Self-adjusting resistance source with iterative calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional decade boxes lack precision at lower resistances and suffer from accuracy drift over time, limiting their ability to generate a wide range of resistances with high accuracy across the entire operational range.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically-configurable resistance box using both serially-arranged and parallel-arranged resistors, controlled by a computerized device, which iteratively adjusts resistor combinations based on live resistance calibration from a digital multimeter to achieve high precision and accuracy across a wide range of resistances from 0.100 000Ω to 20.000 000 MΩ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional decade boxes use mechanical dials or simple electrical switching to select resistors, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is good, but the measurement precision and accuracy drift over time prevent achieving 6-digit precision across the entire resistance range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a digital multimeter continuously measures the actual resistance value, and the microprocessor compares this measurement with the target resistance value. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the resistor configuration to minimize the difference between actual and target values, achieving 6-digit precision through iterative correction rather than relying solely on initial calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical dial systems with an automated electronic control system consisting of a microprocessor, digital multimeter, and electronic switching components. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and calibration drift while enabling automated precision adjustment through software control, thereby achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional decade boxes are calibrated for high accuracy, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the calibration process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration functionality where the system automatically performs calibration routines without requiring manual intervention. The microprocessor controls the digital multimeter to measure resistance values and automatically adjusts the resistor configurations based on measured deviations from target values, enabling the device to self-correct and maintain high manufacturing precision over time without tedious manual recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary calibration data storage in the microprocessor, where ideal resistance values for various configurations are pre-stored. During operation, the system quickly compares actual measurements against these pre-calculated reference values and makes rapid adjustments, significantly reducing the time required for calibration while maintaining high precision standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel-arranged resistors are used to extend the resistance range, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to drift in resistor values over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resistance adjustment where the system continuously monitors resistance values and automatically reconfigures the parallel resistor arrangements in real-time. Rather than relying on fixed parallel resistor values that drift over time, the microprocessor dynamically selects and switches between different resistor combinations based on current measurement feedback, maintaining accuracy stability across the extended resistance range despite individual resistor drift.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to techniques for providing a user-selected target resistance across a set of output terminals of a resistance-generating apparatus. The techniques include (a) assigning a first arrangement of resistance circuitry of the resistance-generating apparatus that nominally provides the target resistance based on known resistance values of a plurality of resistors of the resistance circuitry, (b) configuring the resistance circuitry according to the assigned first arrangement, thereby providing a first resistance across output terminals, (c) subsequently, receiving a resistance measurement from a measurement device configured to measure the first resistance, (d) in response to receiving the resistance measurement, assigning a second arrangement of the resistance circuitry based on a difference between the target resistance and the resistance measurement, and (e) configuring the resistance circuitry according to the assigned second arrangement, thereby providing a second resistance, the second resistance being closer to the target resistance than was the first resistance. Systems and apparatuses are also provided.