Device, probe, and method for the galvanically decoupled transmission of a measuring signal

• US 7,893,683 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2006
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thomas Hoffmann
• Original Assignee: Forschungsverbund Berlin E.V., Thomas Hoffman
• Inventors: Hoffmann, Thomas, Liero, Armin
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Ha Tran T
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vazquez; Arleen M
• Application Number:
  US12/158,785
• Publication Number:
  US 20080290856A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,532 Days
• Field of Search: 324/96, 324750-753, 324/642, 385/42
• US Class Current: 324/96
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/06777 High voltage probes
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 1/06788 Hand-held or hand-manipulated probes, e.g. for oscilloscopes or for portable test instruments end pieces terminating in a probe H01R11/18
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 15/26 using modulation of waves other than light, e.g. radio or acoustic waves

Abstract

The invention relates to a device, a probe, and a method for the galvanically decoupling transmission of a measuring signal. A microwave signal is supplied by a transceiver (1) to a sensor (3) by means of a galvanically decoupled waveguide (2). The signal is partially reflected in the sensor (3), the amplitude, phase and/or polarization of the reflected microwave signal containing the information relating to the measuring value. The reflected microwave signal runs through the same waveguide (2) back to the transceiver (1) and is evaluated therein. The invention provides a more simple and economical structure than conventional devices of prior art, as a voltage supply is not required especially on the sensor side as a result of the reflection. In this way, the sensor (3) can also be produced in a very compact manner, minimizing the influence of the measuring signal through the sensor (3).

Claims

1. Device for the galvanically decoupled voltage measurement, wherein a transceiver for microwaves is connected to a sensor over a means for the galvanically decoupled transmission of microwaves, wherein the means for the galvanically decoupled transmission of microwaves is a dielectric waveguide, which is connected to a reflector, and wherein the sensor includes a transistor to change the reflection of the microwave signal, the reflector being connected to the drain-source channel of the transistor and wherein the electrical input of the device is formed by the gate and source of the transistor.

2. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the oscillator of the transceiver is a CW signal oscillator.

3. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the oscillator of the transceiver is an oscillator for amplitude modulated, including pulsed, microwave signals.

4. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the oscillator of the transceiver is an oscillator for frequency modulated microwave signals.

5. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transceiver has multiple oscillators that generate microwave signals of different frequency which are superimposed.

6. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the transceiver contains a demodulator.

7. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a mixer that multiplies the oscillator signal by the reflected microwave signal is integrated in the transceiver.

8. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a dipole antenna structure for reflection of the microwave signal.

9. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for the transmission of the microwave signal is integrated on a substrate.

10. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for the transmission of the microwave signal is provided by a flexible waveguide.

11. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the device does not include any additional voltage supply.

12. Device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the means for the transmission of microwaves is provided by successive connection of a multiplicity of galvanically conducting conduction pieces that are insulated from each other.

13. Device in accordance with claim 12, wherein, in addition, shielding is provided for the microwave signal.