Shielded Loop Antenna Circuit for Electromagnetic Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic field detection systems are unable to effectively respond to both high-field and low-field events across the entire signal range, often causing damage to electronic equipment and are either too expensive or unreliable, especially when used in sensitive computing systems.

Innovation Solution

A detection apparatus and method using a shielded loop magnetic antenna with a circuit that includes an equalizer, logarithmic amplifier, and peak detector to capture and infer electrical fields from magnetic field measurements, allowing for the detection of high-field and low-field electromagnetic events with improved dynamic range and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical dipole antennae or Schottky-type diode detector systems are used to detect high-field events, then the system can detect high voltage pulses, but the induced voltage on the antenna causes unpredictable variations in output power and potential damage to downstream circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidinduced voltage damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electromagnetically shielded enclosure as an intermediary between the antenna and downstream circuitry. This enclosure acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic interference while allowing the detection function to operate, thereby preventing induced voltage damage to circuitry while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional electrical field-based detection with magnetic field-based detection using a loop antenna. This substitution fundamentally changes the detection mechanism, allowing the system to detect electromagnetic events without the harmful induced voltages that plague electrical dipole antenna systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional electrical antennas are used to detect both high-field and low-field events, then the system aims to cover the entire signal range, but the system cannot effectively respond to both event types across the entire frequency range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal range coverageVSAvoiddetection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection system using a loop antenna that can effectively detect both high-field and low-field electromagnetic events across a broad frequency range. The magnetic field-based detection mechanism provides multi-functionality, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for different event types while maintaining reliable detection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If high voltage antenna configurations are used near sensitive electronic equipment, then the system can detect high-field events, but it is difficult to manage the antenna configuration in the proximity to shielded equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-field detection capabilityVSAvoidantenna configuration management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetically shielded enclosure serves as a mediator that allows the high-voltage antenna configuration to operate near sensitive equipment without direct interference. The enclosure manages the electromagnetic field interactions, making the system easier to operate while maintaining high-field detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If D dot detectors are used to measure time rate of change of electrical displacement, then the system can detect electromagnetic fields, but the integration over time makes it difficult to capture events across the entire expected signal range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield strength measurementVSAvoidsignal range response
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical displacement-based detection with magnetic field-based detection using a loop antenna. This substitution eliminates the time integration requirement, allowing the system to directly capture electromagnetic events across the entire signal range without the limitations of D dot detector integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables comprehensive detection of electromagnetic events, preventing damage to electronic equipment by accurately capturing peak values of electromagnetic pulses, thereby protecting sensitive systems from both high and low field interference.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring a magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave using a shielded loop magnetic antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a logarithmic amplifier electrically connected to the equalizer and configured to generate a range of signals based on signals received at the antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLogarithmic amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP2488882B1System and method of electromagnetic field detection
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 TECHHOLD LLC
  • EP2488882B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2488882B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2488882B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4

AI summary

A method and apparatus configured to detect electromagnetic field events are disclosed. One apparatus includes an antenna and a circuit electrically connected to the antenna. The circuit includes electronics communicatively connected to the antenna via a direct current isolation circuit and an equalizer compensating for the differentiating frequency response of the antenna. The circuit also includes a logarithmic amplifier electrically connected to the equalizer and configured to generate a range of signals based on signals received at the antenna. The circuit further includes a peak detector receiving signals from the equalizer and configured to capture a peak value of the signals. The electromagnetic field event is detected at least in part based on the peak signal value.