Sensor Simulation Circuit Using Shunt Resistor and Bridge Rectifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit arrangements for simulating sensors that change current intensity and/or resistance as a function of a measured variable are complex, costly, and require significant space and configuration effort, especially when simulating multiple sensors in pre-development stages of vehicle control devices.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement using field-effect transistors and a shunt resistor integrated into a bridge rectifier, with a control circuit that regulates current via a voltage drop at the shunt resistor, allowing for bidirectional current regulation and simplification, reducing component costs and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional circuit arrangements are used for simulating sensors, then sensor simulation functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple circuit functions into a single integrated arrangement. The sensor simulation circuit merges current regulation, resistance simulation, and measurement capabilities into one compact design, eliminating the need for separate circuits for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full simulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit arrangement is designed to simulate multiple sensor types simultaneously using a universal architecture. By implementing adjustable current regulation and resistance simulation capabilities, the same circuit can emulate different sensor characteristics (such as wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors), reducing the need for multiple dedicated circuits for each sensor type.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional circuit arrangements are used for simulating sensors, then sensor simulation functionality is achieved, but space requirements and configuration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into a compact circuit arrangement that occupies minimal space. By combining current regulation elements, resistance simulation components, and measurement circuits into a single integrated layout, the design reduces the physical footprint required for sensor simulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs adjustable parameters that can be configured through software or hardware switches to simulate different sensor characteristics. This parameter-based configuration approach eliminates the need for complex physical reconfiguration or multiple dedicated circuits, thereby reducing both space requirements and configuration effort when adapting to different sensor simulation needs.
3Measurement precision
If precise current regulation is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual current through the shunt resistor is measured and compared against a reference value. The control circuit adjusts the field-effect transistor gate voltage based on this feedback to maintain precise current regulation. This closed-loop feedback approach achieves high measurement precision using a relatively simple control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt resistor serves as an intermediary element that enables precise current measurement without directly disrupting the main current path. By placing the shunt resistor in parallel with the load, the circuit can measure current through the voltage drop across the shunt using Ohm's law, achieving accurate measurements with minimal impact on the overall circuit complexity.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and precise bipolar current sink capable of simulating multiple sensors with a wide operating range, reducing configuration effort and current consumption, suitable for hardware-in-the-loop simulator devices.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit configured to actuate the gates of the field-effect transistors includes a control circuit configured to detect and regulate the current in the current path via a voltage drop at the shunt resistor
Implementation Method 2
The resistor is configured as a shunt resistor connected to a bridge rectifier
Implementation Method 3
a current path connecting the external connections and having first and second field-effect transistors and a resistor connected therein. The circuit arrangement further includes a circuit configured to actuate gates of the field-effect transistors so as to at least one of control and regulate a current through the current path
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement for simulating a sensor includes two external connections configured to change at least one of a current intensity and a resistance between the two external connections as a function of a measured variable. The circuit arrangement comprises: (a) a current path connecting the two external connections having two field-effect transistors and a resistor, and (b) a circuit configured to actuate gates of the two field-effect transistors so as to at least one of control and regulate a current through the current path, wherein the resistor is configured as a shunt resistor connected to a bridge rectifier and the circuit configured to actuate the gates of the two field-effect transistors comprises a control circuit configured to detect and regulate the current in the current path via a voltage drop at the shunt resistor.