Vibronic Measuring Device Controllable Amplifier Signal Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vibronic measuring devices have limited measuring ranges due to the limited resolution of integrated analog-to-digital converters, which restricts their ability to accurately determine process variables like filling level, density, and viscosity, especially in highly viscous media where signal damping is significant.
Innovation Solution
A controllable amplifier is introduced between the transmitter/receiver unit and the control/evaluation unit to adapt the amplitude of the received signal to a digitizable voltage range, compensating for the dynamics of the sensor unit and improving the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for reliable measurements even in extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor unit is used directly with the control/evaluation unit, then the device complexity is low, but the measuring range is limited due to insufficient resolution of the analog-to-digital converter
Solution Approach 1:
An adjustable amplifier is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor unit and the control/evaluation unit. This amplifier serves as a mediator that conditions the signal from the sensor unit, adjusting its amplitude to match the input requirements of the analog-to-digital converter, thereby extending the measuring range without directly increasing the complexity of the core measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier's gain parameter is made adjustable and is dynamically adapted based on the amplitude of the received signal from the sensor unit. By changing the amplification parameter in response to signal conditions, the system optimizes the signal level for the analog-to-digital converter across different measurement scenarios, enabling accurate measurements throughout an extended range
2Measurement precision
If the amplitude of the received signal is high, then the signal can be digitized with sufficient resolution, but the dynamic range of the sensor unit cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier's gain is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to automatically adjust based on the amplitude of the received signal from the sensor unit. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the amplifier always presents the optimal signal level to the analog-to-digital converter, maximizing resolution utilization across the entire dynamic range of the sensor unit
Solution Approach 2:
The control/evaluation unit monitors the amplitude of the received signal and uses this feedback information to adjust the amplifier's gain accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the signal amplitude is continuously optimized for the analog-to-digital converter, maintaining full utilization of the digitizable voltage range regardless of the sensor unit's output level
3Reliability
If the received signal amplitude is very low in highly viscous media, then the measurement can be performed, but the signal-to-noise ratio becomes insufficient for reliable determination
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier performs preliminary amplification of the received signal before it reaches the control/evaluation unit and analog-to-digital converter. By amplifying the signal in advance, the system ensures that the signal-to-noise ratio is sufficient for reliable measurement, even when the sensor unit produces very low signals in highly viscous media
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the low-amplitude signal from the sensor unit and the requirements of the control/evaluation unit. It conditions and amplifies the signal to achieve an optimal signal-to-noise ratio, enabling reliable measurements in challenging environments with highly viscous media
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
The solution extends the measuring range and improves signal quality, enabling accurate determination of process variables in highly viscous media by optimizing the signal amplitude and reducing interference, thus enhancing the device's reliability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
Excitation is usually achieved via piezoelectric elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vibronic measuring machine for determining at least one process parameter of a medium, having a vibrating unit, having a transmitting and receiving unit (SE) which excites mechanical vibrations in the vibrating unit by means of a transmission signal, receives the mechanical vibrations and transforms same into an analog electrical received signal, and having a control and analysis unit (MC) which receives and digitalizes the analog received signal, determines the process parameter therefrom and generates the transmission signal (S). According to the invention, a controllable amplifier (V1) is disposed between the transmitting and receiving unit (SE) and the control and analysis unit (MC) and receives the received signal (E) and generates an adapted received signal (E'), and the control and analysis unit (MC) determines an amplitude of the received signal (E) and controls the amplifier (V1) as a function of the determined amplitude, and the amplitude of the adapted received signal (E') is adapted to a voltage range that can be digitalized and is prescribed by the control and analysis unit (MC).