Reduced offset error configuration for rotational induction sensors

Abstract

A system and method for a vehicle pedal assembly and its inductive sensor assembly includes a rotating inductive sensor target and a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned opposite the rotating inductive sensor target. The inductive sensor assembly includes a first inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB. The first inductive sensor circuit includes a first coil circuit including a first coil having a first current in a first flow direction and a second electrical coil having a second current in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction. The first inductive sensor circuit is configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces changes in the first and second currents in the first and second coils.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Rotational inductive sensors can be used in a variety of applications. One application of a rotational inductive sensor is to detect the position of a vehicle pedal, such as a brake pedal or an accelerator pedal. [Background technology]

[0002] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] The accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate figures, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated in and form a part of this specification and serve to further illustrate embodiments, examples, and aspects of concepts that comprise the claimed subject matter and illustrate various principles and advantages of those embodiments, examples, and aspects.

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle pedal assembly incorporating a rotational inductive sensor, according to some embodiments.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle pedal assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the rotational induction sensor of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 4A]FIG. 4A is an illustration of a top view of the rotational inductive sensor of FIG. 1, according to some examples.

[0010] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the rotational inductive sensor of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a top view of a rotational induction sensor according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a diagram of another configuration of the rotational induction sensor of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a chart displaying simulation results of offset error in a receive coil signal generated by the rotational induction sensor of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a chart displaying simulation results of offset error in the receive coil signal generated by the rotational induction sensor of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic controller of the vehicle pedal assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of the illustrated embodiments, aspects, and features.

[0017] In some instances, components of the apparatus and methods are represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, where appropriate, and only specific details relevant to understanding the illustrated embodiments, features, and aspects are shown, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Detailed Description of the Invention Rotational induction position sensors (referred to herein as "rotational induction sensors") utilize one or more induction coil circuits to provide information regarding the rotational angle or position of a target. In particular, induced changes in the electromagnetic field of the induction coil circuit are generated in response to the rotational movement of the target, and the resulting current and / or voltage signals are output by the sensor. Certain electrical characteristics (e.g., the magnitude and polarity of the voltage and / or current) are then analyzed (e.g., via an electronic processor in an electronic controller) to determine changes in rotational position. Some rotational induction sensors can include multiple coil circuits and can be configured to output two or more signals for each circuit (e.g., a redundant rotational induction sensor can provide two outputs).

[0019] The accuracy of a rotational induction sensor can be adversely affected due to electromagnetic interference / crosstalk caused by the environment or the particular configuration of the induction coil circuit of the rotational induction sensor. For example, the electromagnetic field strength along the electrical trace of the transmitter coil circuit of a rotational induction sensor can be higher at certain locations than at the center of the transmitter coil (called the cornering effect).

[0020] One solution to address such issues may be to increase the distance between one or more traces and / or coils of the coil circuit. However, such a configuration may introduce more crosstalk and / or increase the coupling factor between one or more components within the sensor. Such a configuration may also be expensive because it may require more precise design and manufacturing control to ensure functionality. In addition, due to the limited size of a rotational induction sensor's printed circuit board (PCB), it may not be possible to implement spaced traces or coils.

[0021] Thus, the systems and methods described herein provide, among other things, configurations of rotational induction sensors for reducing offset errors in measurement signals generated therefrom (e.g., caused by cornering effects in the sensor's transmitter coil circuit).

[0022] One example provides a vehicle pedal assembly including a pedal rotatable relative to a shaft and a rotary inductive position sensor. The rotary inductive position sensor includes a rotary inductive sensor target rotatable in response to rotation of the pedal and an inductive sensor assembly. The inductive sensor assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned opposite the rotary inductive sensor target. The inductive sensor assembly includes a first inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB. The first inductive sensor circuit includes a first coil circuit including a first coil having a first current in a first flow direction and a second electric coil having a second current in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction. The first inductive sensor circuit is configured such that rotation of the rotary inductive sensor target induces changes in the first and second currents in the first and second coils.

[0023] Another example provides an inductive sensor assembly. The inductive sensor assembly includes a rotating inductive sensor target and a PCB positioned opposite the rotating inductive sensor target. The inductive sensor assembly includes a first inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB. The first inductive sensor circuit includes a first coil circuit including a first coil having a first current in a first flow direction and a second electrical coil having a second current in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction. The first inductive sensor circuit is configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces changes in the first and second currents in the first and second coils.

[0024] For ease of explanation, some or all of the example systems presented herein are shown with a single illustration of each of its components. Some examples may not describe or illustrate all components of a system. Other examples may include more or fewer of each of the illustrated components, may combine some components, or may include additional or alternative components.

[0025] While particular diagrams presented herein show hardware and software located within particular devices, it should be understood that these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the illustrated components may be combined or divided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware components. For example, instead of being located within and executed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may be distributed among multiple electronic processors. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware and software components may be located on the same computing device or distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communications links.

[0026] It should also be understood that while embodiments are described herein with respect to vehicle pedals (particularly accelerator pedals), the described systems and methods may be utilized in different applications, including rotational inductive sensors (e.g., eBrake pedals). The systems and methods described herein are described with respect to dual output rotational inductive sensors, but may be applied to rotational inductive sensors having different numbers of outputs.

[0027] 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary vehicle pedal assembly (herein referred to as a vehicle pedal) 10 having a rotational inductive sensor assembly 101 including a rotational inductive sensor 102 and a rotational inductive sensor target 34 (both described in more detail below). The vehicle pedal 10 includes a pedal housing 20 including a plurality of outer walls 20A and a base 20B that together define an interior 20C, a front opening 20D, and a side opening 20E.

[0028] The vehicle pedal 10 also includes an elongated plastic pedal arm 30 including a distal end or drum 32 having a metal rotational inductive sensor target 34 (herein referred to as the rotational sensor target) adapted to be overmolded to an outer surface 32A of the drum 32. In the illustrated example, the pedal arm 30, and more specifically the distal end or drum 32 having the rotational inductive sensor target 34 thereon, extends within the interior 20C of the pedal housing 20 in a rotatable relationship relative to the housing 20, and surrounds and is in a rotatable relationship relative to a shaft 20F that is integral with one of the outer lateral walls 20A of the housing 20 and extends within the interior 20C of the housing 20.

[0029] Pedal 10 also includes a combination electrical connector assembly and housing 40 secured to pedal housing 20 in closing relationship over housing side opening 20E, and more specifically, in covering relationship over drum 32 of pedal arm 30 located within interior 20C of housing 20. Combination electrical connector assembly and housing cover 40 is secured in opposing, spaced apart relationship to outer lateral surface 32a of drum 32 of pedal arm 30, into which rotational induction sensor target 34 is overmolded. A plurality of screws 45 secure cover 40 to housing 20.

[0030] The housing cover 40 includes an integral electrical connector 42 and defines both a central circular opening 43 and an internal recess 44 surrounding the opening 42. The housing cover 40 and the pedal arm 30 are positioned relative to one another with the rotational inductive sensor target 34 on the drum 32 of the pedal arm 30 extending into and located within the circular opening 43 defined in the housing cover 40 when the housing cover 40 is secured to the housing 20.

[0031] Pedal 10 also includes a rotational inductive sensor substrate or printed circuit board (PCB) 50 including opposing outer surfaces 52 and 54. PCB 50 is inserted, positioned, and seated within recess 44 defined in housing cover 40 and positioned in opposing, adjacent relationship to rotational inductive sensor target 34 on drum 32 of pedal arm 30, with outer surface 54 of PCB 50 facing rotational inductive sensor target 34, as shown. PCB 50 includes respective inductive sensor transmitter and receiver coil circuits defined and formed on respective outer front and rear surfaces 52 and 54, as described in more detail below. A plastic electrical cover or plate 70 covers PCB 50 and is secured to the outer surface of housing cover 40. An inductive sensor assembly 101 of pedal 10 includes rotational inductive sensor target 34 on drum 32 of pedal arm 30 and a rotational inductive sensor 102 (described in more detail below).

[0032] The pedal 10 further includes a pedal friction assembly 80 within the interior 20c of the housing 20. The pedal friction assembly 80 includes a friction device 81 adapted for pivotal movement relative to the base 22 of the pedal housing 20 and seated therein. A pair of return springs (or telescoping springs) 82 and 84 extend between the pedal friction assembly 80 and the underside of the elongated pedal arm 30. A spring damper 86 is configured to be wedged between the two springs 82 and 84.

[0033] A power source (e.g., a power source connected to or part of an electronic controller, such as the controller of FIG. 6 , described in more detail below) provides power to the rotational inductive sensor 102, providing current to a transmitter coil circuit of the rotational inductive sensor 102. The transmit coil circuit includes multiple transmit coils, as described in more detail below. Current flows through the transmit coils, which also generate a magnetic field around the coils. The receive coil circuit also includes multiple receive coils arranged such that the magnetic fields generated by the transmit coils induce currents in the receive coils (and thus their respective magnetic fields). The electrical signals induced in the receive coils are then provided from the sensor 102 to an electronic controller (not shown). Positioning of the rotational inductive sensor 102 positions the rotational inductive sensor target 34 within the generated magnetic field. Applying force to and removing force from the pedal arm 30 (e.g., by a user's foot) during operation of a vehicle (not shown) causes movement / rotation of the pedal arm 30, which in turn causes movement / rotation of the pedal arm drum 32 within the interior 20C of the pedal housing 20, which in turn causes movement / rotation of the rotational induction sensor target 34.

[0034] Movement / rotation of the rotational inductive sensor target 34 relative to the transmitter coil circuit and receiver coil circuit of the rotational inductive sensor 102 results in a change in the magnetic field generated by the respective transmitter coil circuit of the rotational inductive sensor 102. Accordingly, movement of the rotational inductive sensor target 34 also results in a change in voltage and / or current in the respective receiver coil circuit of the rotational inductive sensor 102. The resulting change in the electrical signal provided to the electronic controller is then utilized by the controller (e.g., electronic controller 600 of FIG. 6 ) to determine the position of the pedal arm 30 and, therefore, control one or more operations of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle acceleration and deceleration).

[0035] 6 schematically illustrates one exemplary embodiment of an electronic controller 600. In the illustrated embodiment, electronic controller 600 includes an electronic processor 605, memory 610, input / output interface 615, and power supply 620. The illustrated components, along with various other modules and components, are connected to each other by or through one or more control or data buses (e.g., bus 625) that enable communication therebetween. Electronic controller 600 may be contained in a single device (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0036] The electronic processor 605 may include one or more microprocessors, ASICs, or other suitable electronic devices. The electronic processor 605 obtains and provides information (e.g., from / to the memory 610 and / or the input / output interface 615) and processes this information by executing one or more software instructions or modules, which may be stored, for example, in a random access memory (“RAM”) area of ​​the memory 610, in a read-only memory (“ROM”) area of ​​the memory 610, or in another non-transitory computer-readable medium (not shown). The software may include firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The electronic processor 605 is configured to retrieve from the memory 610 and execute software related to, among other things, the processes and methods described herein.

[0037] The electronic processor 605 is configured to control the input / output interface 615 to send and receive communication and / or power signals (e.g., via one or more switches, not shown) to at least one other device (e.g., the rotational induction sensor 102). The input / output interface 615 may include various digital and analog components (e.g., a digital signal processor, a high-band filter, a low-band filter, etc.), which are not described herein for brevity, and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. The input / output interface 615 may include, for example, a transceiver, a transmitter, and / or a receiver (not shown). The input / output interface 615 may alternatively or additionally include one or more ports for wired communication with respective components (e.g., the rotational induction sensor 102). In some embodiments, the electronic processor 605 is configured to provide current (from a power source 620) to power the transmitter coil circuit of the rotational induction sensor 102. The power source 620 may be part of the electronic controller 600 itself or may be a power source separate from one or more electrical systems of the vehicle.

[0038] In some embodiments, an electronic controller 600 is configured to operate the rotational inductive sensor 102 and receive signals from it. Based on the received signals, the controller 600 determines the position, velocity, and / or change in position of the rotational inductive sensor target 34 (and thus the pedal arm 30), as described above. The electronic controller 600, in one example, provides the derived information to one or more controllers of the vehicle. The one or more controllers then control one or more operations of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle acceleration and deceleration) based on the received information. In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of the electronic controller 600 is integrated into a vehicle control unit (VCU) of the vehicle. The controller 600 may communicate information (e.g., the determined position, velocity, and / or change in position determined from signals from the rotational inductive sensor 102) to the VCU or another controller of the vehicle to perform vehicle operations based on the derived information. In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of the electronic controller 600 is integrated into the rotational inductive sensor 102. In some embodiments, some or all of the processing of signals generated by inductive sensor 102 may be performed in electronic controller 600. In some embodiments, rotational inductive sensor 102 may include circuit components such as a microprocessor and memory (not shown) for performing at least some of the processing of signals generated (e.g., to convert to an appropriate output protocol for transmission to electronic controller 600).

[0039] 3 is a diagram 300 of a rotational inductive sensor 102, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, the inductive sensor 102 includes first and second inductive sensor circuits 301A, 301B on a PCB 50 and a rotational inductive sensor target 34, according to some examples. Each inductive sensor circuit 301A, 301B includes a transmitter coil circuit 302A, 302B and a receiver coil circuit 304A, 304B, respectively. The transmitter coil circuits 302A, 302B and the receiver coil circuits 304A, 304B are defined and formed on opposing outer surfaces 52 and 54 of the PCB 50, respectively. The overlapping arrangement of the respective transmitter coil circuits 302A, 302B and the respective receiver coil circuits 304A, 304B on the opposing surfaces 52, 54 of the PCB 50 results in interaction and intermixing between the respective magnetic fields generated by the respective transmitter coil circuits 302A, 302B. This results in an increase in coupling between the respective transmitter coil circuits 302A, 302B and the respective receiver coil circuits 304A, 304B.

[0040] In the illustrated example, each transmitter coil circuit 302A, 302B includes two transmit coils 306A, 306B and 306C, 306D, respectively. Each of the two coils 306A, 306B and 306C, 306D are connected in series. Each receiver coil circuit 304A, 304B includes two receive coils 308A, 308B and 308C, 308D, respectively. Each of the two coils 308A, 308B and 308C, 308D are connected in series.

[0041] Each of the transmit coils 306A-306D and receive coils 308A-308D is defined and formed on four different, separate sections or quadrants 50A-50D of the PCB 50. Each of the transmit coils 306A-306D and receive coils 308A-308D includes traces 312A-312D and 314A-314D, respectively. Associated electrical circuits, components, and output integrated circuits (not shown) on the respective opposing sides 52 and 54 of the PCB 50 are electrically coupled to the respective transmitter coil circuit traces 312A-312D and receiver coil circuit traces 314A-314D on the respective opposing sides 52 and 54 of the PCB 50.

[0042] A certain separation between the traces 312A-312D and 314A-314D of the respective transmitter coil circuits 302A, 302B and receiver coil circuits 304A, 304B provides reduced interaction or interference between the respective magnetic fields generated by the respective transmitter coil circuits 302A, 302B, resulting in reduced coupling / reduced coupling coefficients therebetween. As mentioned above, by increasing the space between the coils 306A-306D, 308A-308D (particularly the traces 312A-312D, 314A-314D), the corner effect can be reduced, but modifications to increase the spacing can increase interference and crosstalk between two or more of the traces 312A-312D.

[0043] 4A is a top view 400A of the inductive sensor circuits 301A, 301B of the rotational inductive sensor 102 and the rotational inductive sensor target 34. In the illustrated example, the inductive sensor circuits 301A, 301B are configured so that current flows in the transmit coils 306A, 306D in a first flow direction and current flows in the transmit coils 306B, 306C in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction (i.e., opposite polarity). The flow directions of the transmit coils 306A-306D on the PCB 50 are indicated by arrows 402A-402D.

[0044] FIG. 4B is a diagram 400B showing a bottom view of the PCB 50 and the rotational inductive sensor target 34. As shown, the rotational inductive sensor target includes multiple lobes 34A-34G. Because the transmit coils 306A-306D have opposite polarities, the rotational inductive sensor target 34 (particularly the configuration of and spacing between the lobes 34A-34F) is configured (or shaped in this case) so that the area of ​​the receive coils 308A-308D covered by one or more of the lobes 34A-34F of the rotational inductive sensor target 34 is opposite to the area of ​​the diagonally opposite quadrants 50A, 50B, and 50C, 50D. For example, the area covered by lobe 34A in quadrant 50A is not covered by quadrant 50B, and the area of ​​quadrant 50B covered by lobes 34D and 34E is not covered by quadrant 50A. Lobes 34G may be included to increase the angular sensing range of the sensor.

[0045] The receive coil signals may be interpreted by applying the following formula: TIFF0007760800000001.tif11170 where A is the area of ​​a particular receiving coil 308A-308D, θ is the relative angular position of the rotational induction sensor target 34, and Error offset is the offset error of the receive coil signal due to the cornering effect.

[0046] To calculate the total receive coil signal of a receiver coil circuit (e.g., receiver coil circuit 304A), the sum of the receive coil signals of each receiver coil (in this example, coils 308A and 308B of circuit 304A) must be determined. Below is the function for determining the receive coil signal of the receiver coil pair of receiver coil circuit 304A, 304B: TIFF0007760800000002.tif8170TIFF0007760800000003.tif10169

[0047] The offset error of the second receive coil of the receiver coil circuit 304A, 304B is negative due to the opposite polarity of the transmit coil in each quadrant (e.g., receive coil 308B versus transmit coil 306B). Because the separation between the transmit and receive coils is approximately symmetric in both quadrants of each inductive sensor circuit 301A, 301B, the magnitude of the offset error is approximately equal. Therefore, the receive coil signal for a single receiver coil circuit 304A, 304B can be approximated as: TIFF0007760800000004.tif8169

[0048] Therefore, the offset error may be reduced by adjusting the configuration of the rotational inductive sensor target 34 so that the transmit coils 306A, 306B and 306C, 306D of the respective transmitter coil circuits 302A, 302B are driven with opposite polarities.

[0049] 4C is a top view 400C of the inductive sensor circuits 301A, 301B and the rotating inductive sensor target 402C of the PCB 50. In the illustrated example, the current flow direction of the transmit coils 306A-306D of the PCB 50 is the same. In other words, the current supplied to each of the two transmit coils 306A, 306B and 306C, 306D of each inductive sensor circuit 301A, 301B flows in the same direction (same polarity). As shown, the rotating inductive sensor target 402C is configured differently from the target 34 to accommodate the polarity of each of the coils 306A-306D.

[0050] 5A is a chart 500A illustrating simulated offset error in receive coil signals for both the case where the transmit coils 306A, 306B, and 306C, 306D have opposite polarity (line 502A) and the case where the transmit coils 306A, 306B, and 306C, 306D have the same polarity (line 502B). Chart 500 illustrates the receive coil signals of an inductive sensor circuit (e.g., circuits 301A and 301B) across the angular position of the target. As shown, the offset error for the opposite polarity implementation (approximately 3.2 mV) is less than the offset error for the same polarity implementation (approximately 14.4 mV).

[0051] Alternatively, the inductive sensor circuits 301A, 301B can be configured such that the polarity of the receive coils 308A, 308B, and 308C, 308D is opposite to that of the transmit coils 306A, 306B, and 306C, 306D. Figure 4D shows a diagram 400D of an example configuration of the inductive sensor circuits 301A, 301B and target 34 on the PCB 50, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the inductive sensor circuits 301A, 301B are configured such that the currents induced in the receive coils 308A, 308B, and 308C, 308D flow in opposite polarities to each other.

[0052] 5B is a chart 500B illustrating simulated offset error in receive coil signals for both the case where receive coils 308A, 308B, and 308C, 308D have opposite polarity (line 504A) and the case where receive coils 308A, 308B, and 308C, 308D have the same polarity (line 504B). Chart 500B shows receive coil signals for inductive sensor circuits (e.g., circuits 301A and 301B) across the angular position of the target. As shown, the offset error for the opposite polarity implementation (approximately 6.6 mV) is less than the offset error for the same polarity implementation (approximately 14.4 mV).

[0053] In the foregoing specification, various embodiments, examples, aspects, and features have been described. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0054] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause or make more noticeable any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0055] Additionally, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, above and below, etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The use of words such as "comprise," "comprising," "have," "having," "include," "including," "contain," "containing," or any other variation thereof, is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, and a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising includes, but does not include only, the list of elements, and includes other elements not expressly listed or inherent in the process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises ... a," "has ... a," "includes ... a," or "contains ... a" does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or encompasses the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other version thereof are defined as close as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, this term is defined to be within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, and within 0.5%. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure "configured" in a particular way is at least configured in that way, but may be configured in unrecited ways.

[0056] It will be understood that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more general-purpose or specialized processors (or "processing devices"), such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement some, most, or all of the functionality of the methods and / or apparatus described herein, in conjunction with specific non-processor circuitry. Alternatively, some or all functionality may be implemented by state machines without stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), where each function or some combination of functions is implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches may be used.

[0057] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-readable code for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform the methods described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, ROMs (read-only memories), PROMs (programmable read-only memories), EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories), EEPROMs (electrically erasable programmable read-only memories), and flash memories. Furthermore, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be able to readily generate such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation, despite significant effort and many design choices motivated by available time, current technology, and economic considerations.

[0058] In the foregoing specification, particular embodiments have been described. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0059] Various features and advantages of some embodiments are set forth in the following claims. The following is the invention as originally described in the present application. <Claim 1> a pedal rotatable relative to the shaft; 1. A rotational induction position sensor, comprising: a rotational induction sensor target rotatable in response to rotation of the pedal; and an inductive sensor assembly including a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned opposite the rotational inductive sensor target, the inductive sensor assembly including a first inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the first inductive sensor circuit including a first coil circuit including a first coil having a first current in a first flow direction and a second electrical coil having a second current in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction, The first inductive sensor circuit is configured such that rotation of the rotational inductive sensor target induces a change in the first current and the second current in the first coil and the second coil. <Claim 2> The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are transmitter coils. <Claim 3> The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are receiver coils. <Claim 4> 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the inductive sensor assembly includes a second inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the second inductive sensor circuit including a second coil circuit including a third coil having a third current in a third flow direction and a fourth coil having a fourth current in a fourth flow direction opposite the third flow direction, the second inductive sensor circuit configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces changes in the third current and the fourth current. <Claim 5> 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are transmitter coils. <Claim 6> 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are receiver coils. <Claim 7> a rotation induction sensor target; a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned opposite the rotating inductive sensor target, the inductive sensor assembly includes a first inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the first inductive sensor circuit including a first coil circuit including a first coil having a first current in a first flow direction and a second electrical coil having a second current in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction; An inductive sensor assembly, wherein the first inductive sensor circuit is configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces changes in the first current and the second current in the first coil and the second coil. <Claim 8> 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the first coil and the second coil are transmitter coils. <Claim 9> The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are receiver coils. <Claim 10> 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the inductive sensor assembly includes a second inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the second inductive sensor circuit including a second coil circuit including a third coil having a third current in a third flow direction and a fourth coil having a fourth current in a fourth flow direction opposite the third flow direction, the second inductive sensor circuit configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces a change in the third current and the fourth current. <Claim 11> 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are transmitter coils. <Claim 12> 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are receiver coils.

Claims

1. a pedal rotatable relative to the shaft; 1. A rotational induction position sensor, comprising: a rotational inductive sensor target rotatable in response to rotation of the pedal, the rotational inductive sensor target including a plurality of lobes; and an inductive sensor assembly including a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned opposite the rotational inductive sensor target, the inductive sensor assembly including a first inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the first inductive sensor circuit including a first coil circuit including a first coil having a first current in a first flow direction, and a second coil circuit including a second coil having a second current in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction, the first inductive sensor circuit is configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces changes in the first current and the second current in the first coil and the second coil; 1. A vehicle pedal assembly, wherein the rotational induction sensor target has a first region of the PCB in a first quadrant of the rotational induction sensor target that is covered by a first subset of the plurality of lobes, a second region of the PCB opposite the first region that is not covered, and the second region is in a second quadrant of the rotational induction sensor target that is diagonal from the first quadrant.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are transmitter coils.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are receiver coils.

4. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the inductive sensor assembly includes a second inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the second inductive sensor circuit including a third coil circuit including a third coil having a third current in a third flow direction, and a fourth coil circuit including a fourth coil having a fourth current in a fourth flow direction opposite the third flow direction, the second inductive sensor circuit configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces changes in the third current and the fourth current.

5. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are transmitter coils.

6. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are receiver coils.

7. a rotating inductive sensor target including multiple lobes; a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned opposite the rotating inductive sensor target, the inductive sensor assembly includes a first inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the first inductive sensor circuit including a first coil circuit including a first coil having a first current in a first flow direction, and a second coil circuit including a second coil having a second current in a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction; the first inductive sensor circuit is configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces changes in the first current and the second current in the first coil and the second coil; The rotational inductive sensor target has a first region of the PCB in a first quadrant of the rotational inductive sensor target that is covered by a first subset of the plurality of lobes, a second region of the PCB opposite the first region is not covered, and the second region is in a second quadrant of the rotational inductive sensor target that is diagonally opposite the first quadrant. Inductive sensor assembly.

8. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are transmitter coils.

9. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the first coil and the second coil are receiver coils.

10. 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the inductive sensor assembly includes a second inductive sensor circuit defined on the PCB, the second inductive sensor circuit including a second coil circuit including a third coil having a third current in a third flow direction and a fourth coil having a fourth current in a fourth flow direction opposite the third flow direction, the second inductive sensor circuit configured such that rotation of the rotating inductive sensor target induces a change in the third current and the fourth current.

11. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are transmitter coils.

12. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil are receiver coils.

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