Self-Correcting Electronic Sensor Using Voltage-Controlled Oscillator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic temperature sensors are complex, power-intensive, and sensitive to manufacturing variations, often providing inaccurate measurements until a feedback loop reaches a steady state, which can adversely affect the components being monitored.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electronic sensor design with fewer analog components, using a voltage bias circuit and voltage-controlled oscillator to provide temperature-compensated measurements, reducing power consumption and manufacturing sensitivity, while allowing for the monitoring of various physical parameters like temperature, voltage, and frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If A/D-based sensors with precise analog circuitry are used to achieve accurate temperature measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog measurement systems with a digital approach using a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and counter. Instead of using precise analog voltage references and A/D converters, the invention converts the temperature-dependent voltage signal into a frequency signal that can be counted and measured digitally, thereby eliminating the need for complex analog circuitry while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct voltage measurement to frequency measurement. By using a VCO whose output frequency is proportional to the input voltage (and thus temperature), the system transforms the measurement into the frequency domain, which can be accurately measured using simple digital counters without requiring precise analog components
2Measurement precision
If A/D-based sensors with multiple precise amplifiers and comparators are used to achieve accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes power-hungry analog components (amplifiers, comparators, A/D converters) with low-power digital components (VCO, counters, logic circuits). The digital implementation requires significantly less power while achieving the same measurement function through frequency-based measurement rather than analog signal processing
3Measurement precision
If feedback configurations are used to compensate for temperature effects, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensor takes longer to reach steady state and provides inaccurate initial measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature compensation directly into the measurement process through the VCO's inherent characteristics. The VCO is designed to be insensitive to temperature variations in its operating range, and the measurement is taken during the charging phase before thermal equilibrium is required. This eliminates the need for separate feedback compensation loops and allows immediate accurate measurements without waiting for steady state
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement circuit itself performs the temperature compensation function through its design. The VCO's frequency output naturally reflects the temperature-dependent voltage without requiring external feedback mechanisms. The system is self-compensating within its designed operating range, eliminating the need for additional feedback circuitry that would increase measurement time
4Measurement precision
If precise analog circuitry is used to achieve accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity to manufacturing variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sensitive analog circuits with robust digital logic. The VCO and counter implementation uses standard digital components that are much less sensitive to manufacturing variations. Digital logic gates and counters have well-defined switching thresholds and are tolerant of component tolerances, whereas analog amplifiers and comparators require precise matching of transistors and resistors to achieve the same level of accuracy
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 results in a more accurate, power-efficient, and less complex sensor system that is less sensitive to manufacturing variations, providing stable and precise measurements of physical parameters without the need for complex feedback configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes a voltage-controlled oscillator whose output frequency varies with temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensing circuit is described providing a low power temperature sensing system. The temperature sensing circuit provides a digital method for determining the temperature by analyzing the change in electrical response characteristics of a circuit device.