Sensing System with Shielded Reference Sensor for Noise Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems for detecting electromagnetic radiation face challenges in accurately discriminating between desired and undesired components of the measurement signal, leading to measurement noise that affects accuracy, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
The proposed sensing system incorporates a measurement sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, a reference sensor to detect measurement uncertainty, and a shield to prevent interaction between the electromagnetic radiation and the reference sensor, thereby improving measurement quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference sensor is added to detect measurement uncertainty, then measurement quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference sensor is integrated onto the same integrated circuit substrate as the measurement sensor, with both sensors sharing the same physical platform and fabrication process. This nesting approach allows the reference sensor to be embedded within the existing device architecture without requiring separate external components, thereby reducing the impact on device complexity while still improving measurement quality through noise discrimination
Solution Approach 2:
The reference sensor acts as an intermediary element that detects measurement noise and uncertainty separately from the desired electromagnetic radiation signal. By providing a dedicated noise detection channel, the system can mathematically subtract or compensate for noise components in the measurement signal, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex external noise cancellation equipment
2Measurement precision
If a shield is introduced to prevent radiation interaction with the reference sensor, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is applied locally only to the reference sensor region, creating a radiation-blocking structure specifically where needed to prevent false signals from reaching the reference sensor. This localized shielding approach, rather than blanket shielding of the entire device, minimizes the impact on device complexity and geometry while effectively improving the signal-to-noise ratio by eliminating radiation-induced noise in the reference measurement channel
3Measurement precision
If the reference sensor is shielded from electromagnetic radiation, then measurement noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed with distinct segmented regions: a measurement sensor region exposed to electromagnetic radiation and a reference sensor region shielded from radiation. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific function during fabrication, with the shield structure integrated into the semiconductor manufacturing process through standard techniques such as deposited metal layers or doped regions, thereby minimizing additional manufacturing complexity while effectively reducing measurement noise
Solution Approach 2:
The shield creates an inert or blocked environment around the reference sensor, preventing electromagnetic radiation from interacting with the reference sensor during operation. This radiation-blocking environment is achieved through materials and structures that are transparent to the manufacturing process but effective at blocking radiation during use, such as metal layers deposited during standard CMOS or BiCMOS fabrication, thus reducing measurement noise without significantly complicating manufacturing
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
This configuration enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and accuracy of the measurement by reducing measurement noise, particularly from dark counts, and allows for real-time monitoring and compensation of measurement uncertainty.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a shield configured to reduce an interaction between the electromagnetic radiation and the reference sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system comprising a measurement sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation and a reference sensor configured to detect a source of measurement uncertainty. The sensing system further comprises a shield configured to reduce an interaction between the electromagnetic radiation and the reference sensor.