Voltage-resistance electronic hardware converter

Abstract

A method and apparatus for voltage-to-resistance conversion may include receiving an input electrical signal from a sensor having a corresponding voltage level indicating a corresponding value measured by the sensor, and determining a first output signal and a second output signal using the voltage level and a lookup table, wherein the first output signal indicates a first resistor among a first plurality of resistors coupled to a first multiplexer, and the second output signal indicates a second resistor among a second plurality of resistors coupled to a second multiplexer. The method may include providing a first output signal to the first multiplexer and a second output signal to the second multiplexer. The first output signal causes the first multiplexer to activate the first resistor, and the second output signal causes the second multiplexer to activate the second resistor. This activation results in a corresponding predetermined output resistance of the voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to voltage-to-resistance conversion. More specifically, this invention relates to a voltage-to-resistance electronic converter. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles and other equipment are typically equipped with a range of sensors to measure various operational aspects or parameters of the equipment. Many of these sensors are resistance-based. Resistance-based sensors translate physical changes related to equipment operation into changes in sensor resistance. For example, in vehicles, many position sensors (such as the throttle position sensor (TPS)) include a variable resistor whose resistance changes with movement or position. As another example in vehicles, engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensors and oil pressure sensors have variable resistors whose resistance values ​​reflect the measured temperature or oil pressure, respectively.

[0003] Resistance changes in resistance-based sensors are typically used as input to an electronic control unit (ECU) (also known as an electronic control module (ECM)) that controls various electrical or electromechanical systems of a device. The ECU determines the action to take (if any) based on the received resistance value. Therefore, sensors, such as resistance-based sensors, are used in many device control strategies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment relates to an apparatus for voltage-to-resistance conversion in a vehicle. The apparatus may include a first multiplexer coupled to a first plurality of resistors, a second multiplexer coupled to a second plurality of resistors, and a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the first and second multiplexers. The microcontroller may receive input signals having corresponding voltage levels. The microcontroller may use the voltage levels of the input signals and a lookup table to determine a first output signal indicating a first resistor among the first plurality of resistors and a second output signal indicating a second resistor among the second plurality of resistors. The microcontroller may feed the first output signal to the first multiplexer and the second output signal to the second multiplexer. The first output signal may cause the first multiplexer to activate the first resistor, and the second output signal may cause the second multiplexer to activate the second resistor. Activation of the first and second resistors may result in corresponding predetermined output resistances of the apparatus.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first resistor and the second resistor may be connected in series when activated. In some embodiments, the first multiplexer may include a first plurality of output ports, and the second multiplexer may include a second plurality of output ports. Each output port of the first plurality of output ports may be coupled to a corresponding resistor of the first plurality of resistors, and each output port of the second plurality of output ports may be coupled to a corresponding resistor of the second plurality of resistors. In some embodiments, the microcontroller may include a first output enable port coupled to the first multiplexer and a second output enable port coupled to the second multiplexer. The microcontroller may include a first plurality of output selection ports coupled to the first multiplexer for feeding a first output signal to the first multiplexer, and a second plurality of output selection ports coupled to the second multiplexer for feeding a second output signal to the second multiplexer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the lookup table may include multiple voltage states and multiple output signal pairs. Each output signal pair may include (i) a first signal for feeding to a first multiplexer, indicating a corresponding first resistor selection among a first plurality of resistors, and (ii) a second signal for feeding to a second multiplexer, indicating a corresponding second resistor selection among a second plurality of resistors. The lookup table may map each voltage state of the multiple voltage states to a corresponding output signal pair of the multiple output signal pairs. When each output signal pair of the multiple output signal pairs is fed to the first and second multiplexers, it may result in a corresponding output resistance of a plurality of predetermined output resistors of the device. In determining the first output signal and the second output signal, the microcontroller may identify the first voltage state among a plurality of voltage states to which the voltage level of the input signal belongs, and identify in the lookup table a first output signal pair mapped to the first voltage state, the first output signal pair including the first output signal and the second output signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the input signal may be an analog input signal, and the microcontroller may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert the analog input signal into a digital input signal. In some embodiments, the device may include a power supply circuit to regulate the power signals fed to the microcontroller, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a sensor system for a vehicle. The sensor system may include a sensor configured to provide an electrical signal as an output, such that the voltage of the electrical signal can indicate a value measured by the sensor. The sensor system may include a controller configured to process the sensor measurements, and a voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit disposed between the sensor and the controller. The voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit may include a first multiplexer coupled to a first plurality of resistors, a second multiplexer coupled to a second plurality of resistors, and a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the first and second multiplexers. The microcontroller may receive electrical signals from sensors having corresponding voltage levels. The microcontroller may use the voltage level of the electrical signal and a lookup table to determine a first output signal indicating a first resistor among the first plurality of resistors and a second output signal indicating a second resistor among the second plurality of resistors.

[0009] The microcontroller can feed the first output signal to the first multiplexer and the second output signal to the second multiplexer.

[0010] A first output signal can cause a first multiplexer to activate a first resistor, and a second output signal can cause a second multiplexer to activate a second resistor. The activation of the first and second resistors can result in a predetermined output resistance for the voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit.

[0011] Another embodiment relates to a method for voltage-to-resistance conversion in a vehicle. The method may include a voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit that receives from a sensor an input electrical signal having a corresponding voltage level indicating a corresponding value measured by the sensor. The voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit may use the voltage level of the input electrical signal and a lookup table to determine a first output signal and a second output signal. The first output signal may indicate a first resistor among a first plurality of resistors coupled to a first multiplexer, and the second output signal may indicate a second resistor among a second plurality of resistors coupled to a second multiplexer. The voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit may provide a first output signal to the first multiplexer and a second output signal to the second multiplexer.

[0012] The first output signal enables the first multiplexer to activate the first resistor, and the second output signal enables the second multiplexer to activate the second resistor.

[0013] The activation of the first and second resistors can result in the corresponding predetermined output resistance of the voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first resistor and the second resistor may be connected in series when activated.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first multiplexer may include a first plurality of output ports, and the second multiplexer may include a second plurality of output ports.

[0016] Each of the first plurality of output ports can be coupled to a corresponding resistor of the first plurality of resistors, and each of the second plurality of output ports can be coupled to a corresponding resistor of the second plurality of resistors.

[0017] In some embodiments, the microcontroller may include a first output enable port coupled to a first multiplexer and a second output enable port coupled to a second multiplexer.

[0018] The microcontroller may include a first plurality of output selection ports coupled to a first multiplexer for feeding a first output signal to the first multiplexer, and a second plurality of output selection ports coupled to a second multiplexer for feeding a second output signal to the second multiplexer.

[0019] In some embodiments, providing a first output signal to a first multiplexer may include providing the first output signal via a first enable line coupled to a first plurality of select lines of the first multiplexer. Providing a second output signal to a second multiplexer may include providing the second output signal via a second enable line coupled to a second plurality of select lines of the second multiplexer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lookup table may include multiple voltage states and multiple output signal pairs.

[0021] Each output signal pair may include (i) a first signal for feeding to a first multiplexer, indicating the selection of a corresponding first resistor among a first plurality of resistors, and (ii) a second signal for feeding to a second multiplexer, indicating the selection of a corresponding second resistor among a second plurality of resistors.

[0022] A lookup table can map each of multiple voltage states to a corresponding pair of output signals from multiple output signal pairs.

[0023] When each of the multiple output signal pairs is fed to the first and second multiplexers, it can result in the corresponding output resistance of the multiple predetermined output resistances of the device.

[0024] When determining the first output signal and the second output signal, the microcontroller can identify the first voltage state among multiple voltage states to which the voltage level of the input signal belongs, and identify the first output signal pair mapped to the first voltage state in a lookup table. The first output signal pair includes the first output signal and the second output signal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the input signal may be an analog input signal, and the microcontroller may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert the analog input signal into a digital input signal.

[0026] In some embodiments, the device may include a power supply circuit to regulate the power signals fed to the microcontroller, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer.

[0027] This invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the apparatus or methods described herein will become clear from the detailed description herein (taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings), wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a vehicle employing a sensor system with voltage-to-resistance conversion capability, according to an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a voltage-resistance converter according to an example embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3A and 3B The illustration shows a voltage converter and voltage regulator circuit associated with a power supply circuit according to an example embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a microcontroller circuit for a voltage-resistance converter according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a resistor selection circuit for a voltage-resistance converter according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 The equivalent circuit corresponding to the resistor selection circuit of a voltage-to-resistance converter is shown according to an example embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a voltage-resistance conversion method according to an example embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 8 A sample embodiment is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vehicle controller. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and implementations related to methods, apparatuses, and systems for voltage-to-resistance conversion and their applications. Before detailing the accompanying drawings of certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methods specified in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0037] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for voltage-to-resistance conversion. Specifically, the various embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for converting the voltage output of a sensor (e.g., an automotive sensor) into a corresponding resistor, which serves as an input to an electronic control unit (ECU) of a device (e.g., a vehicle). It should be understood that while the invention primarily describes automotive / vehicle applications, the invention is also applicable to other applications utilizing sensor output voltage-to-resistance conversion systems and methods.

[0038] Many traditional automotive sensors are resistance-based (or resistance-dependent) sensors, providing a variable resistance as an output indicating the measured physical parameter (such as speed, position, or temperature). The ECU uses the variable resistance output of each sensor as input to infer the measured physical parameter. Advances in sensing technology have given rise to new voltage-based sensors, where the measured physical parameter is represented by an output voltage. However, this new type of sensor is incompatible with the input interfaces of existing ECUs, which are designed to receive variable resistance, not variable voltage.

[0039] This incompatibility can be addressed by building a new ECU with an input interface configured to accept variable voltages as input. However, even redesigning the ECU imposes limitations on the types of sensors that can be used. Specifically, the ECU's input interface determines the types of sensors that can be used. Furthermore, ECUs are typically significantly more expensive than sensors, making many manufacturers reluctant to adopt new ECUs. For example, manufacturers will not, or are very reluctant to, replace a control board costing approximately $2,000 to accommodate a $100 sensor. Therefore, because the sensor's output interface is incompatible with the ECU or control board's sensing input interface, many new active sensors that may offer better accuracy than traditional resistance-based sensors may not be used in many vehicles. Based on these facts, a cost-effective technological solution is needed that can work with both new active sensors and resistance-based sensors.

[0040] In this invention, the architecture of the interface (also referred to as a voltage-to-resistance conversion system or device) arranged between the ECU and the voltage-based sensor can well meet the service requirements of existing controllers (or ECUs) and new sensor technologies. Specifically, the interface device can be designed to convert the voltage value (or voltage level) output by the voltage-based sensor into a corresponding resistance value that can be input to an existing ECU. The architecture of the interface device can involve the use of multiplexers and multiple resistors. This architecture allows selection of a subset of resistors that can be combined according to a predefined configuration to provide an output resistance that accurately or substantially accurately reflects the physical parameters measured by the sensor. Experimental results show that the voltage-to-resistance conversion accuracy is relatively high (e.g., a maximum error of approximately 5%). This architecture can provide an output resolution of 1 Ω.

[0041] In some implementations, the voltage-to-resistance converter described herein can be used as an interface between the PSO600 board and the active oil pressure sensor. The PSO600 board has a resistance-based oil sensor interface, while the active oil pressure sensor generates a variable voltage as its output. Therefore, the interface device allows for compatibility between conventional controllers (such as the PSO600 board) and active oil pressure sensors.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a vehicle 100 employing a sensor system 102 with voltage-to-resistance conversion according to an exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 100 may include on-road or off-road vehicles, including but not limited to long-haul trucks, medium-haul trucks (e.g., pickup trucks), cars, sedans, tanks, aircraft, boats, etc. However, the system described herein may also be implemented using fixed equipment components (such as generators or generator sets). The sensor system 102 may include an active sensor 104, a voltage-to-resistance converter 106, and a controller 108. The vehicle 100 may include components such as the sensor system 102 and a vehicle battery 110.

[0043] Active sensor 104 may include an oil pressure sensor, a coolant temperature sensor, or a throttle position sensor, etc. Active sensor 104 may be powered by vehicle battery 110. Optionally, active sensor 104 may include an on-board power supply (e.g., battery, supercapacitor, etc.) to power active sensor 104. In one embodiment, as shown, active sensor 104 may be a voltage-based sensor. Specifically, active sensor 104 may generate a variable voltage value (or voltage level) reflecting the measured physical parameter (e.g., oil pressure, coolant temperature, speed, or throttle position, etc.). In one embodiment, active sensor 104 is incompatible with controller 108. In this respect, the lack of compatibility indicates that controller 108 cannot process or interpret sensor measurements.

[0044] Controller 108 may be configured as one or more electronic control units (ECUs). Controller 104 may include one or more microprocessors and memory. In one embodiment, controller 108 may include a resistance-based sensor interface and may not be configured or designed to read or receive voltage values ​​(or voltage levels) as input. In other words, directly connecting active sensor 104 to controller 108 will cause controller 108 to fail to read or recognize input values ​​from active sensor 104. Furthermore, if the output voltage of active sensor 104 is directly fed to controller 108, it may damage controller 108.

[0045] A voltage-to-resistance converter 106 (also referred to herein as a voltage-to-resistance converter or voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit 106) is arranged between the active sensor 104 and the controller 108. Specifically, the input interface of the voltage-to-resistance converter 106 is coupled to the output interface of the active sensor 104, and the output interface of the resistance converter 106 is coupled to the input interface of the controller 108. The voltage-to-resistance converter 106 can be configured to convert the voltage output by the active sensor 104 into a corresponding resistance value. The controller 108 uses the corresponding resistance value to determine the value of the physical parameter (e.g., pressure, temperature, velocity, or position, etc.) measured by the active sensor 104.

[0046] Now for reference Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a block diagram of the architecture of a voltage-to-resistance conversion device 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The voltage-to-resistance conversion device 106 may include a power supply circuit 202, a microcontroller 204, and a resistor selection circuit 206. The resistor selection circuit 206 may include a first multiplexer 208 and a second multiplexer 210, each coupled to a corresponding plurality of resistors. Figure 2 (Not shown in the diagram). The resistor selection circuit 206 can be coupled to the microcontroller 204 via multiple select lines 212 and multiple enable lines 214. The voltage-to-resistance converter 106 is configured to provide a variable resistor 216 as an output.

[0047] Power supply circuit 202 can be electrically coupled to vehicle battery 110. Vehicle battery 110 can be configured as various different vehicle battery types (e.g., lead-acid battery, rechargeable battery, etc.). For example, battery 110 may include six battery cells connected in series and provide an output voltage of approximately 12 volts (V), or it may include twelve battery cells and provide an output voltage of approximately 24 volts. Power supply circuit 202 can be configured to regulate power signals fed to or provided to microcontroller 204, multiplexers 208 and 210 (or resistor selection circuit 206) and / or active sensor 104. Specifically, power supply circuit 202 can convert the DC voltage received from vehicle battery 110 into different output DC voltages, such as a 5V output voltage and a 3.3V output voltage. Power supply circuit 202 can supply power to active sensor 104, microcontroller 204, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (… Figure 2 (Not shown in the diagram) and / or resistor selection circuit 206 provides a power supply or output voltage. The ADC may be integrated into (i.e. built into) the microcontroller 204, or it may be a separate component of the voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit 106. The power supply circuit 202 may be configured to provide one or more output voltages that meet or substantially meet the input requirements of the sensors or components to which the power supply circuit 202 powers.

[0048] According to the corresponding exemplary embodiments, Figure 3A and Figure 3B Schematic diagrams of the voltage converter circuit 300 and voltage regulator circuit 310 of the power supply circuit 202 are shown respectively. In this respect, the power supply circuit 202 may include the voltage converter circuit 300 and the voltage regulator circuit 310.

[0049] First reference Figure 3A The voltage converter circuit 300 can be configured to convert an input voltage from the vehicle battery 110 into a predefined or preset output voltage. In the illustrated example, the predefined output voltage is 5V. In other embodiments, different output voltages may be used. The converter circuit 300 also includes a circuit node 302. The circuit node 302 is the input node (or input electrode) of the power supply circuit 202 and / or the voltage converter circuit 300. Thus, the circuit 302 can be coupled to the vehicle battery 110.

[0050] The converter circuit 300 also includes a circuit node 304. Circuit node 304 is the output node (or output electrode) of the power supply circuit 202 and / or the voltage converter circuit 300. Circuit node 304 can have various amounts of output voltage, and in this example is approximately 5V (e.g., 5V ± δ, where δ is within a predefined error tolerance). Circuit node 304 can be coupled to an active sensor 104, a microcontroller 204, and / or a resistor selection circuit 206. The voltage converter circuit 300 may include a DC-DC switching regulator 306, such as the LT8606IMSE#PBF DC-DC switching regulator from ANALOG DEVICES INC., which can accept input voltages up to 42V and produce output voltages between 1.8V and 12V.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 3B The voltage regulator circuit 310 can be configured to convert a preset (e.g., 5V) output voltage of the voltage converter circuit 300 to a predefined output voltage. In the example shown, the converted output voltage is or is approximately 3.3V. Circuit node 312 is an input node (or input electrode) of the voltage regulator circuit 310 and can be coupled to an output node (or output electrode) 304 of the voltage converter circuit 300. Circuit node 314 is an output node (or output electrode) of the voltage regulator circuit 310 and can be coupled to an ADC and / or other components or devices. Circuit node 314 can have a variety of preset or predefined output voltages, and in this example, it is approximately 3.3V (e.g., 3.3V ± δ, where δ is within a predefined error tolerance). The voltage regulator circuit 310 may include a linear voltage regulator 316, such as the Texas Instruments linear voltage regulator TPS70933QDBVRQ1, which produces a fixed output voltage of approximately 3.3V.

[0052] In some embodiments, the voltage converter circuit 300 and / or voltage regulator circuit 310 may have different designs or configurations. For example, other types of voltage regulators may be used (e.g., instead of regulators 306 and / or 316). In some embodiments, the output voltage of the power supply circuit 202 may have different settings (e.g., different from 5V and / or 3.3V), for example, based on the input requirements of the device or circuit powered via the power supply circuit 202. In some embodiments, the power supply circuit 202 may include protection circuitry to protect the device or circuit to be powered from any unexpected or undesirable fluctuations in the output voltage of the power supply circuit 202.

[0053] Back Figure 2The microcontroller 204 can receive an input analog voltage 218 from the active sensor 104, indicating a physical parameter value measured by the sensor 104. The microcontroller 204 may include an ADC built therein. The ADC samples the input analog voltage 218 from the active sensor 104, and the microcontroller 204 can determine the corresponding voltage value (or voltage level). In one embodiment, the microcontroller 204 may include a lookup table (e.g., stored in the microcontroller's memory device and selectively accessible). The lookup table may include multiple voltage states between 0 and 5V. For example, the lookup table may include N (e.g., N = 64) voltage states V. k Where 1 ≤ K ≤ N, and Vk is between 0 and 5V. Each voltage state can indicate its own voltage interval. For example, if k > 1, then the voltage state Vk is... k It can indicate the voltage interval (V) k-1 , V k The voltage state V1 can indicate the voltage interval [0, V1]. The lookup table can include N pairs of signals (or digital pairs) and can map each voltage state or corresponding voltage interval to a corresponding signal pair of the N pairs of signals. Each pair of signals can include (i) a corresponding first signal indicating the selection of a corresponding first resistor among the first plurality of resistors coupled to the multiplexer 208, and (ii) a corresponding second signal for feeding to the second multiplexer, indicating the selection of a corresponding second resistor among the second plurality of resistors coupled to the multiplexer 210.

[0054] Microcontroller 2004 can determine a voltage state (or voltage interval) based on a determined voltage value (or voltage value) of the input analog voltage 218 received from active sensor 104. For example, microcontroller 2004 can determine that the voltage value V of the input analog voltage 218 corresponds to a voltage state V. k If V∈(V k-1 V k [0, V1], or corresponding to voltage state V1 if V ∈ [0, V1]. Microcontroller 204 can use a lookup table to determine the signal pair corresponding to (or mapped to) the determined voltage state. Microcontroller 204 can output a first signal (or digital signal) for feeding the determined signal pair to multiplexer 208, and a second signal (or digital signal) for feeding the determined signal pair to multiplexer 210. It should be understood that in other embodiments, algorithms or formulas may be used instead of lookup tables or as a supplement to lookup tables.

[0055] Now for reference Figure 4A schematic diagram of circuitry 400 for a microcontroller 204 according to an example embodiment is shown. Circuit nodes 402a-402c may be coupled to circuit node 314 of a voltage regulator circuit 310. Circuit node 404 may be coupled to an active sensor 104 to receive an input voltage 218. Circuit components (e.g., resistors R24 and R25 and capacitors C15 and C17) may be used for active sensor filtering. In one embodiment, the input voltage 218 is an input analog voltage.

[0056] Microcontroller 204 may include multiple selection ports 406a-406f, individually or collectively referred to herein as selection port 406, and multiple enable ports 408a-408b, individually or collectively referred to herein as enable port 408. Selection port 406 may be coupled to resistor selection circuit 206 or multiplexers 208 and 210 via select line 212. Enable port 408 may be coupled to resistor selection circuit 206 or multiplexers 208 and 210 via enable line 214 (e.g., a wire, etc.). For example, a first subset of the selection ports, such as ports 406a-406c, may output information or data (e.g., multi-bit) indicating a first signal (or first digital value) to be fed to multiplexer 208 for a first resistor selection. A second subset of the selection ports, such as ports 406d-406f, may output information or data (e.g., multi-bit) indicating a second signal (or second digital value) to be fed to multiplexer 210 for a second resistor selection. Note that a 1-bit selection signal allows selection of one resistor from 21 resistors. A first enable port (e.g., port 408a) can output a first enable signal (e.g., a 1-bit signal) to enable multiplexer 208, and a second enable port (e.g., port 408b) can output a second enable signal (e.g., a 1-bit signal) to enable multiplexer 210.

[0057] Now for reference Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a resistor selection circuit 206 for a voltage-to-resistance converter 106 according to an example embodiment is shown. Circuit nodes 502 and 504 (of multiplexers 208 and 210) can both be coupled to circuit node 314 of voltage regulator circuit 310. Multiplexer 208 may include multiple input selection ports, such as ports 506a-506c, an enable port 508, and multiple output ports 510. Input selection ports 506a-506c of multiplexer 208 can be coupled to output selection ports 406a-406c of microcontroller 204 via a first subset of selection lines, and input enable port 508 of multiplexer 208 can be coupled to output enable port 408a of microcontroller 204 via a first enable line.

[0058] Multiplexer 210 may include multiple input selection ports, such as ports 512a-512c, enable port 514, and multiple output ports 516. Input selection ports 512a-512c of multiplexer 208 may be coupled to output selection ports 406d-40fc of microcontroller 204 via a first subset of selection lines, and input enable port 514 of multiplexer 208 may be coupled to output enable port 408b of microcontroller 204 via a first enable line.

[0059] Each output port 510 of multiplexer 208 can be coupled to the first end of a corresponding resistor among resistors R7, R9, R11, R13, R15, R17, R19, and R21. The second end of resistors R7, R9, R11, R13, R15, R17, R19, and R21 can be coupled to a single (or common) circuit node 518. Multiplexer 208 can identify and select one of resistors R7, R9, R11, R13, R15, R17, R19, and R21 using a first signal received from microcontroller 204 via input selection ports 506a-506c. For example, the first signal can be a 3-bit signal, each possible value of which indicates the corresponding resistor among resistors R7, R9, R11, R13, R15, R17, R19, and R21. Multiplexer 208 can connect the identified and / or selected resistor to node TP12 524 as part of resistor selection circuit 206. The remaining resistors (or unselected resistors) can be disconnected within multiplexer 208.

[0060] Similarly, each output port 516 of the multiplexer 210 can be coupled to the first end of the corresponding resistor of resistors R6, R8, R10, R12, R14, R16, R18 and R20.

[0061] The second ends of resistors R6, R8, R10, R12, R14, R16, R18 and R20 can be coupled to a single (or common) circuit node 520.

[0062] Multiplexer 208 can use a first signal received from microcontroller 204 via input selection ports 512a-512c to identify and select one of resistors R6, R8, R10, R12, R14, R16, R18, and R20. For example, the first signal can be a predefined bit (e.g., 3 bits in this example) signal, where each possible value indicates the corresponding resistor among resistors R6, R8, R10, R12, R14, R16, R18, and R20.

[0063] Multiplexer 210 can connect the identified and / or selected resistor to node TP12 524 as part of resistor selection circuit 206.

[0064] The remaining resistors (or unselected resistors) can be disconnected within the multiplexer 210.

[0065] Node 522 can be coupled to Figure 4 Node 410 (or equivalent) is coupled to microcontroller 204. Fdbk_ in node 410 or 522 can be used to read the output resistance; resistors R22 and R23 can have relatively high resistance values ​​to avoid floating states. Reference Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the equivalent circuit 600 corresponding to resistor selection circuit 206 according to an example embodiment is shown. Resistors selected by multiplexers 208 and 210, respectively, can be arranged in series in resistor selection circuit 206. The output resistance of resistor selection circuit 206 sensed by or fed to microcontroller 204 can be the equivalent resistance of equivalent circuit 600 between nodes A and B.

[0066] In some embodiments, the resistance values ​​of resistors R7, R9, R11, R13, R15, R17, R19, and R21 can be equal to or approximately equal to 1Ω, 4.99Ω, 8.87Ω, 13Ω, 4.99Ω, 16.9Ω, 21Ω, 24.8Ω, and 26.7Ω, respectively. The resistance values ​​of resistors R6, R8, R10, R12, R14, R16, R18, and R20 can be equal to 0Ω, 31.6Ω, 63.4Ω, 95.3Ω, 127Ω, 160Ω, 21Ω, 191Ω, and 221Ω, respectively. The resistance values ​​of resistors R6-R21 can have a predefined tolerance, and in the described example, the tolerance is 0.5%. Furthermore, the internal resistance of each of multiplexers 208 and 210 can introduce approximately another amount of error (0.5% in the depicted example). Using the example values ​​of R6-R21 described above, the output resistance of resistor selection circuit 206 can vary between 26.3Ω and 246.8Ω. Typically, the values ​​of resistors R6-R21 can be selected based on (e.g., to achieve) a predefined (or desired) range of the output resistance of resistor selection circuit 206.

[0067] Now for reference Figure 7A flowchart of a method 700 for voltage-resistance conversion according to an example embodiment is shown. Method 700 may include a voltage-resistance conversion circuit, such as circuit 106, receiving an input electrical signal from a sensor having a corresponding voltage level indicating a value of a corresponding physical parameter measured by the sensor (step 702). Method 700 includes a voltage-resistance conversion circuit that, using the voltage level of the input electrical signal and a lookup table, determines a first output signal indicating a first resistor among a first plurality of resistors coupled to a first multiplexer and a second output signal indicating a second resistor among a second plurality of resistors coupled to a second multiplexer (step 704). Method 700 includes a voltage-resistance conversion circuit that provides a first output signal to a first multiplexer to activate (or connect) the first resistor and provides a second output signal to a second multiplexer to activate (or connect) the first resistor, wherein activation of the first and second resistors results in a predetermined output resistance corresponding to the input electrical signal (step 706).

[0068] Method 700 can be based on voltage-resistance conversion circuit 106 and the above-mentioned... Figure 1-6 The operation and characteristics of the relevant components are used to perform this. As used herein, activation of the first and second resistors refers to connecting the resistors indicated by the first and second output signals to contribute to the final output resistance of the resistor selection circuit 206 (which corresponds to the input electrical signal or input voltage received from the sensor). In some embodiments, the resistor selection circuit 206 (or voltage-resistance converter) may include m multiplexers, where m multiplexers ≥ 2. In this embodiment, a lookup table may map each voltage state (or voltage interval) to a corresponding combination (or combination of m numbers) of the m output signals. Each of the m output signals may be fed to a corresponding multiplexer among the m multiplexers and may indicate the corresponding resistor to be activated among the plurality of resistors coupled to that multiplexer.

[0069] Experimental results based on the above circuit show that the voltage-to-resistance conversion error is within 5%. It should be understood that the various circuits described herein can have different designs or configurations. For example, different circuit components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, or integrated circuits) may be used. Furthermore, while the description herein focuses primarily on automotive applications, the embodiments described herein can be applied to other applications involving voltage-to-resistance conversion.

[0070] Now for reference Figure 8 This illustrates an example embodiment. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the controller 108 of vehicle 100. (See diagram below.) Figure 8As shown, controller 108 may include processing circuitry 802 with processor 804 and memory device 806, resistance detection circuitry 808, and communication interface 810. Controller 108 may be configured to receive indications of resistance, such as the output resistance of resistor selection circuitry 206. Controller 104 or resistance detection circuitry 808 may detect resistance values ​​based on the received indications. In response to the detected resistance value, controller 108 (or processor 804) may map the detected resistance value to a corresponding measured value of a physical parameter measured by active sensor 104 and send an alarm or warning signal indicating the measured value of the physical parameter to the instrument panel or display of vehicle 100. The mapping may be based on a lookup table.

[0071] In one configuration, the resistance detection circuit 808 can be implemented as a machine- or computer-readable medium executable by a processor (e.g., processor 204). As described herein and among other uses, the machine-readable medium facilitates the performance of certain operations to achieve the reception and transmission of data. For example, the machine-readable medium can provide instructions (e.g., commands) to acquire data. In this regard, the machine-readable medium may include programmable logic defining the frequency of data acquisition (or data transmission). The computer-readable medium may include code, which can be written in any programming language, including but not limited to Java, and any conventional programming language (e.g., the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The computer-readable program code can be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter case, the remote processors can be coupled to each other via any type of network (e.g., a CAN bus).

[0072] In another configuration, the resistance sensing circuit 808 can be implemented as one or more circuit components, including but not limited to processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the resistance sensing circuit 808 can take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs), discrete circuits, system-on-a-chip (SoCs) circuits, microcontrollers), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of circuit. In this regard, the resistance sensing circuit 808 can include any type of component for implementing or facilitating the implementation of the operations described herein. For example, the circuitry described herein can include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, etc. The resistance sensing circuit 808 can also include programmable hardware devices, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc. The resistance detection circuit 808 may include one or more storage devices for storing instructions executable by a processor of the resistance detection circuit 808. The one or more memory devices and the processor may have the same definitions provided below regarding memory device 806 and processor 804. In some hardware unit configurations, the resistance detection circuit 808 may be geographically distributed across various locations within the vehicle 100. Optionally, as shown, the resistance detection circuit 808 may be contained within or within a single unit / housing, shown as controller 108.

[0073] In the example shown, controller 108 includes processing circuitry 802 having processor 804 and storage device 806. Processing circuitry 802 may be constructed or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and / or control processes described herein with respect to resistance sensing circuitry 808, or to execute instructions stored in memory device 806. The depicted configuration represents resistance sensing circuitry 808 as a machine- or computer-readable medium. However, as described above, since the invention contemplates other embodiments of resistance sensing circuitry 808 or at least one component thereof configured as a hardware unit, this illustration is not intended to be limiting. All such combinations and variations are within the scope of the invention.

[0074] Processor 804 may be implemented or executed by a single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits. Optionally or additionally, one or more processors may be configured to perform or otherwise perform certain operations independently of one or more coprocessors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be bus-coupled to enable independent, parallel, piped, or multithreaded instruction execution. All these variations are within the scope of the invention.

[0075] Memory device 806 (e.g., memory, memory cell, storage device) may include one or more means for storing data and / or computer code (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for performing or facilitating the various processes, layers, and modules described herein. Storage device 806 may be communicatively coupled to processor 804 to provide computer code or instructions to processor 804 to perform at least some of the processes described herein. Furthermore, storage device 806 may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Therefore, storage device 806 may include database components, object code components, scripting components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein.

[0076] The communication interface 810 may be circuitry that enables the controller 108 to communicate with other devices or systems within the vehicle 100. For example, the communication interface 810 may receive signals indicating physical parameter measurements from various sensors of the vehicle 100. The communication interface 810 may be coupled to various external systems 812. External systems 812 may include sensors or other electrical (or electronic) components of the vehicle 100. External systems 812 may include the vehicle 100's dashboard or corresponding display. External systems 812 may include switches of the vehicle 100 configured to enable or disable the processes described herein.

[0077] Communication interface 810 may include multiple communication ports. For example, each communication port may be coupled to a corresponding external system 812 among multiple external systems 812. For example, communication interface 810 may include communication ports coupled to sensors of vehicle 100, communication ports coupled to dashboards (or respective displays), and communication ports coupled to a switch configured to enable or disable the processes described herein. In some embodiments, communication interface 810 may include a single port coupled to all external systems 812.

[0078] In this regard, components of vehicle 100 can communicate with each other or with external components (e.g., a remote operator) using any type and any number of wired or wireless connections. Communication between controller 108 via communication interface 810 and components of vehicle 100 can be via any number of wired or wireless connections (e.g., any standard under IEEE 802). For example, wired connections can include serial cables, fiber optic cables, CAT5 cables, or any other form of wired connection. Wireless connections can include the Internet, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc. In one embodiment, a controller local area network (CAN) bus provides the exchange of signals, information, and / or data. The CAN bus includes any number of wired and wireless connections that provide the exchange of signals, information, and / or data. The CAN bus can include a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider).

[0079] External system 812 may include a dashboard or corresponding display device of vehicle 100. Controller 804 may send signals indicating measurements of physical parameters (e.g., oil pressure, wheel speed, throttle, or temperature) provided by active sensors 104 of vehicle 100. These signals may indicate measured values ​​of physical parameters, alarm signals indicating component malfunctions or abnormal physical parameter values, or combinations thereof. The dashboard or corresponding display device may display a visual representation indicating physical parameter values ​​or potential defects.

[0080] External systems 812 coupled to controller 108 may include switches for enabling or disabling the processes described herein. In some embodiments, the switches may be activated via a user interface (UI) associated with an instrument panel or may be implemented as manual switches. The switches may allow the driver of vehicle 100 to control when to enable or disable processes performed by the controller. In some embodiments, the switches may be configured to enable or disable active sensor 104 or voltage-resistance conversion circuit 106, sensing system 102, or components thereof.

[0081] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning, consistent with common and accepted usage by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this invention pertains. Those skilled in the art will understand that these terms are intended to allow the specification to define certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or insignificant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure set forth in the appended claims.

[0082] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and its variations used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate possible examples, representations or illustrations of possible embodiments (and these terms are not intended to imply that these embodiments are necessarily special or the highest level examples).

[0083] As used herein, the term "coupling" and its variations refer to the direct or indirect connection between two members. This connection can be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., movable or releasable). Such a connection can be achieved by two directly interconnected members, members interconnected using one or more separate intermediate members, or members interconnected using an intermediate member that forms a single whole with one of the two members. If "coupling" or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., direct coupling), the general definition of "coupling" described above is modified by the simple linguistic meaning of the additional term (e.g., "direct coupling" refers to the connection of two members without any separate intermediate member), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "coupling" described above. This coupling can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid. For example, a circuit A communicatively "coupled" to circuit B could mean that circuit A communicates directly with circuit B (i.e., without an intermediate member) or indirectly with circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediate members).

[0084] References to element positions (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") herein are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and these variations are intended to be covered by this invention.

[0085] Various circuits with specific functions, such as Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figure 7. It should be understood that controller 104 may include any number of circuits for performing the functions described herein. For example, the activities and functions of the pressure-based orifice detection circuit 208 may be combined in multiple circuits or as a single circuit. Additional circuitry with additional functions may also be included. Furthermore, controller 104 may further control other activities beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] As described above, in one configuration, the "circuit" can be implemented in a machine-readable medium so that it can be processed by various types of processors (e.g., Figure 2 The processor 204 executes the executable code. For example, the identification circuit of the executable code may include one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized, for example, into objects, processes, or functions. However, the executable file of the identified circuit does not need to be physically located together, but may include different instructions stored in different locations that, when logically connected together, constitute the circuit and achieve the circuit's stated purpose. In fact, the circuit of computer-readable program code can be a single instruction or multiple instructions, and can even be distributed among multiple different code segments, different programs, and multiple storage devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and described within the circuit and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. Operational data may be collected as a single dataset or may be distributed across different locations, including different storage devices, and may exist at least in part only as electronic signals on a system or network.

[0087] While the term "processor" has been briefly defined above, the meanings of the terms "processor" and "processing circuitry" are broad. In this regard, as stated above, a "processor" can be implemented as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components configured to execute instructions provided by memory. One or more processors can take the form of a single-core processor, a multi-core processor (e.g., a dual-core processor, a triple-core processor, a quad-core processor, etc.), a microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, one or more processors can be external to the device; for example, one or more processors can be remote processors (e.g., cloud-based processors). Optionally or additionally, one or more processors can be internal and / or local processors of the device. In this regard, a given circuitry or its components can be arranged locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server (e.g., a cloud-based server)). Therefore, the term "circuitryry" as used herein can include components distributed across one or more locations.

[0088] Embodiments within the scope of this invention include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor. For example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disc storage, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures, and is accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. For example, machine-executable instructions include instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processor to perform a specific function or set of functions.

[0089] Although the figures herein may show a specific order and composition of method steps, the order of these steps may differ from that described. For example, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially concurrently. Furthermore, some method steps performed as discrete steps may be combined, steps performed as combined steps may be separated into discrete steps, the order of certain processes may be reversed or otherwise altered, and the nature or number of discrete processes may be changed or modified. The order or sequence of any elements or devices may be changed or replaced according to alternative embodiments. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Such variations will depend on the machine-readable medium and hardware system chosen, as well as the designer's choice. All such changes are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0090] For illustrative and explanatory purposes, a series of embodiments have been described. This invention is not exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings, or modifications and variations can be obtained from this invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various embodiments and make various modifications to suit a particular intended use. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated into or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0091] Therefore, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be regarded in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing claims. All modifications within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims should be made within their scope.

Claims

1. A device for voltage-resistance conversion in a vehicle, characterized in that, The device includes: A first multiplexer coupled to a first plurality of resistors; A second multiplexer coupled to a second set of resistors; and A microcontroller communicatively coupled to the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer, the microcontroller being configured to: Receive input signals with corresponding voltage levels; Using the voltage level of the input signal and a lookup table, determine a first output signal indicating a first resistor among the first plurality of resistors and a second output signal indicating a second resistor among the second plurality of resistors; and The first output signal is fed to the first multiplexer, and the second output signal is fed to the second multiplexer. The first output signal causes the first multiplexer to activate the first resistor, and the second output signal causes the second multiplexer to activate the second resistor. The activation of the first resistor and the second resistor causes the device to generate a corresponding predetermined output resistance.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first resistor and the second resistor are connected in series when activated.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first multiplexer includes a first plurality of output ports, and the second multiplexer includes a second plurality of output ports. Each output port of the first plurality of output ports is coupled to a corresponding resistor of the first plurality of resistors, and each output port of the second plurality of output ports is coupled to a corresponding resistor of the second plurality of resistors.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microcontroller includes: Coupled to the first output enable port of the first multiplexer; Coupled to the second output enable port of the second multiplexer; A first plurality of output selection ports coupled to the first multiplexer are used to feed the first output signal to the first multiplexer; and A second plurality of output selection ports coupled to the second multiplexer are used to feed the second output signal to the second multiplexer.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lookup table includes: Multiple voltage states; and Multiple output signal pairs, each output signal pair including (i) a first signal for feeding to the first multiplexer, indicating the selection of a corresponding first resistor among the first plurality of resistors, and (ii) a second signal for feeding to the second multiplexer, indicating the selection of a corresponding second resistor among the second plurality of resistors. The lookup table maps each of the plurality of voltage states to a corresponding output signal pair of the plurality of output signal pairs.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, When each of the plurality of output signal pairs is fed to the first and second multiplexers, a corresponding output resistor is generated from the plurality of predetermined output resistors of the device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, When determining the first output signal and the second output signal, the microcontroller is configured to: Identify the first voltage state among multiple voltage states to which the voltage level of the input signal belongs; and The lookup table identifies a first output signal pair mapped to the first voltage state, the first output signal pair including the first output signal and the second output signal.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input signal is an analog input signal, and the microcontroller includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the analog input signal into a digital input signal.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply circuit for regulating the power signals fed to the microcontroller, the first multiplexer, and the second multiplexer.

10. A system for a vehicle, characterized in that, include: A sensor configured to provide an electrical signal as an output, the voltage of which indicates the value measured by the sensor; A controller configured to process values ​​measured by the sensor; and A voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit is disposed between the sensor and the controller, the voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit comprising: A first multiplexer coupled to a first plurality of resistors; A second multiplexer coupled to a second set of resistors; and A microcontroller coupled to the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer, the microcontroller being configured to: Receive electrical signals from the sensor having a corresponding voltage level; Using the voltage level of the electrical signal and a lookup table, determine a first output signal indicating a first resistor among a first plurality of resistors and a second output signal indicating a second resistor among a second plurality of resistors; and The first output signal is fed to the first multiplexer, and the second output signal is fed to the second multiplexer. The first output signal causes the first multiplexer to activate the first resistor, and the second output signal causes the second multiplexer to activate the second resistor. The activation of the first resistor and the second resistor results in a predetermined output resistance of the voltage-resistance conversion circuit.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first multiplexer includes a first plurality of output ports, and the second multiplexer includes a second plurality of output ports. Each output port of the first plurality of output ports is coupled to a corresponding resistor of the first plurality of resistors, and each output port of the second plurality of output ports is coupled to a corresponding resistor of the second plurality of resistors.

12. A method for voltage-resistance conversion in a vehicle, characterized in that, include: The voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit receives an input electrical signal from the sensor, which has a corresponding voltage level indicating the corresponding value measured by the sensor. Using the voltage-to-resistance conversion circuit, the voltage level of the input electrical signal and a lookup table are used to determine the first output signal of the first resistor in the first plurality of resistors coupled to the first multiplexer and the second output signal of the second resistor in the second plurality of resistors coupled to the second multiplexer. and The first output signal is provided to the first multiplexer, and the second output signal is provided to the second multiplexer. The first output signal causes the first multiplexer to activate the first resistor, and the second output signal causes the second multiplexer to activate the second resistor. The activation of the first resistor and the second resistor results in a predetermined output resistance of the voltage-resistance conversion circuit.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first resistor and the second resistor are connected in series when activated.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first multiplexer includes a first plurality of output ports, and the second multiplexer includes a second plurality of output ports. Each output port of the first plurality of output ports is coupled to a corresponding resistor of the first plurality of resistors, and each output port of the second plurality of output ports is coupled to a corresponding resistor of the second plurality of resistors.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Providing the first output signal to the first multiplexer includes providing the first output signal via a first enable line coupled to a first plurality of select lines of the first multiplexer, and Providing the second output signal to the second multiplexer includes providing the second output signal via a second enable line coupled to a second plurality of select lines of the second multiplexer.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The lookup table includes: Multiple voltage states; and Multiple output signal pairs, each output signal pair including (i) a first signal for feeding to the first multiplexer, indicating the selection of a corresponding first resistor among the first plurality of resistors, and (ii) a second signal for feeding to the second multiplexer, indicating the selection of a corresponding second resistor among the second plurality of resistors. The lookup table maps each of the multiple voltage states to a corresponding output signal pair of the multiple output signal pairs.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, When each of the plurality of output signal pairs is fed to the first and second multiplexers, it causes the corresponding output resistance of the plurality of predetermined output resistances of the voltage-resistance conversion circuit.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Determining the first output signal and the second output signal includes: Identify the first voltage state among multiple voltage states to which the voltage level of the input electrical signal belongs; and The lookup table identifies a first output signal pair mapped to the first voltage state, the first output signal pair including a first output signal and a second output signal.

19. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The input electrical signal is an analog input signal, and the method further includes converting the analog input signal into a digital input signal.

20. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes regulating the power signals fed to the first and second multiplexers.

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