Statistical Resistor Array Divider for High-Ratio Voltage Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage dividers suffer from inaccuracies due to variations in resistor ratios caused by factors such as initial construction accuracy, voltage coefficient, drift, and aging, which are exacerbated by complex resistor configurations, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A statistical array voltage divider design utilizing a series arrangement of N nominally-identical resistor elements and a parallel arrangement of M nominally-identical resistor elements, leveraging statistical averaging to improve accuracy and reduce costs through the use of nominally-identical resistors made simultaneously on a substrate, with the central limit theorem applied to minimize errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional voltage divider designs are used with complex resistor configurations, then the voltage division ratio can be achieved, but the accuracy deteriorates due to variations in resistor ratios caused by initial construction accuracy, voltage coefficient, drift, and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider is segmented into multiple nominally-identical resistor elements (at least two) that are coupled in series. Each resistor element has substantially the same resistance value, and they are made simultaneously on a substrate to ensure matching. This segmentation approach allows statistical averaging of non-ideal behaviors across multiple elements, improving accuracy while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of resistor configuration from complex different-value resistors to multiple nominally-identical resistors with substantially the same resistance value. By making resistors simultaneously on a substrate, the resistance ratio becomes determined by the number of elements rather than precise resistor values, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations, voltage coefficients, drift, and aging.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision resistor configurations are used to improve voltage divider accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider uses multiple nominally-identical resistor elements coupled in series, where each element has substantially the same resistance value. This segmentation into identical units simplifies the configuration compared to using complex different-value resistor networks, while achieving high accuracy through statistical averaging of non-ideal behaviors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes from using precise different-value resistors to using multiple nominally-identical resistors with substantially the same resistance value. The voltage division ratio is determined by the integer ratio of the number of elements rather than precise resistance values, dramatically reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining high precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple different-value resistors are used to achieve high voltage division ratios, then the voltage ratio can be achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for accurate resistor ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider is divided into multiple nominally-identical resistor elements (at least two) with substantially the same resistance value, coupled in series. This segmentation allows the voltage division ratio to be determined by the ratio of the number of elements (an integer ratio), eliminating the need for precise different-value resistors and dramatically reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention fundamentally changes the approach by using multiple nominally-identical resistors with substantially the same resistance value instead of different-value resistors. The resistance ratio is determined by the count of elements rather than their individual resistance values, making manufacturing much simpler while achieving high precision voltage division ratios.
4Measurement precision
If complex resistor networks are used to achieve accurate voltage division, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage divider uses multiple nominally-identical resistor elements coupled in series, where each element has substantially the same resistance value. This segmentation into identical units greatly simplifies manufacturing compared to complex resistor networks, as the elements can be made simultaneously on a substrate using standard fabrication processes, and the voltage division ratio is simply determined by the number of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes from complex different-value resistor networks to multiple nominally-identical resistors with substantially the same resistance value. This parameter change makes the voltage divider much easier to manufacture, as identical resistors can be produced in arrays using standard semiconductor or thin-film fabrication techniques, eliminating the need for precise individual resistor matching.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more aspects of the techniques and designs described herein may be implemented to provide (e.g., to design, produce, etc.) improved voltage dividers (e.g., more accurate and efficient resistor voltage divider networks). For example, the present disclosure may enable voltage dividers (e.g., resistor voltage divider networks) with a high ratio, such as with a voltage divider ratio K on the order of 100 or more, using a plurality of nominally-identical resistor elements (e.g., such that a significant portion of non-ideal behaviors cancel out and remaining non-ideal behaviors are reduced by statistical averaging). For instance, accurate resistor voltage divider networks may be designed and built using an input resistor having N nominally-identical resistor elements in series and an output resistor having M such resistor elements in parallel. In some examples, an operational amplifier may also be coupled in parallel to the multiplicity of M resistor element strings.