Digital RF Voltage Supply for Multipole Mass Spectrometer Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency (HF) voltage supply systems for quadrupole mass spectrometers are technically complex, requiring high-quality components and complex error correction measures to maintain resonance and adjust the HF AC voltage amplitude, limiting the dynamic range and stability of the AC voltage in the secondary circuit.
Innovation Solution
A digital HF voltage supply system with a synthesizer for precise frequency adjustment and a computing device that uses digital measurements to calculate and set the AC voltage amplitude, maintaining resonance automatically and ensuring mass linearity across the entire mass range without the need for calibration substances or complex circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a resonant transformer is used to generate HF alternating voltage, then the active power requirement is minimal, but the device complexity increases due to the need for resonance tuning and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical resonance tuning mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses a microcontroller to monitor and adjust the HF voltage amplitude. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical resonance adjustment components while maintaining the low active power requirement of the resonant transformer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the microcontroller continuously monitors the HF voltage amplitude and adjusts the power stage accordingly. This feedback mechanism maintains stable operation without requiring complex mechanical resonance tuning devices, thus reducing device complexity while preserving energy efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the HF voltage generator is made adjustable over a wide amplitude range, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise amplitude control and resonance maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where the microcontroller continuously monitors and adjusts the HF voltage amplitude in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic approach enables wide amplitude adjustability while simplifying the overall device by replacing static mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller-based system performs multiple functions including amplitude monitoring, resonance maintenance, and power stage control within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality provides wide amplitude adjustability without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function, thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If rectification is carried out with a high level of accuracy to regulate HF AC voltage amplitude, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for complex correction of measurement errors and high-quality components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog rectification and measurement correction circuits with a digital measurement and control system. The microcontroller digitally processes voltage amplitude measurements and implements correction algorithms, achieving high measurement precision while significantly reducing the complexity of measurement and error correction circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital sampling and processing to create a digital representation of the HF voltage amplitude. This digital copy allows for precise measurement and control without requiring complex analog rectification circuits and measurement error correction mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining high precision.
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 system enables rapid and precise readjustment of the HF voltage, maintaining resonance and stability with minimal effort, ensuring accurate detection of ions with different mass-to-charge ratios and extending the dynamic range of the HF AC voltage amplitude.
Implementation Method 1
The HF alternating voltage is generated in a secondary circuit by means of a primary circuit which is magnetically coupled to the secondary circuit
Implementation Method 2
If the oscillating circuit is tuned to resonance, an active power requirement is minimal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a radio-frequency (RF) voltage supply system (1) for supplying a multipole mass spectrometer, in particular a quadrupole mass spectrometer, with the alternating RF voltage (142) used to generate a multipole field, in particular a quadrupole field (6), in a secondary circuit (22) excited by means of a primary circuit (18). The RF voltage supply system (1) comprises an RF voltage measuring device (10), by means of which the alternating RF voltage (142) in the secondary circuit (22) is sampled and a digital measurement value that is dependent on said alternating RF voltage (142) is determined. The RF voltage supply system (1) further comprises a computing device (12), by means of which a digital alternating voltage amplitude setting value (154) is determined, taking said measurement value into account. Finally, the RF voltage supply system (1) comprises an RF voltage generator (8), by means of which the alternating RF voltage (142) can be made available with an alternating RF voltage amplitude that is set depending on the alternating voltage amplitude setting value (154). The RF voltage generator (8) comprises automatic frequency control means, by means of which the frequency in the secondary circuit (22) can automatically be maintained at resonance with the frequency in the primary circuit (18) by controlling the frequency in the primary circuit. The RF voltage generator (8) adjusts a frequency of the alternating voltage (138) in the primary circuit (18) in accordance with the respective frequency value (152) and maintains said frequency with quartz precision.