Spatial Sensor Array for High-Dynamic Range Electric Field Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric field sensors have limitations in capturing time-varying electric fields over long distances and require active measurement methods, which are not suitable for high-speed industrial applications or non-contact visualization.
Innovation Solution
A spatial sensor array comprising field effect transistors (FETs) with antennas connected to each transistor, modulating current through the transistors, and converting analog voltage to digital form using an ADC, allowing for remote, high-speed, and high dynamic range detection of electric fields without emitting electromagnetic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional point source sensors are used for electric field measurement, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and detection distance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into multiple independent sensor elements arranged in a spatial array. Each sensor element consists of an antenna connected to a transistor, allowing distributed measurement of electric fields across space. This segmentation enables improved measurement precision through spatial resolution while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-point measurement to multi-dimensional spatial array measurement. By arranging sensors in two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations, the system captures electric field variations across multiple spatial dimensions, significantly enhancing measurement precision and providing comprehensive field mapping capabilities.
2Productivity
If conventional sensors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the capture rate of time varying electric fields is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements synchronized sampling across all sensor elements in the spatial array. By pre-coordinating the measurement timing and using synchronized triggers, the system captures time-varying electric fields at high rates without requiring complex post-processing to align data from different sensors, thus improving productivity while controlling system complexity.
3Reliability
If passive sensing method is used with spatial array, then the detection distance and dynamic range are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive sensing where each sensor element in the spatial array independently detects electric fields without requiring active transmission or complex signal processing. The field effect transistors naturally convert electric field variations into measurable signals, and the system uses simple analog-to-digital conversion, allowing reliable long-distance detection while minimizing device complexity through self-service operation of each sensor element.
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
Enables remote, high-speed, and high dynamic range detection of electric fields over six orders of magnitude, from 10^2 V/m to 10^8 V/m, with adjustable sensitivity through antenna length, transistor characteristics, and ADC selection, suitable for applications like industrial monitoring and electronic failure diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna 510 induces charge on the gate G of the transistor 520 in response to an applied electric field 110
Data Source
AI summary
Sensing a time varying electric field includes a device or system including a spatial sensor array having one or more transistors, a circuit including a resistor connected to each of the transistors, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to each circuit which convert an analog voltage outputs to digital form, and an antenna to each of the transistors. The antennas sense the time varying electric field and modulate current through their respective transistors. The spatial sensor array may be stationary or in motion during the sensing.