Resistive Sensor Voltage Boosting via Capacitor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies face challenges in generating a sufficient supply voltage for resistive sensor elements, particularly for TC sensors, which limits sensor sensitivity due to the need for two different supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement that includes a sensor supply circuit capable of temporarily applying a sensor voltage greater than the supply voltage to the resistive sensor elements by coupling a charged capacitor to the sensor circuit during measurement time intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a low supply voltage (3.3V) is used for the control circuit, then the control circuit can be operated efficiently, but the sensor sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supply voltage function into two distinct voltage levels: a low supply voltage (3.3V) for the control circuit and a high sensor voltage (e.g., 5V or higher) for the resistive sensor element. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal voltage level, resolving the contradiction between control circuit efficiency and sensor sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a capacitor that is charged in advance during periods when high sensor voltage is not needed. When measurement is required, the stored capacitor energy is released to provide the high sensor voltage temporarily. This preliminary charging action enables the system to deliver high voltage to the sensor without requiring continuous high supply voltage, thus maintaining control circuit efficiency while achieving high sensor sensitivity during measurements.
2Measurement precision
If a high supply voltage is applied continuously to the sensor, then sensor sensitivity is improved, but power consumption increases and operating life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying high sensor voltage only during specific measurement time intervals rather than continuously. The capacitor is charged during non-measurement periods and discharged during measurement periods. This periodic application of high voltage maintains sensor sensitivity when needed while reducing average power consumption and extending sensor operating life.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor stores energy in advance during periods when high sensor voltage is not required, enabling the system to provide high voltage temporarily during measurements without continuous power consumption. This preliminary energy storage resolves the contradiction between maintaining high sensor sensitivity and reducing continuous power consumption to extend operating life.
3Measurement precision
If two different supply voltages are used for control circuit and sensor, then sensor sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage element that mediates between the low supply voltage and the high sensor voltage requirements. The capacitor is charged from the low supply voltage and then discharged to provide the high sensor voltage temporarily. This intermediary approach enables dual voltage operation without requiring complex voltage conversion circuits, thus improving sensor sensitivity while minimizing device complexity.
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 solution enhances sensor sensitivity by allowing a higher sensor voltage during measurements, while maintaining a lower supply voltage for the control circuit, thus improving the operating life of the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor supply circuit, which is configured to couple electrically, during a measurement time interval, a charged capacitor to the second circuit node
Implementation Method 2
The voltage applied to the sensor element causes a sensor current to flow, resulting in a certain power dissipation in the sensor element; on account of the power dissipation, the sensor element (e.g., a resistance) heats up to a certain temperature above the ambient temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement for operating a resistive sensor element is described. According to an example implementation, the circuit arrangement includes a first supply terminal and a second supply terminal, between which is applied a supply voltage during operation, and a sensor circuit having at least one resistive sensor element. The sensor circuit has a first circuit node and a second circuit node for applying a sensor voltage, wherein the first circuit node is connected to the first supply terminal. The circuit arrangement further includes a sensor supply circuit, which is configured to electrically couple, during a measurement time interval, a charged capacitor to the second circuit node in such a way that the sensor voltage between the first circuit node and the second circuit node is greater than the supply voltage.