Resistor Electrode Protrusions for Accurate Low-Resistance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-wire resistance measurement methods are less precise for low-resistance resistors due to wire impedance, leading to significant measurement errors and unsatisfactory repeatability and reproducibility in four-terminal measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
A four-terminal measurement system with a resistor structure featuring conductive protrusions on electrode structures for precise voltage and current sensing, minimizing the influence of wire impedance by using separate pairs of electrodes for voltage and current measurement, and a fixture with pads for consistent contact with these protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-wire measurement system is used, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates for low-resistance resistors due to wire impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate current-carrying wires and voltage-sensing wires. The electrode structures are segmented into current electrodes and voltage electrodes, with each having dedicated contact points. This segmentation allows independent optimization of current delivery and voltage measurement paths, eliminating the interference of wire impedance on resistance measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive protrusions as intermediary elements between the wires and the resistor terminals. These protrusions serve as fixed reference points that mediate the electrical contact, ensuring consistent and repeatable measurement positions. The protrusions act as intermediaries that eliminate variability in contact resistance and positioning errors.
2Ease of operation
If conventional two-wire measurement method is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to significant influence of wire impedance on low-resistance resistors
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into independent current and voltage measurement circuits. Current electrodes and voltage electrodes are physically separated and functionally independent, allowing each to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining ease of operation through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the electrode structures have different functional qualities: current electrodes are designed for high current carrying capacity while voltage electrodes are designed for high impedance sensing. The conductive protrusions provide localized high-precision contact points specifically for voltage sensing, while other portions handle current delivery.
3Measurement precision
If separate voltage-sensing terminals and current-sensing terminals are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage-sensing terminals and current-sensing terminals into a single integrated electrode structure. The conductive protrusions are formed as part of the electrode structures themselves, combining multiple functions (current conduction, voltage sensing, mechanical support) into unified components rather than separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structures serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support, establish electrical contact, define measurement positions, and conduct both current and voltage signals. The conductive protrusions are multi-functional elements that simultaneously serve as current paths and voltage sensing points depending on which circuit they are connected to.
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
The solution achieves precise resistance measurement by maintaining consistent measuring point positions, reducing deviations and improving the repeatability and reproducibility of resistance measurements, as demonstrated by simulation results showing minimal resistance deviation across various displacement scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode structure disposed at and being in electric contact with a first end of the resistor body, and a second electrode structure disposed at and being in electric contact with a second end opposite to the first end of the resistor body
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure has at least one conductive protrusion. The at least one conductive protrusion of the first electrode structure and the at least one conductive protrusion of the second electrode structure both serve as voltage-sensing terminals for electric connection to an external voltage measurement device, or both serve as current-sensing terminals for electric connection to a current measurement device.
Implementation Method 3
The present invention relates to a system for measuring a resistance of a resistor device, and more particularly to a four-terminal measurement system for measuring a resistance of a resistor device
Data Source
AI summary
A resistor structure includes a resistor body; and a first electrode structure disposed at and being in electric contact with a first end of the resistor body, and a second electrode structure disposed at and being in electric contact with a second end opposite to the first end of the resistor body. Each of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure has at least one conductive protrusion. The at least one conductive protrusion of the first electrode structure and the at least one conductive protrusion of the second electrode structure both serve as voltage-sensing terminals for electric connection to an external voltage measurement device, or both serve as current-sensing terminals for electric connection to a current measurement device.