the setting data set from the outside, a reference voltage unit that outputs a reference voltage, and an integrated-voltage generating unit that repeats, when the calibration control unit controls the operation, an integrating operation until an integrated voltage obtained by integrating at least two or more kinds of unit voltages becomes equal to the reference voltage and outputs, when the output control unit controls the operation, the variable reference voltage corresponding to the setting data.