Resistive Element Array Circuit with Equipotential Differential Amplifier for Infrared Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared detection circuits face challenges in achieving higher operational reliability due to issues such as sneak currents and high electric power consumption, which can affect the accuracy and stability of the output signal.
Innovation Solution
A resistive element array circuit design featuring a differential amplifier with a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal, and an output terminal, where the positive and negative input terminals have substantially the same electric potential, and a resistor between the positive input terminal and the ground terminal, along with a controller that supplies a sense current sequentially to resistive elements, reducing sneak currents and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional resistive element array circuit is used for infrared detection, then the circuit can detect infrared signals, but sneak currents occur and electric power consumption increases, reducing operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by configuring the differential amplifier such that the positive input terminal is coupled to ground and the output terminal is coupled to the negative input terminal, making these three terminals substantially equipotential. This eliminates voltage differences that would drive sneak currents through non-selected bit lines and word lines, thereby reducing electric power consumption and improving operational reliability simultaneously
2Reliability
If conventional differential amplifier configuration is used, then signal amplification is achieved, but output signal stability is reduced due to electric potential differences causing sneak currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates sneak currents by making the positive input terminal, negative input terminal, and output terminal of the differential amplifier substantially equipotential. The positive input terminal is coupled to ground, and the output terminal is coupled to the negative input terminal, removing the electric potential differences that would otherwise drive harmful sneak currents through non-selected circuit elements, thus improving output signal stability
3Measurement precision
If resistive elements are operated with high current to improve signal strength, then detection sensitivity increases, but heat generation and temperature rise increase, affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces heat generation in resistive elements by eliminating sneak currents through the equipotential configuration. By coupling the positive input terminal to ground and the output terminal to the negative input terminal, voltage differences that would drive excessive current through non-selected resistive elements are eliminated, reducing unwanted heat generation and temperature rise that would affect infrared detection accuracy
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
This design enhances the stability of the output signal and reduces electric power consumption, leading to higher operational reliability and accurate infrared detection with reduced heat generation and temperature rise in resistive elements.
Implementation Method 1
a differential amplifier that includes a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal, and an output terminal, the positive input terminal being configured to be coupled to the selected one of the bit lines which is selected by the selector, the negative input terminal being configured to be coupled to non-selected one of the bit lines which is not selected by the selector and to non-selected one of the word lines which is not selected by the selector, the output terminal being coupled to the negative input terminal
Implementation Method 2
Such an infrared detection circuit has a plurality of infrared-sensitive resistors arranged therein. Non-limiting examples of the infrared-sensitive resistor include a thermistor that changes its resistance value depending on a temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
A resistive element array circuit includes word lines, bit lines, resistive elements, a selector, a differential amplifier, and a ground terminal. The word lines are coupled to a power supply. The resistive elements are each disposed at an intersection of corresponding one of the word lines and corresponding one of the bit lines. The selector is configured to select one word line and one bit line. The differential amplifier includes a positive input terminal configured to be coupled to the selected one of the bit lines which is selected by the selector, a negative input terminal configured to be coupled to non-selected one of the bit lines which is not selected by the selector and to non-selected one of the word lines which is not selected by the selector, an output terminal being coupled to the negative input terminal. The ground terminal is coupled to the positive input terminal.