Threshold Signal Conditioning Circuit for Adaptive Measurement Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring electrical signals in automotive applications face challenges in achieving high dynamic range with low and high values, requiring trade-offs in resolution and measurement time, and involve complex calculations and hardware/software adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An electrical circuit with a threshold circuit that dynamically sets a conditioning parameter based on an electrical threshold, automatically adjusting the output slope for low and high input signals, allowing for higher resolution in digital conversion without software or computing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fixed gain amplifier is used for the entire measurement range, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates for either low or high current values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the amplifier gain adjustable and switchable between different values based on the input signal range. The system transitions from a static single-gain configuration to a dynamic multi-gain configuration, where the gain value is selected automatically according to whether the input current is in the low range (0-10mA) or high range (10-100mA), thereby optimizing measurement precision across the entire dynamic range without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplifier gain parameter based on the input signal magnitude. Two different gain values are used: a first gain value for low current measurements (0-10mA) and a second gain value for high current measurements (10-100mA). This parameter change allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across different current ranges while using a single amplifier hardware component
2Measurement precision
If software-based range evaluation and gain switching is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the measurement time increases due to multiple measurement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the amplifier with multiple gain values and pre-establishing the switching logic between them. The system is prepared in advance with all necessary gain settings available, so when a measurement is taken, the appropriate gain is already selected based on the input signal range, eliminating the need for iterative software-based range evaluation and multiple measurement steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based control mechanism with a hardware-based automatic switching mechanism. The gain switching is achieved through hardware circuitry that automatically selects the appropriate gain value based on the input signal level, substituting the software evaluation and control process with a direct hardware response that occurs simultaneously with the measurement, thereby eliminating additional measurement time
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical circuit for conditioning an analog electrical input signal into an analog electrical output signal includes a threshold circuit. The threshold circuit is configured to set a value of a conditioning parameter, under control of the analog electrical input signal and based on an electrical threshold. The threshold circuit is configured to set the conditioning parameter to, in response to the analog electrical input signal being below the electrical threshold, a first value. The threshold circuit is configured to set the conditioning parameter to, in response to the analog electrical input signal exceeding the electrical threshold, a second value different from the first value.