Measuring system for sensing a physical parameter and method for operating a measuring system

Abstract

The solution presented herein relates to a measuring system for sensing a physical parameter. The measuring system includes a measuring sensor for sensing the physical parameter, the measuring sensor having a first connection, a second connection, and at least one third connection. The measuring system also includes a first energy supply unit and a second energy supply unit, the first energy supply unit being configured to output electrical energy at a first voltage relative to a first ground potential to the measuring sensor via the first and second connections, and the second energy supply unit being configured to output electrical energy at a second voltage relative to a second ground potential to the measuring sensor via the third connection and the second connection or the fourth connection. The first ground potential can at least temporarily deviate from the second ground potential. The first energy supply unit includes an additional voltage source, via which the second connection is connected to the first ground potential. The present invention also relates to a method for operating the measuring system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention proceeds from a measuring system for sensing a physical parameter and a method for operating a measuring system. The invention also relates to a computer program. Background Art

[0002] In modern sensor systems, especially those installed in vehicles, it is important to ensure the best possible protection against failures of system components. For this purpose, redundant systems or energy supply units are often provided, via which the measuring sensors are supplied with energy. In the event of a failure in one of these energy supply systems, the redundant energy supply system is used to supply energy to the measuring sensors. However, it is problematic if the energy supply systems have different ground references, so that at least temporarily the measuring sensors are not supplied with voltages within the permissible range, and thus, when the active energy supply system is changed, no measured values ​​are provided or incorrect measured values ​​are provided. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this background, the solution proposed here provides a measuring system according to the invention, a method for operating such a measuring system, and a corresponding computer program. Advantageous expansions and improvements of the measuring system described in the invention can be achieved by the measures listed in the preferred embodiment.

[0004] Therefore, a measuring system for sensing a physical parameter is proposed, wherein the measuring system has the following features:

[0005] A measuring sensor for sensing a physical parameter, wherein the measuring sensor has a first connection, a second connection and at least one third connection;

[0006] a first energy supply unit for outputting electrical energy to the measuring sensor via a first connection and a second connection, wherein the first energy supply unit is designed to output the electrical energy to the measuring sensor at a first voltage relative to a first ground potential; and

[0007] a second energy supply unit for outputting electrical energy to the measuring sensor via the third connection and the second or fourth connection, wherein the second energy supply unit is designed to output the electrical energy to the measuring sensor at a second voltage relative to a second ground potential, in particular wherein the first ground potential deviates at least temporarily from the second ground potential,

[0008] In this case, the first energy supply unit has an additional voltage source, wherein the second terminal of the measuring sensor is electrically connected to the first ground potential via the additional voltage source.

[0009] A "physical parameter" can be understood, for example, as a physical variable such as rotational speed, acceleration, temperature or the like. An "energy supply unit" can be understood, for example, as a unit that supplies electrical energy to a measuring sensor in the form of current and / or voltage. In this case, the first energy supply unit and the second energy supply unit can be based on different ground potentials, for example due to galvanic separation or due to long electrical connecting lines located between these ground potentials, which act as resistors and, when conducting current, result in these ground potentials being different from one another. The first energy supply unit can function as a main energy supply unit. The second energy supply unit can function as a redundant energy supply unit. The first energy supply unit can have a controller, for example an electropneumatic modulator or the like, or it can be part of a controller. The second energy supply unit can have a controller or be part of a controller.

[0010] The proposed solution is based on the recognition that an additional voltage source for increasing the potential can improve monitoring functionality when measuring sensors, particularly active speed sensors, are diagonally powered. Unlike conventional circuits, according to one embodiment, the reading and monitoring of measuring sensors, such as active speed sensors, can be performed in parallel by both controllers, even when there is a ground offset between them. The additional voltage source prevents the generation of negative voltages due to ground offset, which would prevent the sensor voltage from being sensed. This allows reliable sensor data, such as wheel speed data for a braking system, to be obtained independently of ground offsets, thereby improving operational safety. Diagonal power supply and reading of actively sensed speeds can be advantageously used for automated and autonomous driving based on reliable sensor data sensing. Regarding ground offsets, the additional voltage source can be used to increase the potential. For example, it can be assumed that ground offsets of up to + / -3V may occur, although other values ​​are also possible. The additional voltage source can increase the reference ground potential of the measuring system relative to the first ground potential. This, in particular, allows for increased feedback to control devices in the ground path in the second energy supply unit or second controller. Thus, by adapting the resistor network to a new reference potential, the measuring range can be shifted, for example. Furthermore, an improved thermal balance of the measuring system can advantageously be achieved, since in particular the linear regulator in the second energy supply unit can be relieved of load.

[0011] By increasing the reference potential, a new error pattern can be detected, significantly simplifying coordination between the controllers. For example, a short to ground can now be detected independently by the second controller, reducing the dead time during the transition to redundant mode. Furthermore, the corresponding increase in the ground potential of the other controllers allows conclusions to be drawn about the activity. If the actuator is actuated, the braking process / ABS control is readily apparent. These connections can trigger appropriate measures to accelerate the transition from the primary to the secondary controller, such as applying a pre-voltage to the backup line.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first energy supply unit may include a first voltage source for a first voltage and a first control device. A first terminal of the measuring sensor may be electrically connected to the first voltage source and to the first control device. In particular, the first control device may be electrically connected to the first terminal of the measuring sensor and to a first ground potential via a first voltage divider. This embodiment of the proposed solution offers the advantage that the measuring sensor can be supplied with electrical energy and the measured values ​​can be read in in a simple manner.

[0013] The first energy supply unit may further include a first amplification device and a second control device. The second terminal of the measuring sensor may be electrically connected to the first amplification device and the second control device. In particular, the second control device may be electrically connected to the second terminal of the measuring sensor and to the first ground potential via a second voltage divider. The amplification device may be an operational amplifier, a differential amplifier, or the like. This embodiment of the proposed solution offers the advantage of enabling reliable and precise sensing of measured values.

[0014] Furthermore, the second energy supply unit can include a second voltage source for a second voltage, a second amplification device, and a third control device. The third terminal of the measuring sensor can be electrically connected to the second voltage source, the second amplification device, and the third control device. In particular, the third control device can be electrically connected to the third terminal of the measuring sensor and to the second ground potential via a third voltage divider. This embodiment of the proposed solution offers the advantage of enabling reliable diagonal power supply of the measuring sensor and precise sensing of the physical parameter.

[0015] Furthermore, the second energy supply unit may include a fourth control device. The second or fourth terminal of the measuring sensor may be electrically connected to the fourth control device. In particular, the fourth control device may be electrically connected to the second or fourth terminal of the measuring sensor and to the second ground potential via a fourth voltage divider. This embodiment of the proposed solution offers the advantage of a simple and robust design of the measuring system.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the measuring sensor can also be designed as a rotational speed sensor, in particular for sensing the rotational speed of a vehicle component and / or a vehicle wheel. This embodiment of the proposed solution offers the advantage that a reliable and robust measurement of the physical parameter by the measuring sensor can be ensured, particularly in environments with high safety requirements.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the solution proposed here, a method for operating a measuring system according to a variant of the solution proposed here is also proposed, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0018] - supplying the measuring sensor with electrical energy from the first and / or second energy supply unit; and

[0019] A measurement signal is output by a measuring sensor, wherein the measurement signal represents a physical parameter.

[0020] By means of such an embodiment implemented in the form of a method, the aforementioned advantages can be achieved in a technically simple manner, so that the physical parameter can be sensed and used with high safety and robustness.

[0021] Also advantageous is a computer program product or a computer program with a program code, which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory, hard disk memory or optical memory, and is used to execute, implement and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the above-described embodiments, in particular when the program product or the program is executed on a computer or device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] An exemplary embodiment of the solution proposed here is shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. The drawings show:

[0023] Figure 1 A block circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the measuring system presented here in circuit connection for normal operation; and

[0024] Figure 2 Flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method proposed here as a variant of the measuring system described here. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following description of advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention, identical or similar reference numerals are used for similarly acting elements shown in the individual figures, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

[0026] Figure 1A block circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a measuring system 100 for sensing a physical parameter, as proposed herein, is shown. The measuring system 100 comprises a measuring sensor 105, which is fed with electrical energy from a first energy supply unit 110 and / or from a second energy supply unit 115. The measuring sensor 105 is designed to sense a physical parameter.

[0027] Measuring sensor 105 can be designed, for example, as a sensor for a physical variable or parameter, such as the wheel speed of a vehicle. However, it is also conceivable that measuring sensor 105 is designed as a sensor for temperature, acceleration, pressure, or similar variables. First energy supply unit 110 includes a controller or primary controller, which, by way of example, includes an electro-pneumatic modulator or is implemented as part of a controller. Second energy supply unit 115 includes another controller or a redundant controller.

[0028] The measuring sensor 105 is electrically connected between the first energy supply unit 110 and the second energy supply unit 115. The measuring sensor 105 includes a first connection A, a second connection B, a third connection C and a fourth connection D. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG, the second terminal is electrically conductively connected to the fourth terminal. The measuring sensor 105 is electrically connected to the energy supply units 110 and 115 via the terminals A, B, C and D.

[0029] First energy supply unit 110 is designed to output electrical energy to measuring sensor 105 via a first switch S1 to a first terminal A and a second switch S2 to a second terminal B. First energy supply unit 110 is designed to output electrical energy at a first voltage U1 relative to a first ground potential GND1 to measuring sensor 105. First energy supply unit 110 includes an additional voltage source 140, via which second terminal B of measuring sensor 105 is electrically connected to first ground potential GND1.

[0030] The second energy supply unit 115 is designed to output electrical energy to the measuring sensor 105 via a third switch S3 to the third terminal C and a fourth switch S4 to the fourth terminal D. In this case, the second energy supply unit 115 is designed to output electrical energy at a sensor voltage U 传感器 Output to measuring sensor 105. The first ground potential GND1 can deviate at least temporarily from the second ground potential GND2. Such a deviation can be caused, for example, by a long electrical connection between ground potentials GND1 and GND2, which acts as a resistor and, when conducting current, results in the ground potentials differing from one another.

[0031] according to Figure 1In the embodiment shown in FIG, the first energy supply unit 110 comprises a first voltage source 120 for a first voltage U1, a first amplification device 130, a first control device 150 (which can also function as a regulating device) and a second control device 160 as well as a plurality of resistors R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG, second energy supply unit 115 includes a second voltage source 125 for second voltage U2, a second amplifier 135, a third control device 170, and a fourth control device 180, as well as a plurality of resistors R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10. Amplifiers 130 and 135 are implemented, for example, as differential amplifiers, operational amplifiers, or the like.

[0032] First voltage source 120 of first energy supply unit 110 is configured to provide a first voltage U1 relative to a first ground potential GND1. First terminal A of measuring sensor 105 is electrically connected to first voltage source 120 and to first control device 150. First voltage source 120 is electrically connected between first ground potential GND1 and first terminal A. First control device 150 is electrically connected to first terminal A of measuring sensor 105 and to first ground potential GND1 via a first voltage divider comprising a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. First voltage divider, or resistors R1 and R2, are electrically connected between first ground potential GND1 and first terminal A. First control device 150 is electrically connected to the tapping point between resistors R1 and R2.

[0033] First amplifier 130 of first voltage source 120 and second control device 160 are electrically connected to second terminal B of measuring sensor 105. Furthermore, additional voltage source 140 is electrically connected to second terminal B of measuring sensor 105. First amplifier 130 and additional voltage source 140 are electrically connected between first ground potential GND1 and second terminal B. First amplifier 130 is also electrically connected between additional voltage source 140 and second terminal B. Fifth resistor R5 is electrically connected between the two terminals of first amplifier 130. Second control device 160 is electrically connected to second terminal B of measuring sensor 105 and to first ground potential GND1 via a second voltage divider comprising a third resistor R3 and a fourth resistor R4. The second voltage divider, or resistors R3 and R4, are electrically connected between first ground potential GND1 and second terminal B. Second control device 160 is electrically connected to the tapping point between resistors R3 and R4.

[0034] The second voltage source 125 of the second energy supply unit 115 is designed to provide a sensor voltage U 传感器The third terminal C of the measuring sensor 105 is electrically connected to the second voltage source 125, the second amplifying device 135, and the third control device 170. The second voltage source 125 is electrically connected between the second ground potential GND2 and the second amplifying device 135. The sixth resistor R6 is electrically connected between the two terminals of the second amplifying device 135. The third control device 170 is electrically connected to the third terminal C of the measuring sensor 105 and to the second ground potential GND2 via a third voltage divider comprising a seventh resistor R7 and an eighth resistor R8. Here, the third voltage divider, or resistors R7 and R8, are electrically connected between the second ground potential GND2 and the third terminal C. The third control device 170 is electrically connected to the tapping point between the resistors R7 and R8.

[0035] Fourth control device 180 is electrically connected to second terminal B or fourth terminal D of measuring sensor 105. Fourth control device 180 is electrically connected to second terminal B or fourth terminal D of measuring sensor 105 and to second ground potential GND2 via a fourth voltage divider comprising a ninth resistor R9 and a tenth resistor R10. Here, fourth voltage divider or resistors R9 and R10 are electrically connected between second ground potential GND2 and second terminal B or fourth terminal D. Fourth control device 180 is electrically connected to the tapping point between resistors R9 and R10.

[0036] It is also conceivable Figure 1 , an exemplary embodiment not explicitly shown in FIG, in which an amplifier circuit such as, for example, an amplifier circuit corresponding to the amplifier circuit at the first ground potential GND1 with the fifth resistor R5, the first amplifier device 130, and the additional voltage source 14 is used at the fourth terminal D. Alternatively or additionally, an amplifier circuit such as, for example, an amplifier circuit corresponding to the amplifier circuit at the third terminal C with the sixth resistor R6 and the second amplifier device 135 can also be used at the first terminal A. This completely symmetrical design makes it possible, for example, to detect, process, or compensate for other fault situations.

[0037] In principle, it should be noted that the solution proposed here can be used not only for sensors with two connections (i.e. four connections in a diagonal operation), but also for sensors with a different number of connections, wherein the sensor should have at least three inputs for the energy supply so that different energy supply modules at different potentials can be connected to the sensor in a manner that is sufficiently decoupled from one another.

[0038] For example, a sensor with different connections can be used, for example for contacts VDD, GND, Sig, wherein VDD and GND are connected to both ECUs in the same way and the signal connection Sig provides the measured value. In addition, the signal "Sig" is fed to both ECUs for this purpose.

[0039] Assume that measurement signal Sig outputs a value between GND (e.g., 0V) and VDD (e.g., 5V). If ECU A (e.g., first energy supply unit 110) supplies supply line VDD and measures a 2V differential voltage between VDD and Sig, then ECU B (e.g., second energy supply unit 115) can simultaneously measure a (VDD-GND)-2V differential between GND and Sig. Thus, using a static 5V supply (between VDD and GND), ECU B would measure 3V. If there is a ground offset between the two ECUs, this would also be reflected in the measurement signal. Therefore, in order to accurately determine physical variables, the ability to measure ground offsets in the system should be provided.

[0040] Figure 2 A flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 200 proposed here as a variant for operating the measuring system described here is shown. By implementing the method 200 for operating, it is possible to advantageously operate Figure 1 The method 200 comprises a step 210 of supplying the measuring sensor with electrical energy from the first and / or second energy supply unit. Furthermore, the method 200 comprises a step 220 of outputting a measurement signal representing a physical parameter via the measuring sensor.

[0041] If an embodiment includes an “and / or” association between a first feature and a second feature, this should be interpreted as: the embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature according to one embodiment, and has either only the first feature or only the second feature according to another embodiment.

[0042] Reference Signs List

[0043] 100 measurement systems

[0044] 105 Measuring sensor

[0045] 110 First Energy Supply Unit

[0046] 115 Second Energy Supply Unit

[0047] 120 first voltage source

[0048] 125 Second voltage source

[0049] 130 First Amplification Device

[0050] 135 Second Amplification Device

[0051] 140 Additional voltage source

[0052] 150 First control device

[0053] 160 Second control device

[0054] 170 Third control device

[0055] 180 Fourth Control Device

[0056] A First connector

[0057] B Second connector

[0058] C Third connector

[0059] D Fourth connector

[0060] GND1 First ground potential

[0061] GND2 Second ground potential

[0062] R1 first resistor

[0063] R2 Second resistor

[0064] R3 third resistor

[0065] R4 fourth resistor

[0066] R5 fifth resistor

[0067] R6 Sixth resistor

[0068] R7 seventh resistor

[0069] R8 eighth resistor

[0070] R9 ninth resistor

[0071] R10 tenth resistor

[0072] S1 first switch

[0073] S2 Second switch

[0074] S3 third switch

[0075] S4 Fourth switch

[0076] U1 first voltage

[0077] U2 second voltage

[0078] U 传感器 Sensor voltage

[0079] 200 Method for operating a measuring system according to the variant proposed here

[0080] 210 Supply Steps

[0081] 220 Output Steps

Claims

1. A measurement system (100) for sensing a physical parameter, wherein: The measuring system (100) has the following features: - a measuring sensor (105) for sensing a physical parameter, wherein the measuring sensor (105) has a first connection (A), a second connection (B) and at least one third connection (C); a first energy supply unit (110) for outputting electrical energy to the measuring sensor (105) via the first connection (A) and the second connection (B), wherein the first energy supply unit (110) is configured to output electrical energy to the measuring sensor (105) at a first voltage (U1) relative to a first ground potential (GND1), the first energy supply unit (110) comprising a first voltage source (120) for the first voltage (U1); and a second energy supply unit (115) for outputting electrical energy to the measuring sensor (105) via the third connection (C) and the second connection (B) or the fourth connection (D), wherein the second energy supply unit (115) is designed to output electrical energy to the measuring sensor (105) at a second voltage (U2) relative to a second ground potential (GND2), wherein the first ground potential (GND1) deviates at least temporarily from the second ground potential (GND2), It is characterized by: The first energy supply unit (110) has an additional voltage source (140), wherein the second terminal (B) of the measuring sensor (105) is electrically connected to the first ground potential (GND1) via the additional voltage source (140).

2. The measuring system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first energy supply unit (110) comprises a first control device (150), wherein a first terminal (A) of the measuring sensor (105) is electrically connected to the first voltage source (120) and to the first control device (150).

3. The measuring system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first energy supply unit (110) comprises a first amplifying device (130) and a second control device (160), wherein the second connection (B) of the measuring sensor (105) is electrically connected to the first amplifying device (130) and the second control device (160).

4. The measuring system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second energy supply unit (115) comprises a second voltage source (125) for the second voltage (U2), a second amplification device (135) and a third control device (170), wherein the third terminal (C) of the measuring sensor (105) is electrically connected to the second voltage source (125), to the second amplification device (135) and to the third control device (170).

5. The measuring system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second energy supply unit (115) comprises a fourth control device (180), wherein the second connection (B) or the fourth connection (D) of the measuring sensor (105) is electrically connected to the fourth control device (180).

6. The measuring system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The measuring sensor (105) is designed as a rotational speed sensor.

7. The measurement system (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first control device (150) is electrically connected to the first connection (A) of the measuring sensor (105) via a first voltage divider (R1, R2) and to the first ground potential (GND1).

8. The measurement system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The second control device (160) is electrically connected to the second connection (B) of the measuring sensor (105) via a second voltage divider (R3, R4) and to the first ground potential (GND1).

9. The measuring system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The third control device (170) is electrically connected to the third terminal (C) of the measuring sensor (105) via a third voltage divider (R7, R8) and to the second ground potential (GND2).

10. The measurement system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The fourth control device (180) is electrically connected to the second connection (B) or the fourth connection (D) of the measuring sensor (105) via a fourth voltage divider (R9, R10) and is electrically connected to the second ground potential (GND2).

11. The measuring system (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The rotational speed sensor is used to sense the rotational speed of a vehicle component and / or a vehicle wheel.

12. A method (200) for operating a measuring system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein: The method (200) comprises the following steps: - supplying (210) the measuring sensor (105) with electrical energy from the first and / or second energy supply unit (110, 115); and - Outputting (220) a measurement signal via the measurement sensor (105), wherein the measurement signal represents a physical parameter.

13. A computer program product, configured to carry out and / or control the steps of the method (200) according to claim 12.

14. A machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon the computer program product according to claim 13.

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