Sensor Device Model for Accurate Circuit Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circuit simulators, such as SPICE, often use simplified signals like ideal sine waves to represent sensor device outputs, which do not accurately reflect real sensor behavior, leading to inaccurate simulations and design prototyping.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for creating and controlling a model of a sensor device in a computer simulation, allowing for the generation of a model based on sensor properties and enabling interactive modification of the model's physical properties, using a graphical user interface to simulate changes in sensor device design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple ideal signal (sine wave, square wave) is used to represent sensor device output, then the ease of implementation is improved, but the measurement precision of the simulated output signal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoidaccuracy of simulated output signal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copy of the real sensor device's electrical circuit model within the simulation environment. This model includes replicated circuit components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, voltage sources) that mirror the actual sensor's circuitry, allowing the simulation to generate output signals that accurately replicate real sensor behavior rather than using simplified ideal signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of circuit parameters (resistance values, capacitance, inductance, voltage levels) in the sensor device model to match the specific characteristics of different sensor types and operating conditions. This allows the simulation to adapt the model parameters to accurately represent various real-world sensor behaviors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a detailed electrical circuit model of the sensor device is created, then the measurement precision of the simulated output signal is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of simulated output signalVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor device model

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor device model into separate functional modules: signal generation components, signal conditioning components, and output components. Each module can be independently configured and adjusted, making the complex model more manageable and easier to implement while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal sensor device model framework that can represent multiple types of sensors (strain gauges, thermocouples, thermistors, accelerometers, load cells) using the same basic circuit architecture. This multi-functional model reduces complexity by reusing common components across different sensor types while maintaining the ability to accurately simulate each specific sensor's behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor device model is made dynamically adjustable during simulation, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to modify physical properties during simulationVSAvoidcomplexity of model control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing users to modify circuit parameters (resistance, capacitance, inductance, voltage levels) during the simulation process. This enables the model to adapt to different sensor configurations and operating conditions in real-time without requiring model regeneration or complex reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the simulation environment monitors the sensor device model's output and allows users to adjust parameters based on observed behavior. This feedback loop enables iterative refinement of the model to better match real sensor characteristics while maintaining dynamic adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8655635B2Creating and controlling a model of a sensor device for a computer simulation

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments of a system and method for creating and controlling a model of a sensor device for a computer simulation are disclosed. Sensor information specifying physical properties of the sensor device may be received, and a model of the sensor device may be automatically generated using the sensor information. An electrical circuit simulation may be performed using the model of the sensor device. The system and method may enable the user to interactively change the sensor device model during the simulation. The user may interact with a graphical user interface during the simulation to provide input specifying a change in one or more physical properties of the sensor device. In response to the user input, the model of the sensor device may be dynamically modified during the simulation to simulate the change in the one or more physical properties of the sensor device.