Sensor and Analog Front End Offset Calibration for Idle-Channel Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic sensor systems face challenges in minimizing idle-channel noise due to non-idealities in sensors and analog front ends, which result in non-zero outputs even during idle-channel conditions, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating the amplifier offset and sensor offset by separating their outputs using inherent properties of separate frequency ranges, allowing for the determination of calibration values that bring the output to zero during idle-channel conditions, thereby eliminating idle-channel noise without requiring shorting of the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used to minimize idle-channel noise, then measurement precision is improved, but calibration time is excessive and system complexity increases due to requiring sensor shorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the offset calibration into two distinct components: sensor offset and amplifier offset. By separating these calibration tasks and applying different calibration values to each, the system achieves accurate idle-channel noise minimization without requiring time-consuming sensor shorting procedures. The sensor offset calibration value is applied at the sensor output, while the amplifier offset calibration value is applied at the amplifier output, allowing independent optimization of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary calibration actions by determining calibration values before actual measurement operations. The system performs offset calibration during initialization or setup phases, storing the determined calibration values for later use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated calibration during measurement operations, significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used to minimize idle-channel noise, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring sensor shorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor shorting requirement from the calibration process entirely. By determining separate calibration values for sensor offset and amplifier offset without requiring physical sensor shorting, the system simplifies the device architecture. The calibration circuit can operate independently of the sensor's physical state, eliminating complex switching mechanisms and shorting circuits while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service calibration by automatically determining calibration values for both sensor and amplifier offsets without requiring external intervention or complex calibration hardware. The calibration circuit autonomously performs the calibration operations, storing the determined values for future use, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving accurate idle-channel noise minimization.
3Productivity
If fast calibration is implemented without sensor shorting, then calibration speed is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to incomplete offset calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different calibration approaches for different parts of the system. The sensor offset calibration value is determined and applied locally at the sensor output, while the amplifier offset calibration value is determined and applied locally at the amplifier output. This localized calibration approach ensures that each component is calibrated appropriately for its specific characteristics, achieving both fast calibration speed and high measurement precision without requiring uniform calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting calibration values based on the specific operating conditions and characteristics of the sensor and amplifier. The system determines optimal calibration values through analysis of offset signals and applies these parameter adjustments to minimize idle-channel noise. This parameter-based calibration approach enables fast calibration while maintaining measurement precision by adapting to the specific system characteristics rather than using fixed calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include receiving, by a calibration circuit, an output of a subsystem comprising the sensor and the analog front end. The method may further include separating the output individually into the sensor offset and the amplifier offset by using inherent properties of separate frequency ranges for the sensor offset and the amplifier offset. The method may also include calibrating, by the calibration circuit, the sensor offset by determining a first calibration value for the sensor offset such that the output approximates zero during an idle-channel condition. The method may additionally include calibrating, by the calibration circuit, the amplifier offset by determining a second calibration value for the amplifier offset such that the output approximates zero during the idle-channel condition.