Sensor Resolution Boosting With Variable Gain Sub-Range Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face limitations in achieving high resolution, particularly in applications requiring precise measurement of smaller signals and dynamic range control, leading to the need for improved methods to enhance sensor resolution without increasing cost or size.
Innovation Solution
A two-measurement process is employed, where a first measurement determines the operating point of the sensor across a wide range, and a second measurement uses a higher amplifier gain within a sub-range encompassing the operating point, with an offset applied to prevent amplifier range issues, resulting in a higher resolution signal. This involves a variable gain amplifier block and an offset block controlled by a controller to produce both lower and higher resolution analog and digital sensor output signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single high-gain amplifier setting is used to achieve high resolution measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the amplifier may go out of range when measuring across the full sensor dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the amplifier gain adjustable and variable. The system switches between a first gain setting (for full-range measurements) and a second gain setting (for high-resolution sub-range measurements) based on the measured operating point. This dynamic adjustment allows the amplifier to adapt to different measurement requirements, achieving both full dynamic range coverage and high measurement precision without the amplifier going out of range.
2Measurement precision
If a two-measurement process with offset adjustment is used to achieve higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement process into two distinct measurement phases. The first measurement determines the operating point using a first gain setting, and the second measurement achieves high resolution using a second gain setting and offset adjustment. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different measurement requirements at different stages, achieving high precision while managing complexity through structured process division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the first measurement to determine the operating point before conducting the second high-resolution measurement. The offset value is calculated and prepared in advance based on the first measurement results, ensuring that the second measurement is properly configured to achieve high precision without exceeding amplifier range. This preliminary action prevents range issues and ensures optimal measurement conditions.
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 method effectively increases sensor resolution, allowing for the use of smaller and cheaper sensors while maintaining performance, by combining lower and higher resolution signals to achieve a composite digital output that accurately represents the sensor's operating point with enhanced precision.
Implementation Method 1
the analog sensor output signal may be amplified by an amplifier using a first gain to produce a lower resolution amplified analog sensor output signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices for increasing a sensor (14) resolution are disclosed. In one example, a two measurement process is used. A first measurement is used to effectively measure across a full range (e.g. 0 to 5 VDC) of the sensor (14). This first measurement may identify the current operating point (82) of the sensor (14) (e.g. 3.5VDC). A second measurement may then be made to effectively measure across a sub-range (88) of the sensor (14) that encompasses the current operating point (82) of the sensor (14) (e.g. across a sub-range (88) of 3.0 to 4.0 VDC for a current operating point (82) of 3.5VDC). The gain of the amplifier (30) may be raised during the second measurement to produce a higher resolution measurement. In some cases, the first measurement may be used to determine an appropriate offset that may be applied so as to scale the amplifier (30) to the desired sub-range (88) of sensor (14) that includes the current operating point (82) of the sensor (14). In some cases, the two measurements may be used together to compute an effectively higher resolution measurement signal. In some cases, this may allow for a smaller and/or cheaper sensor (14) to be used, while still achieving good results.