Signal Processing Circuit for Ultrasonic Flow Meter Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters face challenges in accuracy, which is a critical issue for precise detection of fluid flow velocity, and existing methods do not adequately address this problem.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing circuit and chip that calculate the current acoustic speed and temperature by determining delay times and distances between transducers, allowing for improved flow rate and velocity measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ultrasonic flow meter methods are used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuit is divided into multiple functional modules: a first processing module that obtains first delay time and first distance, a second processing module that obtains second delay time and second distance, a third processing module that calculates acoustic speed, and a fourth processing module that calculates flow velocity. This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function independently, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit performs preliminary calculations of acoustic speed and temperature compensation parameters during the measurement process. By pre-calculating the acoustic speed based on delay times and distances before final flow velocity computation, the system achieves more accurate measurements without requiring complex real-time adjustments, thus improving precision while controlling overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic speed is not accurately determined, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit uses feedback from the transducer signals to continuously refine the acoustic speed calculation. By measuring the actual delay times between signal transmission and reception, and using these feedback values to calculate acoustic speed and temperature compensation parameters, the system achieves high measurement precision. The feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing acoustic conditions without requiring overly complex external calibration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the acoustic speed parameter based on measured delay times and distances. Instead of using a fixed acoustic speed value, the circuit calculates the actual acoustic speed at the time of measurement by processing the delay time signals. This parameter change approach improves flow rate measurement accuracy by accounting for real-time acoustic conditions while keeping the calculation methodology straightforward and integrated within the signal processing circuit.
3Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is not implemented, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuit performs temperature compensation self-service by using the acoustic speed calculation itself to determine the compensation parameters. The circuit measures delay times and calculates acoustic speed, which then provides the temperature compensation information needed to correct flow velocity measurements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors and complex compensation systems, achieving improved measurement precision without significantly increasing device 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
Enhances the accuracy of flow meter readings by providing a method to estimate current acoustic speed and temperature, thereby improving the precision of fluid flow detection.
Implementation Method 1
transducer receiving signal
Implementation Method 2
acoustic path length is determined by transit times measured
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses a signal processing circuit (100), coupled to a first transducer (102) and a second transducer (104), wherein the first transducer and the second transducer have a distance greater than zero, and a fluid having a flow velocity flows sequentially through the first transducer and the second transducer, the signal processing circuit includes: a first transmitter (106), coupled to the first transducer; a first receiver (108), coupled to the first transducer; a second transmitter (110), coupled to the second transducer; a second receiver (112), coupled to the second transducer; and a control unit (114), coupled to the first transmitter, the first receiver, the second transmitter and the second receiver. The present application further provides a related chip, a flow meter and a method.