Voltage Controller for Wavelength Variable Interference Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules with wavelength variable interference filters are prone to erroneous operations and deterioration when the power supply voltage is reduced, leading to increased driving voltage and potential pull-in of reflection films, causing oscillation and instability in the wavelength variable interference filter.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates a voltage controller that reduces the driving voltage of the electrostatic actuator when the supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold, setting the driving voltage to a value that prevents pull-in and oscillation, and includes a switch circuit to disconnect the output unit from the electrostatic actuator during voltage errors, ensuring stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power supply voltage is reduced, then energy consumption is decreased, but the voltage controller causes erroneous operation and the driving voltage increases causing pull-in and oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage controller proactively reduces the driving voltage to a predetermined safe value when detecting that the power supply voltage has fallen below a threshold, before erroneous operation can occur. This preliminary protective action prevents pull-in and oscillation of the reflection films by ensuring the driving voltage remains within safe limits even when power supply voltage is reduced
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage controller acts as an intermediary between the power supplier and the electrostatic actuator, mediating the voltage relationship. When the power supply voltage is reduced, the voltage controller adjusts the driving voltage accordingly to maintain a safe operating range, preventing direct transmission of excessive voltage variations to the electrostatic actuator and thus avoiding pull-in and oscillation
2Productivity
If the driving voltage is increased to maintain operation under reduced power supply voltage, then the wavelength variable interference filter can maintain its function, but the reflection films come into contact causing pull-in and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage controller proactively reduces the driving voltage to a predetermined safe value when detecting that the power supply voltage has fallen below a threshold, before erroneous operation can occur. This preliminary protective action prevents pull-in and oscillation of the reflection films by ensuring the driving voltage remains within safe limits even when power supply voltage is reduced
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage controller applies a counter-action by reducing the driving voltage when power supply voltage is reduced, counteracting the tendency for voltage instability that would otherwise cause pull-in. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of reflection film contact and deterioration before it can occur
3Measurement precision
If feedback control is applied to adjust gap amount, then transmission wavelength can be precisely controlled, but oscillation occurs when power supply voltage is reduced causing pull-in
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage controller proactively reduces the driving voltage to a predetermined safe value when detecting that the power supply voltage has fallen below a threshold, before erroneous operation can occur. This preliminary protective action prevents pull-in and oscillation of the reflection films by ensuring the driving voltage remains within safe limits even when power supply voltage is reduced
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage controller acts as an intermediary between the power supplier and the electrostatic actuator, mediating the voltage relationship. When the power supply voltage is reduced, the voltage controller adjusts the driving voltage accordingly to maintain a safe operating range, preventing direct transmission of excessive voltage variations to the electrostatic actuator and thus avoiding pull-in and oscillation
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
This configuration effectively suppresses erroneous operations and deterioration of the wavelength variable interference filter by reducing the driving voltage and preventing pull-in, maintaining stability and accuracy even when the power supply voltage is reduced.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic actuator changing a gap amount of the inter-reflection-film gap
Implementation Method 2
wavelength variable interference filter including two reflection films facing each other via an inter-reflection-film gap
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes: a wavelength variable interference filter that includes two reflection films facing each other via an inter-reflection-film gap and an electrostatic actuator changing a gap amount of the inter-reflection-film gap; and a voltage controller that is driven in accordance with a plurality of supply voltages from a power supplier and applies a driving voltage to the electrostatic actuator. The voltage controller reduces the driving voltage when one of the plurality of supply voltages is less than a predetermined threshold.