Resonant Electromagnetic Filter Impedance Spectrometer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current impedance spectrometry methods for determining the permittivity of materials are limited by accuracy and cost, particularly in sensing the real and imaginary parts of wave impedance, and lack portability and network integration capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a resonant electromagnetic filter-based impedance spectrometer that uses scanning frequency transmissometry to determine the real and imaginary parts of wave impedance by sensing at multiple frequencies, with an interrogator controlling a sensor structure through RF field-coupling and processing signal levels, and integrates with RF mesh networks and cellular WLAN networks for enhanced accuracy and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are used to sense both real and imaginary parts of wave impedance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple frequency points (e.g., fundamental frequency and harmonic frequencies) where a single sensor structure can simultaneously provide information about both real and imaginary parts of wave impedance through frequency-dependent responses, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each measurement component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency as an additional dimension for measurement, using frequency scanning or multi-frequency excitation to extract multiple independent measurement parameters from a single sensor structure, thereby obtaining both real and imaginary impedance components without requiring multiple separate sensors
2Measurement precision
If time delay reflectometry is used for wave impedance sensing, then measurement capability is provided, but requirement for picosecond range delay measurements and adequate transmission line length increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-domain based TDR measurement system with an electromagnetic resonance-based system that operates in the frequency domain, substituting picosecond timing measurements with frequency response analysis that can be performed with standard electronic measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from time delay (picosecond range) to frequency response characteristics, allowing wave impedance measurement through resonance frequency shifts and Q-factor changes that occur at much more manageable frequency ranges, eliminating the need for picosecond timers and long transmission lines
3Measurement precision
If resonant tank circuit sensors are used for wave impedance measurement, then sensing capability is provided, but nonlinear cross modulation effects between real and imaginary parts of permittivity limit measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement into separate frequency points where the real and imaginary parts of permittivity can be independently extracted through frequency-dependent resonance analysis, allowing linear separation of measurement effects that would otherwise be entangled in single-frequency measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic frequency scanning or multi-frequency excitation to systematically probe the resonance characteristics at different frequencies, enabling separate determination of real and imaginary impedance components through the frequency-dependent behavior of the resonant structure, thereby avoiding nonlinear cross-modulation effects
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 provides improved accuracy and reduced costs for determining wave impedance, enabling portable and network-integrated impedance spectrometry with increased precision in measuring both real and imaginary components of material permittivity.
Implementation Method 1
couples an electromagnetic field into a material of interest for the purpose of determining the real part and/or imaginary part of the wave impedance of the material of interest
Implementation Method 2
resonant electromagnetic filter (REF) which couples an electromagnetic field into a material of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sensing wave impedance of a material using an RF power source with a sensor structure comprised of a resonant electromagnetic radiative filter (MEF). The wave impedance is determined by processing a differential RF signal level within an interrogator comprising an impedance calculator. A differential RF signal between a source signal level and a response signal level affected by field coupling of the REF with a material of interest. In embodiments based on frequency scanning transmissometry (FST), the impedance spectrometer determines both the real and imaginary part of the wave impedance of the material. In embodiments the impedance spectrometer comprises an RFID transponder. In embodiments, the interrogator is disposed as payload on a UAV drone. In embodiments, the impedance spectrometer is a node within a communications network.