Sensor Apparatus With Multi-Range Output Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor apparatus struggle to provide accurately linear conditioned outputs over a wide range of measured parameters due to signal variation and non-linearity, often requiring multiple sensors with different ranges for accurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with multiple output channels, each optimized for a different range of the measured parameter, featuring distinct amplification, filtering, and linearization means, along with an ADC and control unit that selects the most suitable channel based on signal monitoring to ensure accurate and linear output across the full range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensor is used to measure over a wide range of parameters, then the measurement range is extended, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal variation and non-linearity
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement range is divided into multiple segments, each handled by a dedicated output channel with optimized conditioning parameters. Each channel processes a specific range segment with tailored amplification and filtering, allowing precise measurement across the entire wide range by selecting the appropriate segment-based channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different output channels based on the current measured parameter value. The control means monitors the sensor output and automatically selects the channel whose optimized range best matches the current measurement, enabling adaptive precision across varying conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors with different ranges are used to maintain precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor is made multi-functional by connecting its output to multiple conditioning channels, each optimized for different ranges. Instead of requiring multiple physical sensors, the system uses one sensor with multiple processing paths, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining precision across all ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple signal conditioning channels act as intermediaries between the single sensor and the measurement system. Each channel provides range-specific optimization through adjustable amplification and filtering, serving as a mediator that adapts the sensor output to different measurement requirements without needing multiple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If signal amplification is increased to improve sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but signal non-linearity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Each output channel has locally optimized amplification characteristics tailored to its specific range. Rather than using a single amplification level for all ranges, each channel employs amplification settings appropriate to its designated segment, maintaining both sensitivity and linearity within each local range while collectively covering the full measurement spectrum.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus, such as a pressure gauge, comprises a sensor arranged to produce a sensor output signal that varies with a measured parameter such as pressure, and a plurality of output channels each arranged to receive the sensor output signal. The output channels are each optimized for a different range of the measured parameter. The apparatus further comprises an analog to digital converter (ADC) and control module arranged to select one of the output channels and connect it to the ADC so as to produce a digital channel output, and an output module configured to generate an output reading from the digital channel output of the selected channel.