Sensor Circuit Bridge Configuration for High-Accuracy Voltage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems have limited capability to detect small changes in sensor voltage output, leading to suboptimal measurement accuracy for properties like temperature, humidity, pressure, stress, strain, and light.
Innovation Solution
A sensor circuit configuration using a Wheatstone bridge arrangement with diodes or transistors to prevent current flow between output terminals, allowing for high-accuracy resistance measurements and enabling sensor outputs to be coupled in parallel without affecting each other's readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor systems are used to measure voltage output, then the system structure is simple, but the capability to detect small changes in sensor voltage output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor circuits, each with its own Wheatstone bridge configuration. This segmentation allows each sensor to be measured independently with high precision while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A high-impedance voltage measurement circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the Wheatstone bridge and the measurement device. This intermediary circuit has such high input impedance that it draws negligible current, allowing accurate voltage measurement without affecting the bridge balance or causing voltage drops.
2Device complexity
If sensor outputs are coupled in parallel to reduce complexity, then the number of output terminals is reduced, but current may flow between output terminals affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A high-impedance buffer circuit is introduced as an intermediary between parallel-coupled sensor outputs. This buffer has such high input impedance that it prevents current flow between sensors while maintaining voltage signal integrity, enabling accurate measurements without current interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement circuit is designed to maintain equipotential conditions at the output terminals by using high-impedance voltage sensing. This ensures that no potential difference drives current flow between parallel-connected sensors, eliminating measurement errors while allowing terminal consolidation.
3Ease of operation
If current is allowed to flow through the sensor circuit for measurement, then the measurement process is straightforward, but voltage drops occur affecting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A high-impedance voltage measurement circuit is introduced as an intermediary that measures voltage without drawing significant current. This intermediary circuit maintains the simplicity of the measurement process while eliminating voltage drops that would otherwise occur due to current flow through the sensor circuit.
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 configuration enhances measurement accuracy, prevents voltage drops, and allows for a single output to read multiple sensor circuits, reducing complexity and maintaining accuracy across varying impedance values, even in large arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor provided in a bridge circuit arrangement; wherein the sensor circuit is configured such that a sensor measurement can be determined based on a voltage difference between the first and second output terminals
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus and method for sensing. The apparatus includes a sensor circuit which includes a first output terminal, a second output terminal and a sensor that is provided in a bridge circuit arrangement. The sensor circuit is configured such that a sensor measurement can be determined based on a voltage difference between first and second output terminals. The apparatus is configured so as to prevent a current from being able to flow from the first output terminal through the sensor circuit to the second output terminal.