Wide-Range Current Sensor Chip With Dual-Threshold Busbar Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors struggle to measure a wide range of current amplitudes due to saturation and inaccurate readings when magnetic fields exceed threshold strengths, necessitating multiple sensors or field concentrators that increase complexity and resource demand.
Innovation Solution
A single wide range current sensor chip with two sensors positioned at different distances and threshold ranges, integrated into a single busbar, allowing for a broader current range without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single current sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the measurable current range is limited due to saturation at high currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into two segments by using two sensors with different threshold ranges. The first sensor measures lower current ranges while the second sensor measures higher current ranges, allowing the system to cover a broad current spectrum without requiring complex multi-circuit configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the threshold range parameter of the sensors by positioning them at different distances from the busbar. The first sensor is positioned at a first distance with a first threshold range, while the second sensor is positioned at a second distance with a second threshold range, enabling each sensor to operate optimally in different current ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If field concentrators are added to expand current range, then measurable current range increases, but device complexity and resource demand increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the field concentration function from separate physical components and integrates it into the sensor positioning strategy. By positioning sensors at different distances from the busbar, the system achieves field concentration effects without adding external concentrator components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor chips are used to cover wide current range, then measurable current range increases, but resource demand and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two measurement circuits into a single sensor chip package. Both the first sensor and the second sensor are integrated on the same chip, sharing common infrastructure such as signal processing circuits and power supply, thereby reducing the total quantity of sensor chips required while maintaining the ability to measure a wide current range.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor chip performs multiple functions by incorporating two sensors with different threshold ranges. This multi-functional design allows the chip to measure both low and high current ranges, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate sensor chips and reducing overall system resource demand.
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 accurate measurement of both high and low amplitude currents with reduced complexity and resource demand, overcoming saturation issues and expanding the measurable current range.
Implementation Method 1
Current sensors may detect a magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the electrical component
Implementation Method 2
Field concentrators may adjust magnetic fields detected by a current sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are disclosed herein for a wide range current sensor chip, comprising: a single busbar including one or more constrictions; a first sensor with a first threshold range adapted to measure a first current range, positioned adjacent to one of the one or more constrictions spaced away therefrom by a first distance; and a second sensor with a second threshold range adapted to measure a second current range, positioned adjacent to one of the one or more constrictions and spaced away therefrom by a second distance, wherein a third current range of the wide range current sensor chip depends on the first threshold range, the second threshold range, the first distance, and the second distance.