For offset calibration and diagnostics of resistor-based bridge circuits

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for providing offset calibration and fault monitoring. An exemplary controller component may include: a resistance-based bridge circuit; a signal conditioning circuit configured to condition an output of the resistance-based bridge circuit; a first diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, the first diagnostic circuit configured to monitor the output of a first branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit; and a second diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, the second diagnostic circuit configured to monitor the output of a second branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Devices and components that include resistance-based bridge circuits (e.g., Wheatstone bridge circuits) can be used in a variety of applications. For example, many sensing components (e.g., flow sensing components, pressure sensing components, etc.) can include such resistance-based bridge circuits. Many sensing components are plagued by technical challenges and limitations.

[0002] Through effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have been addressed by developing solutions, including in the embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments described herein relate to resistance-based bridge circuits and sensing methods, devices, and systems (eg, flow sensing components and pressure sensing components having sensing elements that include resistance-based bridge circuits).

[0004] According to various examples of the present disclosure, a controller component is provided. The exemplary controller component may include: a resistance-based bridge circuit; a signal conditioning circuit configured to condition an output of the resistance-based bridge circuit; a first diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, the first diagnostic circuit configured to monitor an output of a first branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit; and a second diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, the second diagnostic circuit configured to monitor an output of a second branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit.

[0005] According to various examples of the present disclosure, a method for providing offset calibration and detecting fault conditions using a controller component is provided. The method may include: monitoring a first branch of a resistance-based bridge circuit by a first diagnostic circuit of the controller component; and monitoring a second branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit by a second diagnostic circuit of the controller component, wherein the first diagnostic circuit and the second diagnostic circuit are electrically coupled to a signal conditioning circuit of the controller component, and the signal conditioning circuit is configured to condition an output of the resistance-based bridge circuit.

[0006] The above exemplary invention contents and other exemplary objects and / or advantages of the present disclosure and the manner in which these objects and / or advantages are achieved are further explained in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The description of the exemplary embodiments may be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise noted. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements unless otherwise noted. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the accompanying drawings set forth herein, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 Exemplary circuit schematics according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0009] Figure 2 Exemplary circuit schematics according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0010] Figure 3 shows an exemplary circuit schematic diagram according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 shows an exemplary circuit schematic diagram according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 shows an exemplary circuit schematic according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0013] Figure 6 Exemplary controller components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Throughout, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0015] The components shown in the drawings represent components that may or may not be present in the various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, such that an embodiment may include fewer or more components than those shown in the drawings without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some components may be omitted from one or more of the drawings or shown in phantom to make underlying components visible.

[0016] The phrases "in an example embodiment," "some embodiments," "various embodiments," etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following such phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment).

[0017] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0018] If the specification states that a component or feature "may," "could," "would," "should," "will," "preferably," "likely," "typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "might" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, the particular component or feature is not required to be included or have that characteristic. Such components or features may optionally be included in some embodiments, or may be excluded.

[0019] The terms "electrically coupled" or "electronically in communication" in this disclosure may refer to two or more electronic components (such as, but not limited to, exemplary processing circuits, communication components, input / output components, memory, flame detection components) and / or circuits connected by wired means (such as, but not limited to, conductive wires or traces) and / or wireless means (such as, but not limited to, wireless networks, electromagnetic fields) such that data and / or information (e.g., electronic indications, signals) can be transmitted to and / or received from the electrically coupled electrical components and / or circuits.

[0020] The term "sensing component" may refer to a device configured to detect / measure a mechanical output (e.g., a pressure sensing component, a flow sensing component, a magnetic-based sensing component, etc.). In one example, the pressure sensing component may include a diaphragm and a strain gauge. The exemplary diaphragm may be configured to flex in response to an applied pressure, thereby causing a change in the resistance of the strain gauge. Thus, the exemplary pressure sensing component may be configured to generate an output voltage or output current proportional to the detected mechanical pressure. In various embodiments, the sensing component may include a resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit) configured to detect / measure a physical parameter (e.g., pressure).

[0021] For example, the pressure sensing component may include a Wheatstone bridge circuit that is excited by a constant voltage or current to generate an electrical output / signal. In response to the applied pressure, a first pair of strain gauges in the exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit may be subjected to tension, and a second pair of strain gauges in the exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit may be subjected to compression. The exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit may include two parallel branches, each branch including two series arms (i.e., two resistors connected in series). A parameter-responsive impedance (e.g., a temperature-responsive resistor) may be connected to one of the series arms. To determine the value of the variable impedance, and therefore the value of the monitored parameter, the Wheatstone bridge circuit may be adjusted to a balanced state, thereby forming a zero voltage on the diagonal of the bridge (e.g., between the taps on the two branches). The exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit may be manually or automatically activated to a balanced state by adjusting the value of the bridge's impedance. After equilibrium has been achieved, the value of the variable parameter-responsive impedance may be determined. Based on the determined value of the parameter-responsive impedance, the value of the parameter may be calculated based on a known relationship between the parameter value of the parameter-responsive impedance and the impedance value.

[0022] As described above, a Wheatstone bridge circuit can be used in a sensing component to detect / measure a physical parameter. Compensation of a sensing component including a Wheatstone bridge circuit can utilize a signal conditioning circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable amplifier, etc.) implemented via a programmable compensation integrated circuit (IC). These programmable circuits facilitate digital compensation of the sensing component's circuit and can be configured to generate an amplified voltage output. Thus, the exemplary ASIC can operate to generate an output signal that varies proportionally to the output of the exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit. In some examples, the exemplary programmable amplifier can generate a signal in the range of approximately 0 volts to 5 volts at approximately positive or negative 1 mA of current. The exemplary ASIC can be further configured to adjust / trim the output using stored data (e.g., data stored in an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) to generate an error correction signal that is added to or subtracted from the output of the exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0023] In various examples, the electrical signal / output generated by an exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit such as a Wheatstone bridge circuit can be tiny, and therefore detecting and / or monitoring such output within a system has many technical challenges. For example, an exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit can have a very large initial offset error under no-load conditions. In some examples, the Wheatstone bridge circuit is manually compensated to eliminate offset errors during the manufacturing process, but manual compensation techniques can be expensive and time-consuming. In some examples, a single branch (e.g., two series arms) of an exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit can be used to correct the offset. However, such a configuration is not suitable for providing additional diagnostic functions (e.g., detecting fault conditions). In many cases, additional dedicated circuits can be provided for diagnosis and fault correction. However, such a configuration increases the size, complexity, and production costs associated with programmable circuits and / or components (e.g., sensing components).

[0024] In one example, the flow sensing component can be used in a variety of applications, including micropipetting, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications, drug delivery, etc. For example, the exemplary flow sensing component can be implemented in an invasive drug delivery system or a non-invasive drug delivery system to detect, measure and / or identify the flow rate of a flowing medium associated with the invasive drug delivery system or the non-invasive drug delivery system. In such examples, an infusion pump can be implemented to deliver substances (such as, but not limited to, fluids, drugs and / or nutrients) to a patient in an invasive drug delivery system. It may be necessary to deliver substances in controlled amounts. Therefore, the exemplary flow sensing device can be implemented in an infusion pump to detect, measure and / or identify the flow rate of a substance that can be delivered to a patient. In various examples, it may be necessary to accurately measure the flow rate of the flowing medium. Therefore, if the exemplary flow sensing component including a resistance-based bridge circuit generates an incorrect output, the patient may be overdosed or underdosed, which may result in injury and / or death.

[0025] In various examples, it may be difficult to detect / diagnose damage and / or lost connections in a sensing component that includes a resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit). For example, if there is a disconnection between the exemplary Wheatstone bridge circuit and the signal conditioning circuit / programmable amplifier (e.g., an ASIC), the output of the sensing circuit may enter an undefined state, which may be hazardous in various applications. Similarly, if the sensing element / component is damaged, the output generated by the component may be inaccurate. Additionally, the signal conditioning circuit / amplifier may have a limited input range, such that utilizing only a portion of the available input range for offset correction may be inefficient.

[0026] In some examples, to detect a fault, the operation of an exemplary sensing component can be periodically suspended while injecting current into the circuit. A fault or disconnection can then be identified by detecting whether the injected current is connected to ground. Because such configurations require suspending the operation of the sensing component in order to detect a fault, they are not optimal for many applications, including the drug delivery system described above.

[0027] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided.

[0028] In various embodiments, the present disclosure may provide a controller component comprising: a resistance-based bridge circuit; a signal conditioning circuit configured to condition the output of the resistance-based bridge circuit; and a first diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, the first diagnostic circuit configured to monitor the output of a first branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit. In some examples, the controller component may comprise an ASIC or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In some examples, the resistance-based bridge circuit may comprise a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The first branch may comprise two first series arms of the Wheatstone bridge circuit, and the second branch may comprise two second series arms of the Wheatstone bridge circuit. In some examples, the controller component may be configured as a flow sensing component, a pressure sensing component, or a magnetic-based sensing component. In some examples, the controller component may be configured to detect fault conditions and disconnect conditions. In some examples, the signal conditioning circuit may comprise a current mirror configuration. In some examples, the controller component may comprise a level shifter element.

[0029] Using the devices and techniques of the present disclosure, the ability to adjust / trim the offset of a Wheatstone bridge circuit / sensing component and / or detect a lost connection between an exemplary sensing component and a signal conditioning circuit (e.g., an ASIC) is provided. Sensing components integrating such techniques are less complex and can be manufactured at a lower cost than existing solutions. Additionally, a large portion of the amplitude input range can be retained for operations other than offset correction. Furthermore, faults and lost connections can be detected without halting operation of the exemplary sensing component.

[0030] Now see Figure 1 , provides an exemplary circuit schematic diagram depicting an exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various examples, the resistance-based bridge circuit 100 can be configured to detect / measure a physical parameter. For example, the resistance-based bridge circuit 100 can be used with a sensing component (e.g., a pressure sensing component) to detect / measure a physical parameter.

[0031] like Figure 1As depicted, the exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit 100 includes a Wheatstone bridge circuit. Specifically, the exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit 100 includes a first bridge resistor 101, a second bridge resistor 103, a third bridge resistor 105, and a fourth bridge resistor 107. As depicted, the first bridge resistor 101 and the third bridge resistor 105 can define a first branch (e.g., a first series arm) of the resistance-based bridge circuit 100. As further depicted, the second bridge resistor 103 and the fourth bridge resistor 107 can define a second branch (e.g., a second series arm) of the resistance-based bridge circuit 100. In some examples, as Figure 1 As depicted, the exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit 100 can be connected to a voltage input / source 102 and a ground 108. Additionally, as depicted, the exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit 100 can include / define a positive output terminal / node 104 and a negative output terminal / node 106 for connection to other processing circuitry (e.g., an ASIC). The exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit 100 can provide an electrical signal indicative of the detected physical parameter (e.g., to the exemplary ASIC) for further processing.

[0032] While some of the embodiments herein provide exemplary resistance-based bridge circuits 100, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in some examples, a resistance-based bridge circuit 100 according to the present disclosure may include one or more additional and / or alternative components and / or may be coupled to a resistor. Figure 1 are constructed / positioned differently as shown in .

[0033] Now see Figure 2, an exemplary circuit schematic diagram is provided that depicts at least a portion of a controller component 200 (e.g., an ASIC) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, as depicted, a portion of the exemplary controller component 200 includes a first diagnostic circuit 201 and a second diagnostic circuit 203. In various embodiments, each of the first diagnostic circuit 201 and the second diagnostic circuit 203 can be configured to detect the output of a corresponding branch (e.g., two series arms) of an exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit). For example, as depicted, the first diagnostic circuit 201 can be connected to the positive terminal 202 of the first branch of the exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit). Similarly, as further depicted, the second diagnostic circuit 203 can be connected to the negative terminal 204 of the second branch of the exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit). Because the example controller component 200 is configured to simultaneously monitor both branches of the example resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit), it can be used to detect whether the connection between the resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit) and the controller component / processing circuit has failed. For example, the example controller component 200 can be configured to detect that a wire bond has broken to a high resistance condition or that the example diaphragm of the pressure sensing component has been damaged.

[0034] Although some of the embodiments herein provide exemplary controller components 200, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in some examples, the exemplary controller component 200 according to the present disclosure may include one or more additional and / or alternative elements and / or may be used in conjunction with the controller component 200. Figure 2 are constructed / positioned differently as shown in .

[0035] Now see Figure 3 , an exemplary circuit schematic is provided depicting an exemplary diagnostic current source 300 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the exemplary diagnostic current source 300 can form part of / integrate with other circuits (e.g., an exemplary ASIC). As depicted, the exemplary diagnostic current source 300 can be configured to generate a bias voltage 301 of a particular voltage value in order to generate a current within a system. For example, as depicted, the exemplary diagnostic current source 300 can operate by generating a bias voltage that can be used to generate a current for adjusting the offset of an exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit).

[0036] Although some of the embodiments herein provide exemplary diagnostic current sources 300, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in some examples, the exemplary diagnostic current source 300 according to the present disclosure may include one or more additional and / or alternative components and / or may be used in conjunction with Figure 3 are constructed / positioned differently as shown in .

[0037] Now see Figure 4 , provides an exemplary circuit schematic diagram depicting at least a portion of an exemplary controller component 400 (eg, an ASIC). The exemplary controller component 400 may be combined with the above Figure 1 The exemplary controller component 400 is similar or identical to the exemplary controller component 200 discussed above. Specifically, as depicted, the exemplary controller component 400 includes a signal conditioning circuit 401, a first diagnostic circuit 403, and a level shifter element 405. The exemplary controller component 400 can operate to trim the output of an exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit) while performing self-diagnostic functions. In various embodiments, the exemplary controller component 400 can form part of or otherwise be integrated with a sensing component (e.g., a flow sensing component, a pressure sensing component, etc.).

[0038] like Figure 4 As depicted, the example controller component 400 includes at least a portion of a signal conditioning circuit 401. As described above, the signal conditioning circuit 401 can operate to trim the output of the example resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit), i.e., provide a trimmed current. For example, the example controller component 400 can be configured to trim the output of the first branch (e.g., two series arms) of the example Wheatstone bridge circuit. Figure 4 As depicted, the signal conditioning circuit 401 includes / defines a current mirror configured to mirror an input current to generate a final output current (e.g., between 1 μA and 4 μA) and thereby operate to control the offset current value. In various embodiments, the exemplary signal conditioning circuit 401 can operate to double or quadruple the input current value. Additionally, as depicted, the signal conditioning circuit 401 (i.e., the current mirror) is configured to provide the input current to the first diagnostic circuit 403.

[0039] like Figure 4As depicted, the exemplary controller component 400 includes a first diagnostic circuit 403. As depicted, the first diagnostic circuit 403 includes a first transistor element 402 and a second transistor element 404. In various examples, the first diagnostic circuit 403 can be configured to perform self-diagnostic functions and / or detect faults. For example, if the voltage is around mid-scale, the first transistor element 402 can be turned on. In some examples, due to the characteristic differences between the first transistor element 402 and the second transistor element 404, the output voltage can be pulled down, buffered, and inverted, thereby providing active-low fault detection. For example, the output of the first diagnostic circuit 403 can be in an active-low state, such that the first diagnostic circuit 403 is configured to transition to near ground if a disconnect is detected. Due to the active-low configuration, in the event of a disconnect, the output of the signal conditioning circuit 401 can pull down the first transistor element 402 and pull high the second transistor element 404, thereby determining whether the bridge electrical output / signal is absent. For example, with respect to the exemplary sensing component, the first diagnostic circuit 403 may be configured to detect that a wire bond has broken to a high resistance condition, or that an exemplary diaphragm of the sensing component is damaged.

[0040] In some examples, the first diagnostic circuit 403 can be buffered with x40 components (i.e., 4X drive capability) to drive the cross-chip interconnect capacitance. Thus, if the Thevenin resistance of the bridge output is low enough, the first diagnostic circuit 403 can be switched from a low state to a high state. In various examples, the low switch point to the high switch point can be an "operate" (OP) point. The first diagnostic circuit 403 (e.g., a resistance detector of the first diagnostic circuit 403) can be operated in a unipolar manner so that as the connection is disconnected, the first diagnostic circuit 403 switches from a high state to a low state. The high switch point to the low switch point can be a "release" (REL) point. The difference between the OP point and the REL point can be a "differential" (DIF) representing the amount of hysteresis or noise that the first diagnostic circuit 403 can tolerate without chattering. The first diagnostic circuit 403 can operate as a coarse adjustment to reduce the bridge offset voltage distribution at 25°C by at least 50% without significantly increasing the offset voltage displacement with temperature changes.

[0041] In various embodiments, such as Figure 4 As depicted, the exemplary controller component 400 includes a level shifter element 405 configured to convert an electrical output / signal from an analog power domain to a digital power domain. Additionally, in various examples, the controller component 400 can include an analog-to-digital converter element.

[0042] Although some of the embodiments herein provide exemplary controller components 400, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in some examples, the exemplary controller components 400 according to the present disclosure may include one or more additional and / or alternative elements and / or may be used in conjunction with the controller components 400. Figure 4 are constructed / positioned differently as shown in .

[0043] Now see Figure 5 , provides an exemplary circuit schematic diagram depicting at least a portion of an exemplary controller component 500 (eg, an ASIC). The exemplary controller component 500 may be combined with the above Figure 4 The exemplary controller component 500 is similar or identical to the exemplary controller component 400 discussed above. Specifically, as depicted, the exemplary controller component 500 includes a signal conditioning circuit 501, a second diagnostic circuit 503, and a level shifter element 505. The exemplary controller component 500 can operate to trim the output of an exemplary resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit) while performing self-diagnostic functions. In various embodiments, the exemplary controller component 500 can form part of or otherwise be integrated with a sensing component (e.g., a flow sensing component, a pressure sensing component, etc.).

[0044] like Figure 5 As depicted, the example controller component 500 includes a portion of a signal conditioning circuit 501. As described above, the signal conditioning circuit 501 can operate to trim the output of the example resistance-based bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge circuit), i.e., provide a trimmed current. For example, the example controller component 500 can be configured to trim the output of the second branch (e.g., the two series arms) of the example Wheatstone bridge circuit. Figure 5 As depicted, the signal conditioning circuit 501 includes / defines a current mirror configured to mirror an input current to generate a final output current (e.g., between 1 μA and 4 μA) and thereby operate to control the offset current value. In various embodiments, the exemplary signal conditioning circuit 501 can operate to double or quadruple the input current value. Additionally, as depicted, the signal conditioning circuit 501 (i.e., the current mirror) is configured to provide current to the second diagnostic circuit 503.

[0045] like Figure 5As depicted, the exemplary controller component 500 includes a second diagnostic circuit 503. As depicted, the second diagnostic circuit 503 includes a first transistor element 502 and a second transistor element 504. In various examples, the second diagnostic circuit 503 can be configured to perform self-diagnostic functions and / or detect faults. For example, if the voltage is around mid-scale, the first transistor element 502 can be turned on. In some examples, due to the characteristic differences between the first transistor element 502 and the second transistor element 504, the output voltage can be pulled down, buffered, and inverted, thereby providing active-low fault detection. For example, the output of the second diagnostic circuit 503 can be in an active-low state, so that the second diagnostic circuit 503 is configured to transition to near ground if a disconnect is detected. Due to the active-low configuration, if a disconnect occurs, the output of the signal conditioning circuit 501 can pull down the first transistor element 502 and pull high the second transistor element 504 to determine whether the bridge output is absent. For example, with respect to the sensing component, the second diagnostic circuit 503 may be configured to detect that a wire bond has broken to a high resistance condition, or that an exemplary diaphragm of the sensing component is damaged.

[0046] In some examples, the second diagnostic circuit 503 can be buffered with x40 components (i.e., 4X drive capability) to drive the cross-chip interconnect capacitance. Thus, if the Thevenin resistance of the bridge output is low enough, the second diagnostic circuit 503 can be switched from a low state to a high state. In various examples, the low switch point to the high switch point can be an "operate" (OP) point. The second diagnostic circuit 503 (e.g., a resistance detector of the second diagnostic circuit 503) can be operated in a unipolar manner so that as the connection is disconnected, the second diagnostic circuit 503 switches from a high state to a low state. The high switch point to the low switch point can be a "release" (REL) point. The difference between the OP point and the REL point can be a "differential" (DIF) representing the amount of hysteresis or noise that the second diagnostic circuit 503 can tolerate without chattering. The second diagnostic circuit 503 can operate as a coarse adjustment to reduce the bridge offset voltage distribution at 25°C by at least 50% without significantly increasing the offset voltage displacement with temperature changes.

[0047] In various embodiments, such as Figure 5 As depicted, example controller component 500 includes a level shifter element 505 configured to convert electrical signals / outputs from an analog power domain to a digital power domain.

[0048] Although some of the embodiments herein provide exemplary controller components 500, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. For example, in some examples, the exemplary controller components 500 according to the present disclosure may include other elements (one or more additional and / or alternative elements) and / or may be used in conjunction with Figure 5 are constructed / positioned differently as shown in .

[0049] Now see Figure 6 , provides a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary controller component 600 in electronic communication with a sensing component 609 (e.g., a flow sensing component, a pressure sensing component, etc.) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the controller component 600 includes processing circuitry 601, a communication element 603, an input / output element 605, a memory 607, and / or other components configured to perform various operations, procedures, functions, etc. described herein. In some examples, the controller component 600 can be operatively coupled to the sensing component or remote from the sensing component 609.

[0050] As depicted, controller component 600 (such as processing circuitry 601, communication element 603, input / output element 605, and memory 607) is electrically coupled to and / or in electronic communication with sensing component 609. Sensing component 609 can exchange (e.g., send and receive) data in the form of electrical signals with processing circuitry 601 of controller component 600.

[0051] Processing circuitry 601 can be implemented, for example, as various devices, including one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processors; one or more processors without accompanying digital signal processors; one or more coprocessors; one or more multi-core processors; one or more controllers; processing circuitry; one or more computers; and various other processing elements (including integrated circuits, such as ASICs or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or some combination thereof). In some embodiments, processing circuitry 601 can include one or more processors. In an exemplary embodiment, processing circuitry 601 can be configured to execute instructions stored in memory 607 or otherwise accessible to processing circuitry 601. When executed by processing circuitry 601, these instructions enable controller component 600 to perform one or more functions as described herein. Whether processing circuitry 601 is configured by hardware methods, firmware / software methods, or a combination thereof, the processing circuitry can include entities that, when configured accordingly, are capable of performing operations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, for example, when processing circuitry 601 is implemented as an ASIC, FPGA, etc., processing circuitry 601 can include specifically configured hardware for performing one or more operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processing circuit 601 is implemented as an actuator of instructions (such as those that may be stored in the memory 607), the instructions may specifically configure the processing circuit 601 to perform one or more algorithms and operations described herein, some of which are described herein.

[0052] Memory 607 may include, for example, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or some combination thereof. Figure 5 607 is shown as a single memory, but the memory 607 may include multiple memory components. In various embodiments, the memory 607 may include, for example, a hard drive, random access memory, EEPROM, cache memory, flash memory, an optical disk, a circuit configured to store information, or some combination thereof. The memory 607 can be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions, etc., so that the controller component 600 can perform various functions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in at least some embodiments, the memory 607 is configured to cache input data for processing by the processing circuit 601. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments, the memory 607 is configured to store program instructions for execution by the processing circuit 601. The memory 607 can store information in the form of static and / or dynamic information. The stored information can be stored and / or used by the controller component 600 when performing functions.

[0053] Communication element 603 can be embodied as any equipment included in circuit, hardware, computer program product or their combination, and this equipment is configured to receive and / or send data to them from another part or equipment.Computer program product comprises the computer readable program instruction that is stored on computer readable medium (for example, memory 607) and is performed by controller component 600 (for example, processing circuit 601).In some embodiments, communication element 603 (the same as other parts discussed herein) can be embodied as processing circuit 601 at least in part or otherwise controlled by processing circuit 601.In this regard, communication element 603 can for example communicate with processing circuit 601 by bus.Communication element 603 can comprise for example antenna, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, network interface card and / or support hardware and / or firmware / software, and be used for setting up communication with another equipment.Communication element 603 can be configured to receive and / or send any data that can be stored by memory 607 by using any protocol that can be used for communication between equipment. The communication element 603 may additionally or alternatively communicate with the memory 607 , the input / output element 605 , and / or any other component of the controller component 600 , such as via a bus.

[0054] In some embodiments, the controller component 600 may include an input / output element 605. The input / output element 605 may communicate with the processing circuit 601 to receive instructions input by the user and / or provide auditory, visual, mechanical or other outputs to the user. Therefore, the input / output element 605 may communicate electronically with support devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, touch screen display and / or other input / output mechanisms. Alternatively, at least some aspects of the input / output element 605 may be implemented on the device used by the user to communicate with the controller component 600. The input / output element 605 may, for example, communicate with the memory 607, communication element 603 and / or any other components via a bus. One or more input / output elements and / or other components may be included in the controller component 600. In various examples, the exemplary sensing component 609 may generate an electrical output / signal including information / data, and transmit the electrical output / signal to the processing circuit 601. The exemplary sensing component 609 may generate system information and transmit an indication (e.g., an electrical signal describing system information) to the processing circuit 601.

[0055] Those skilled in the art to which these embodiments belong will appreciate many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein, having benefited from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings have described example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, it is also possible to envision different elements and / or functional combinations from those explicitly described above, as may be shown in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A controller component comprising: Resistor-based bridge circuits; a signal conditioning circuit configured to condition an output of the resistance-based bridge circuit; a first diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, the first diagnostic circuit configured to monitor an output of a first branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit; and a second diagnostic circuit coupled to the signal conditioning circuit, the second diagnostic circuit configured to monitor an output of a second branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit, wherein each of the first diagnostic circuit and the second diagnostic circuit includes two transistors; a first level shifter element coupled to the first diagnostic circuit, wherein the first level shifter element is configured to convert an electrical signal output from the first diagnostic circuit from an analog power domain to a digital power domain; as well as a second level shifter element coupled to the second diagnostic circuit, wherein the second level shifter element is configured to convert an electrical signal output from the second diagnostic circuit from an analog power domain to a digital power domain; wherein the controller component is configured to detect a fault condition and a disconnect condition by monitoring the outputs of a first diagnostic circuit and a second diagnostic circuit, wherein each of the first diagnostic circuit and the second diagnostic circuit is configured to pull down, buffer, and invert the output voltage to provide active low fault detection.

2. The controller component of claim 1, wherein the controller component comprises an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). 3 . The controller component of claim 1 , wherein the resistance-based bridge circuit comprises a Wheatstone bridge circuit. 4 . The controller component of claim 3 , wherein the first branch comprises two first series arms of the Wheatstone bridge circuit, and the second branch comprises two second series arms of the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

5. The controller component of claim 1, wherein the controller component is configured as a flow sensing component.

6. The controller component of claim 1, wherein the controller component is configured as a pressure sensing component.

7. The controller component of claim 1, wherein the controller component is configured as a magnetic-based sensing component.

8. The controller component of claim 1, wherein the controller component is configured to detect a fault condition and a disconnect condition.

9. The controller component of claim 1, wherein the signal conditioning circuit comprises a current mirror configuration.

10. A method for providing offset calibration and detecting fault conditions using a controller component, the method comprising: monitoring a first branch of a resistance-based bridge circuit by a first diagnostic circuit of the controller component; as well as monitoring a second branch of the resistance-based bridge circuit by a second diagnostic circuit of the controller component, wherein each of the first diagnostic circuit and the second diagnostic circuit includes two transistors, wherein the first diagnostic circuit and the second diagnostic circuit are electrically coupled to a signal conditioning circuit of the controller component, and the signal conditioning circuit is configured to condition an output of the resistance-based bridge circuit, and a first level shifter element coupled to the first diagnostic circuit, wherein the first level shifter element is configured to convert an electrical signal output from the first diagnostic circuit from an analog power domain to a digital power domain, a second level shifter element coupled to the second diagnostic circuit, wherein the second level shifter element is configured to convert an electrical signal output from the second diagnostic circuit from an analog power domain to a digital power domain; as well as wherein the controller component is configured to detect a fault condition and a disconnect condition by monitoring the outputs of a first diagnostic circuit and a second diagnostic circuit, wherein each of the first diagnostic circuit and the second diagnostic circuit is configured to pull down, buffer, and invert the output voltage to provide active low fault detection. The method of claim 10 , wherein the controller component comprises an ASIC or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the resistance-based bridge circuit comprises a Wheatstone bridge circuit. 13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the first branch comprises two first series arms of the Wheatstone bridge circuit, and the second branch comprises two second series arms of the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the controller component is configured as a flow sensing component.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the controller component is configured as a pressure sensing component.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the controller component is configured as a magnetic-based sensing component.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the controller component is configured to detect a fault condition and a disconnect condition.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the signal conditioning circuit comprises a current mirror configuration.

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