dualrange

Dualrange is a design concept in electronics and signal processing that describes systems capable of operating over two distinct input or output ranges. It commonly uses two amplification paths or gain stages, one with high gain for small signals and another with low gain for large signals, often with a switching or blending mechanism to select the appropriate range for a given input. In some implementations, both ranges are active and the processing stage chooses the most suitable dynamic.

In sensing devices such as cameras and digitizers, dual-range architectures help extend the effective dynamic range beyond what a single fixed gain can provide. This can involve automatic range switching, separate sensor paths, or multi-exposure and dual-gain readouts to capture both dark and bright regions. In instruments like digital multimeters and oscilloscopes, dual-range configurations support maintaining measurement resolution while avoiding saturation.

Benefits include improved resolution for small signals, reduced noise, and the ability to handle very large input signals without distortion. Drawbacks include potential nonlinearity at range boundaries, switching transients, calibration overhead, and increased circuit complexity and power consumption.

Variations of dual-range concepts appear under related names in industry, including automatic gain control, high dynamic range approaches, and dual-gain architectures. The term reflects a broad approach to designing systems that operate across two predefined scales rather than a single fixed range.