Sensor with estimated real-time parameter data

Abstract

A method and apparatus for receiving data from at least one sensor at a first time point, determining parameters from the received data at the first time point, estimating parameters for future time points based on the data at the first time point, and outputting the estimated parameters for the future time points to a receiving device. In some embodiments, an IC package can process the received data to generate the estimated parameters for the future time points. The IC package can transmit the estimated parameters using a specific protocol. In some embodiments, the receiving device can treat the estimated parameters as real-time data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] As is known in the art, sensors can detect the position of a moving target. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a sensor can detect changes in the magnetic field caused by a rotating target in order to determine the target's position. However, the target's position information becomes outdated by the time the information is used. In conventional systems, a receiver that processes the target information may receive outdated target position information. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0003]

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for transmitting estimated parameters for a future point in time that can be handled by a receiving device as real-time target location data. The parameters may include various types of parameters that may be generated from various sensor types. In embodiments, the parameters are expected to change over time. Current parameter data can be used to estimate parameters for a future point in time. The future point in time may be determined based on several factors, such as the processing time of the sensor data, the transmission time, and the processing time of the receiving device. In embodiments, the receiving device can handle the estimated parameters as real-time information.

[0004]

[0003] In embodiments, a device such as an integrated circuit (IC) measures parameters such as the current rotation angle and predictively calculates the angle at a specific moment in the future. The estimated target angle can be output digitally and may include compensation for the time required to transmit and process the data (which may include internal and / or external processing time for the IC and / or receiver). Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a synchronized angle measurement and data transmission system that compensates for rotational changes in the target position that occur during data transmission and processing so that a data receiver can decode an angle value representing the predicted actual target angle position at that precise moment.

[0005]

[0004] For example, in order to efficiently rectify and rotate a brushless synchronous motor, the rotor position must be precisely known by the controller. However, since the angle of a rotating motor is constantly changing, it takes time for the sensor to measure the angle and transmit the data, and it takes time for the receiver to process the data. By the time the receiver has the angle information, the information is outdated, which can result in a less efficient motor drive system that exhibits undesirable torque ripple. While delay can be reduced by using an analog voltage to transmit the detected angle, it does not eliminate the delay. Furthermore, analog voltages may not provide certain advantages of digital data transmission, such as noise immunity, diagnostic reporting capabilities, reduced wire count, better accuracy, and direct angle values ​​that do not require calculation.

[0006]

[0005] The exemplary embodiment allows the receiver to interpret the target location information as real-time information when the target location is used. This allows the motor drive circuit to rectify at, for example, maximum motor performance.

[0007]

[0006] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are intended for motor control applications, and in particular for applications measuring angles and / or linear positions, and it is understood that the embodiments are applicable to applications of generally sensor data and estimated parameter data, where it is desirable to have parameter data that does not need to be processed by a receiving device. Another exemplary embodiment is an IC that measures current, transmits the measurement data using a digital protocol, and utilizes estimated real-time parameter data. The advantages of using the parameter information as, for example, real-time data without processing it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, for example, software development for system control.

[0008]

[0007] In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving data from at least one sensor at a first time point in time, determining parameters from the data received at the first time point in time, estimating parameters for a future time point based on the data at the first time point in time, and outputting the estimated parameters for the future time point to a receiving device.

[0009]

[0008] The method may further include one or more of the following features: namely, the data includes one or more of temperature data, optical data, current, magnetic flux density, position, angle, and / or electromagnetic field strength; at least one sensor includes an inductive sensor, a magnetic field strength sensor, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, an angle sensor, and / or a magnetic position sensor; at least one sensor includes part of an integrated circuit (IC) package; at least one sensor is connected to an integrated circuit (IC) package; the step of estimating parameters for a future time point is performed by the integrated circuit (IC) package; the step of outputting the estimated parameters to a receiving device is performed by the IC package; the IC package includes a magnetic field sensor integrated circuit (IC) package, and the parameters include the angular position of a target at a first time point, wherein the IC package is configured to determine the rotational speed of the target, and the IC package determines the rotational speed and angular position of the target at a first time point. The IC package is configured to estimate the angular position of a target at a future point in time, and the IC package is configured to output the estimated angular position of the target at a future point in time to a communication protocol, characterized in that estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time to process data from at least one sensor, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time to process for generating estimated parameters at a future point in time, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time corresponding to the digital transmission of the estimated parameters at a future point in time to a receiving device, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at a future point in time, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time for the IC package to process signals from at least one sensor within the IC package, and estimating the time for the IC package to process for estimating parameters at a future point in time.The features include estimating the time required to transmit estimated parameters to a receiving device at a future point in time, and estimating the time required for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at a future point in time; the features include the receiving device including an engine control unit (ECU) and outputting the estimated parameters to a communication protocol; the communication protocol being a serial peripheral interface (SPI), single-edge nibble transmission (SENT), controller area network (CAN bus), low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS), I, 2 Features include C, pulse width modulation (PWM), and / or ABI; the communication protocol includes pulses to achieve a certain length for the message; and / or the estimated parameters are transmitted in nibble units.

[0010]

[0009] In another embodiment, the system comprises an interface for receiving data from at least one sensor at a first time point in time, a processing module for determining parameters from the data received at the first time point in time and for estimating parameters for future time points based on the data at the first time point in time, and an output for outputting the estimated parameters for future time points to a receiving device.

[0011]

[0010] The device may further include one or more of the following features: namely, the data includes one or more of temperature data, optical data, current, magnetic flux density, position, angle, and / or electromagnetic field strength; at least one sensor includes an inductive sensor, a magnetic field strength sensor, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, an angle sensor, and / or a magnetic position sensor; at least one sensor is part of an integrated circuit (IC) package; at least one sensor is connected to an integrated circuit (IC) package; the integrated circuit (IC) package is responsible for estimating parameters for a future point in time; the IC package is responsible for outputting the estimated parameters to a receiving device; the IC package includes a magnetic field sensor integrated circuit (IC) package; the parameters include the angular position of a target at a first point in time, where the IC package is configured to determine the rotational speed of the target, and the IC package is responsible for determining the rotational speed and angular position of the target at the first point in time. The IC package is configured to estimate the angular position of a target at a future point in time, and the IC package is configured to output the estimated angular position of the target at a future point in time to a communication protocol, characterized in that estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time to process data from at least one sensor, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time to process for generating estimated parameters at a future point in time, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time corresponding to the digital transmission of the estimated parameters at a future point in time to a receiving device, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at a future point in time, estimating the future point in time includes estimating the time for the IC package to process signals from at least one sensor within the IC package, and estimating the time for the IC package to process for estimating parameters at a future point in time.The features include estimating the time required to transmit estimated parameters to a receiving device at a future point in time, and estimating the time required for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at a future point in time, the receiving device including an engine control unit (ECU) and outputting the estimated parameters to a communication protocol, the communication protocol being Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Single Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT), Controller Area Network (CAN bus), Low Voltage Operated Signaling (LVDS), I, 2 Features include C, pulse width modulation (PWM), and / or ABI; the communication protocol includes pulses to achieve a certain length for the message; and / or the estimated parameters are transmitted in nibble units.

[0012]

[0011] Not only the present invention itself, but also the aforementioned features of the present invention can be understood more completely from the following description in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]

[0012] Figure 1 shows an example sensor configured to provide estimated parameter data for a future point in time. [Figure 1A]

[0013] Figure 1A shows an exemplary magnetic field sensor for providing the estimated angular position of a target at a future point in time. [Figure 1B]

[0014] Figure 1B is a block diagram showing the sensor from Figure 1A coupled to the receiving device. [Figure 2]

[0015] This is an example timing diagram for generating the estimated angular position of a target at a future point in time. [Figure 3]

[0016] This figure shows the SENT communication protocol for transmitting the estimated angular position of a target at a future point in time. [Figure 4]

[0017] This is a diagram schematically illustrating a change in target position over time. [Figure 5]

[0018] This is a flow diagram showing an exemplary sequence of steps for generating an estimated angular position of a target at a future point in time. [Figure 6]

[0019] This is a block diagram of an exemplary computer capable of executing at least a portion of the processes described in the present specification. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0014]

[0020] Figure 1 shows an exemplary sensor configuration for generating estimated parameter data for a given future point in time according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A sensor integrated circuit (IC) package 2 is coupled to one or more sensing elements 4. In some embodiments, the sensing elements 4 are integrated within the IC package. The sensor IC package 2 is coupled to a receiving device 6 that is capable of receiving data corresponding to a given future point in time. At the future point in time, the receiving device 6 can treat the data as real-time data for the given point in time, and the given point in time is no longer a future point but becomes the given / current point in time that replaces the future point. With this configuration, the receiving device 6 does not need to process the data in a manner different from using the data as real-time information.

[0015]

[0021] It is understood that the detection elements used to generate the parameter data may include any practical type of detection element, and that the parameters may include a wide variety of parameters that can be generated from the corresponding detection element(s). Exemplary detection elements and / or configurations include inductive sensors for detecting electromagnetic fields generated by eddy currents induced in a target. The IC arrangement may include a coil for generating a primary field and process signals from a receiving coil. In other embodiments, the IC may include transducers such as magnetic field sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, current sensors, and angle sensors for converting energy from one form to another.

[0016]

[0022] Figure 1A shows an exemplary angle sensor 10 that generates estimated target position data for a future point in time, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The angle sensor 10 may be any sensor including a magnetic sensor IC and an inductive sensor IC, configured to provide angular position information, and in some cases, speed and direction information. Further, the angle sensor 10 may be a non-contact sensor capable of providing information on the angular position and speed or direction of the target 12. The angle sensor 10 can provide this target information over a range from zero degrees to 360 degrees (0° to 360°), or over a reduced angular range. The exemplary target 12 may include a rotating target 12 such as a gear or magnet mounted on a shaft. Shown in Figure 1A is an example of the target 12, and the target 12 may be of any size or three-dimensional geometric shape.

[0017]

[0023] The angle sensor 10 can generate a high-resolution output by executing an error correction and calibration application that performs error correction and calibrates the output of the angle sensor 10 to address manufacturing unevenness and non-orthogonality between the detection channels 60, 70 of the detection elements 40, 45.

[0018]

[0024] The angle sensor 10 may be used to detect the angular position, velocity, and / or direction of the target 12 in order to detect a magnetic field using one or more magnetic field sensing elements and output a magnetic field signal representing the detected magnetic field. These magnetic field sensing elements may be magnetotransistors or magnetoresistive elements, or semiconductor magnetoresistive elements such as anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensing elements, colossal magnetoresistance (GMR) sensing elements, tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensing elements, magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensing elements, indium antimonide (InSb), or Hall effect elements. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensing elements may be arranged to form a circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing element, which may include a circular body on which a plurality of Hall effect elements are arranged around the outer circumference of the circular body.

[0019]

[0025] The angle sensor 10 can further utilize techniques other than magnetic fields to determine the angle of the target 12. For example, some embodiments may include an electromagnetic induction detector using coils that generate eddy currents on the target. This type of sensor is often called an inductive position sensor. U.S. Patent No. 11,460,286, incorporated herein by reference, illustrates an exemplary inductive sensor.

[0020]

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, the angle sensor 10 may have an X detection channel 60 that receives and processes the raw sensor output from the magnetic field detection element X40, and a Y detection channel 70 that receives and processes the raw sensor output from the magnetic field detection element Y45. This raw sensor output may be a magnetic field signal generated by the magnetic field detection element. The magnetic field detection elements 40 and 45 may be arranged orthogonally to each other such that one of the magnetic field detection elements 40 and 45 generates a cosine signal and the other magnetic field detection element 40 or 45 generates a sine signal.

[0021]

[0027] Other embodiments may include any practical number of sensing elements, such as three sensing elements with angles of 0, 60, and 120 degrees from which the target angle can be calculated.

[0022]

[0028] Each detection channel 60, 70 may include a set of circuits or components for processing magnetic field signals from magnetic field detection elements 40, 45. Each detection channel 60, 70 includes an analog front-end (AFE) which may include filters, amplifiers, or any other circuit elements configured to attenuate or amplify amplitude or filter frequency. The AFE receives the magnetic field signal and outputs the corrected magnetic field signal to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to digitize the magnetic field signal. Digital filtering and error correction circuit configurations included within detection channels 60, 70 receive the digitized magnetic field signal and error correct the digitized signal. In some cases, the digital filtering circuit performs offset correction, sensitivity shift compensation, and non-orthogonality compensation. Figure 1A shows two magnetic field detection elements, namely magnetic field detection element X40 and magnetic field detection element Y45, but it should be understood that the angle sensor 10 may include three or more magnetic field detection elements. Furthermore, the magnetic field detection elements can be any magnetic field detection elements described herein.

[0023]

[0029] The angle calculator 50 receives digitized magnetic field signals from the X detection channel 60 and the Y detection channel 70 and uses the digitized magnetic field signals to generate an uncorrected angle signal 75. This uncorrected angle signal 75 may provide an inaccurate representation of the magnetic field angle, including errors. In some embodiments, the angle calculator 50 may be a circuit including one or more logic gates, as well as / or a processor configured to compute trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. In other embodiments, the angle calculator 50 is a coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) processor configured to compute an arctangent function. The uncorrected angle signal 75 generated by the angle calculator 50 represents the aspects of the detected magnetic field, such as the angular position and / or velocity of the target 12. As described more fully below, the angle calculator module 50 can estimate the target position at a given future point in time. In embodiments, the uncorrected angle signal 75 is processed by a digital signal processor 80 to reduce or eliminate errors.

[0024]

[0030] In other embodiments, the angle calculator 50 includes a proportional-integral-integral (PI type II) or other type, phase-locked-loop (PLL) based angle tracking observer (ATO) configured to calculate angle and rotational speed, and optionally acceleration (in the case of a type III controller).

[0025]

[0031] The angle target position estimated in digital form can be expressed more completely as follows: Digital output angle = current angle + angular velocity * compensated time delay.

[0026]

[0032] It is understood that embodiments in which it is desirable to use an estimated “real-time” target position to reduce or eliminate the need to process the target's location information before use are generally applicable to angle sensors. It is understood that an estimated real-time target position can be provided in any practical angle sensor configuration. Exemplary angle sensors are described in U.S. Patents 9,007,054, 11,112,230, and 11,333,486, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027]

[0033] Figure 1B shows an exemplary angle sensor implementation configuration, which includes a system 100 having an electronic control unit (ECU) 102 (sometimes called the “master component”) and one or more sensor integrated circuits (ICs) 104a to 104n (often called “slave components”), such as angle sensors. ICs 104a to 104n can be various types of sensors, such as current sensors, speed sensors, angle sensors, magnetic field sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, chemical sensors, motion sensors, rotational direction sensors, position sensors, and optical sensors. ICs 104a to 104n may be sensors of the same type (e.g., each magnetic field sensor) or different types of sensors (e.g., one is a temperature sensor and the other is a magnetic field sensor). ICs 104a to 104n can monitor the same or different target parameters.

[0028]

[0034] The format of data transmitted to the ECU102 is not limited, but some examples include Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Single Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT), Controller Area Network (CAN bus), Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS), and I 2C, pulse width modulation (PWM), ABI, and various other unidirectional and / or bidirectional formats. For example, a unidirectional SENT format may be used by the IC 104a to transmit absolute data to the ECU 102 on the message line 106. In another example, a bidirectional format (e.g., triggered SENT or Manchester format) may be used by the IC 104a to transmit data to the ECU 102 on the message line 106 after receiving a request from the ECU 102.

[0029]

[0035] Figure 2 shows, for a first time point t0, a future time point t f shows an exemplary timing diagram for the magnetic field angle sensor IC package 10 of FIG. 1A, illustrating estimating the angular position of the target at . At a certain first time point t0, sensor data is acquired from the magnetic field sensing element. The sensor data indicates the position of the rotating target, positioned relative to the sensor IC package, at the first time point t0. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor IC 10 processes the sensor data, and at a future time point t f generates an estimated angular target position.

[0030]

[0036] To estimate the angular position at a future time point t f , the sensor IC takes into account several time factors that constitute the difference between t0 and t f . As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor IC 10 (FIG. 1A) processes the sensor data at the first time point t0, and at a future time point t f requires time to estimate the target position at . At a future time point t f , in order to estimate the target position at , the sensor IC must determine rotational characteristics of the target, such as rotational speed and optionally acceleration. With this information, by calculating the amount by which the target will rotate during the time defined as t f ~t0, it is possible to determine where the target position will be at the future time point t f .

[0031]

[0037] In the example embodiment, t f The time defined as ~t0 may include the IC processing time 210, which is the time required to process the sensor data and target rotation characteristics to output the estimated target position at a future point in time. More fully described below, t f The time defined as ~t0 may include the time 212 required to transmit the estimated future target location to the receiving device. f The time defined as ~t0 may further include time 214 for the receiving device to process the estimated future target location. In the exemplary embodiment, the receiving device can treat the estimated future target location as real-time data. That is, in the embodiment, the receiving device does not need to process data to estimate the real-time target location, but rather can use the IC-predicted target location as the actual target location at the present moment.

[0032]

[0038] Further time elements can be used to further refine the estimated future target position. For example, precise adjustments may be made based on temperature data, which may affect the circuit processing speed or propagation delay. Some embodiments may include a predictive scheme in which the motor design considers the motor's inertia or the maximum achievable acceleration and incorporates programmable acceleration variables into the IC to improve the predicted angular accuracy at future points in time.

[0033]

[0039] In other embodiments, dynamic time adjustments may be performed. For example, the transmission time 212 may be adjusted based on a change in the protocol used to transmit the data. In some embodiments, time adjustments may be performed based on changes in specific packets and / or locations within the packet used to transmit an estimated future target location. That is, any change in data transmission characteristics at a future point in time t f This can be reflected by changes in [location / area].

[0034]

[0040] In some embodiments, the SENT communication protocol can be used to transmit data from a sensor to a receiver such as an ECU. As is known in the art, the SENT communication protocol is a one-way asynchronous three-wire interface including a single line, a supply voltage line, and a ground line. In some implementations, the supply voltage is 5V, and the signal line has a low state of less than 0.5V and a high state of more than 4.1V. Pulse width modulation (PWM) is used to encode a nibble (4 bits) for each symbol. In the SENT protocol, the unit of time is called a tick, and the tick time may be configurable in units of microseconds. A calibration pulse precedes each message and includes a high period of 56 ticks to constitute and calibrate the tick length. Each nibble has a low signal of constant width followed by a high period of variable length. The low period is at least 5 ticks long, and the high period may vary between a total time of 12 to 27 ticks, with falling edges representing nibbles ranging from 0 to 15.

[0035]

[0041] A message in the SENT protocol is 32 bits long, or 8 nibbles, and includes 24 bits of signal data representing two measurement channels, each consisting of 3 nibbles, 4 bits for error detection, and 4 bits (1 nibble) for status / communication information. The transmitted data unit has 4 bits (1 nibble), where the time interval between falling edges of a modulated uniform amplitude signal is evaluated.

[0036]

[0042] In some implementations, a 20-bit (5-nibble) message is transmitted, containing a single 3-nibble measurement result, a 1-nibble error checksum, and a 1-nibble status / communication field. Optionally, a pause pulse may be placed at the end of each message to achieve a uniform number of ticks. The pause pulse can compensate for the varying length of the message.

[0037]

[0043] Figure 3 shows a first SENT frame 302a and a second SENT frame 302b, each having an initial synchronization portion 304a, 304b, a message portion 306a, 306b, and optional pause pulses 308a, b to compensate for different message lengths. In the illustrated embodiment, before the transmission of the first frame 302a, target position data with respect to a first position θ1 (Figure 4) is determined from sensor element data. The sensor calculates an estimated angular position θ2 relative to the target at a future point in time based on the motion characteristics of the target rotation, such as velocity and acceleration. The estimated angular position θ2 relative to the target at a future point in time may be transmitted within the first frame 302a. In some embodiments, each frame may include future target position data.

[0038]

[0044] In the exemplary SENT protocol implementation, the required synchronized time compensation may be based, for example, on the data processing time inside the angle sensor IC, the SENT tick time, the SENT frame content and length, and the data processing time in the receiver.

[0039]

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the target may have an initial position defined as a first angular position θ1 and a second angular position θ2 at a future point in time. The illustrated target position does not necessarily have to be to scale, but rather may simply be intended to show the motion of the target over time. The difference between angular positions θ2 and θ1 corresponds to the rotational motion of the target over time. The rotational speed of the target determines the change in position over a given amount of time.

[0040]

[0046] For example, a SENT tick time of 0.5 μs may be used with a configuration containing 191 ticks per frame. In this case, each frame requires 95.5 μs for transmission. A target rotating at 1 kHz moves at 0.36° / μs and rotates (0.36° / μs) × (95.5 μs) = 34° in the time required to transmit each SENT frame. The same target rotating at 4 kHz rotates 138° in the time required to transmit each SENT frame. In this way, the velocity of the target is directly proportional to the future angle estimate, based on a specific future time compensation.

[0041]

[0047] In some embodiments, additional time may be allocated for a receiving circuit (such as an ECU) to process the angular data after the SENT transmission and prepare it for application. The estimated future target position may be transmitted within the message portion 306a of the first SENT frame, as shown in Figure 3. Similarly, the second frame 302b may contain the estimated future target position for a given time based on the sensor data collected at the end of the first SENT frame, and so on.

[0042]

[0048] In some embodiments, the target position at a given future point in time can be calculated from a known transmission time such that the processing time for calculating the current target position does not need to be known. That is, for the sensor data at the initial point in time, it is possible to know when the future target position will be transmitted. A known transmission time may be used, as long as there is sufficient processing time before transmission. As described above, the processing time of the receiver may be taken into consideration.

[0043]

[0049] While the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described in relation to the SENT protocol, it is understood that any preferred communication protocol may be used that enables the transmission time to be known and / or determined in order to enable the estimated real-time target location.

[0044]

[0050] Figure 5 shows an illustrative sequence of steps for generating and outputting an estimated target position at a future point in time, which can be handled as real-time information by a receiving device. In step 500, data is received from a sensing element, which may include a Hall effect element, a magnetoresistive (MR) element, or an inductive coil element. In step 502, the received sensor data is processed to determine the current target position. In step 504, the rotational speed of the target is determined. In step 506, the estimated target position at a future point in time is determined, for example, based on the rotational speed of the target. In step 508, the estimated target position data is transmitted to a receiving device, such as an ECU, which can then treat the position data as real-time data regarding the target position.

[0045]

[0051] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a sensor IC that determines the current angular target position, determines the rotational speed of the target, estimates the angular target position at a specific point in the future, and outputs the estimated angular target position to a receiving device. The receiving device can handle the estimated target position as real-time data for the present time.

[0046]

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure offer advantages over conventional systems where the receiver controller compensates for outdated angle data, as the exemplary sensor IC embodiment can calculate rotational speed significantly faster than the duration of the digital output. Therefore, since the change in rotational speed (acceleration) is determined almost entirely within the duration of the digital protocol, more accurate predicted angles can be obtained. In some embodiments, the IC can share a reference oscillator frequency with the digital output protocol bit time and the future angle estimation circuit. Using such a configuration, variations in the semiconductor oscillator frequency can equally affect the output protocol transmission time and time compensation, creating an inherent synchronization that minimizes system errors. A final advantage outlined in this embodiment is the simplification of software within the ECU by integrating future angle estimation within the IC. This embodiment can reduce development time, simplify the software qualification process, and minimize new development risks.

[0047]

[0053] As is known, some of the aforementioned magnetic field sensing elements tend to have an axis of maximum sensitivity parallel to the substrate supporting the element, while others tend to have an axis of maximum sensitivity perpendicular to the substrate supporting the element. In particular, planar Hall elements tend to have an axis of sensitivity perpendicular to the substrate, while metal-based or metallic magnetoresistive elements (e.g., GMR, TMR, AMR) and vertical Hall elements tend to have an axis of sensitivity parallel to the substrate.

[0048]

[0054] As used herein, the term “magnetic field sensor” is used to describe a circuit that uses a magnetic field sensing element in combination with other circuits. Magnetic field sensors are used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, angle sensors that detect the angle of direction of a magnetic field, current sensors that detect a magnetic field generated by an electric current passing through a current-carrying conductor, magnetic switches that detect the proximity of a ferromagnetic object, rotational detectors that detect the passage of a passing ferromagnetic object, such as a ring magnet or a ferromagnetic target (e.g., the teeth of a gear) through its magnetic field (where the magnetic field sensor is used in combination with a reverse-biased magnet or other magnets), and magnetic field sensors that detect the magnetic field density of a magnetic field.

[0049]

[0055] Figure 6 shows an exemplary computer 600 capable of performing at least some of the processes described herein. In some embodiments, the computer includes a microcontroller or controller that receives angle signals from ICs and, after the necessary processing, uses them to drive a motor, for example, an ECU in an automobile.

[0050]

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the computer 600 includes a processor 602, volatile memory 604, non-volatile memory 606 (e.g., a hard disk), output device 607, and a graphical user interface (GUI) 608 (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, and display). The non-volatile memory 606 stores computer instructions 612, an operating system 616, and data 618. In one example, computer instructions 612 are executed by the processor 602 from the volatile memory 604. In one embodiment, article 620 includes non-temporary computer-readable instructions.

[0051]

[0057] The processing may be carried out by hardware, software, or a combination of both. The processing may also be carried out by a computer program running on a programmable computer / machine, each including a processor, a storage medium, or other products readable by a processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or memory elements), at least one input device, and one or more output devices. Program code may be applied to data fed in using the input devices in order to perform processing and generate output information.

[0052]

[0058] The system may perform processing, at least partially, through computer program products (e.g., in machine-readable storage devices) for execution by or control of the operation of data processing devices (e.g., programmable processors, computers, or multiple computers). Each such program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language for communication with the computer system. However, the program may be implemented in assembly language or machine language. The language may be a compiled language or an interpreted language and may be deployed in any form, such as a standalone program or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program may be deployed to run on a single computer or on multiple computers distributed in one or more locations and interconnected by a communication network. The computer program may be stored on a storage medium or device (e.g., a CD-ROM, hard disk, or magnetic diskette) that is readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose programmable computer in order to set up and operate the computer when the storage medium or device is read by the computer. The processing may also be carried out on a machine-readable storage medium configured by a computer program, provided that the instructions within the computer program, when executed, cause the computer to operate.

[0053]

[0059] The processing may be performed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the system. All or part of the system may be implemented as one or more microcontrollers, special-purpose logic circuit configurations (e.g., FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) and / or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits)).

[0054]

[0060] Since exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating those concepts can also be used. The embodiments included herein are not limited to those disclosed, but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. The steps include receiving data from at least one sensor at a first time point in time, The steps include determining parameters from the received data at the first time point, A step of estimating the parameters for a future point in time based on the data at a first point in time, A method comprising the step of outputting the estimated parameters for the aforementioned future point in time to a receiving device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data includes one or more of temperature data, optical data, current, position, angle, and / or electromagnetic field intensity.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes an inductive sensor, a magnetic field strength sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, an angle sensor, and / or a magnetic position sensor.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes part of an integrated circuit (IC) package.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to an integrated circuit (IC) package.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of estimating the parameters for the future time point is performed by an integrated circuit (IC) package.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of outputting the estimated parameters to the receiving device is performed by the IC package.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the IC package includes a magnetic field sensor integrated circuit (IC) package, the parameter includes the angular position of the target at the first time point, and the IC package is configured to determine the rotational speed of the target.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the IC package is configured to estimate the angular position of the target at a future time based on the rotational speed and angular position of the target at a first time point.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the IC package is configured to output the estimated angular position of the target at the future point in time to a communication protocol.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein estimating the future time includes estimating the time to process the data from the at least one sensor.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein estimating the future time includes estimating the time to perform a process for generating the estimated parameters at the future time.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein estimating the future time includes estimating the time corresponding to the digital transmission of the estimated parameters to the receiving device at the future time.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein estimating the future time includes estimating the time for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at the future time.

15. Estimating the aforementioned future point in time is To estimate the time it takes for the IC package to process the signals from at least one of the sensors within the IC package, Estimating the time it takes for the IC package to process the parameters for the estimation at the aforementioned future point in time, Estimating the time corresponding to the transmission of the estimated parameters to the receiving device at the aforementioned future point in time, The method according to claim 1, further comprising estimating the time for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at the aforementioned future point in time.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device includes an engine control unit (ECU).

17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of outputting the estimated parameters to a communication protocol.

18. The aforementioned communication protocol includes Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Single Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT), Controller Area Network (CAN bus), Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS), and I ２ The method according to claim 17, comprising C, pulse width modulation (PWM), and / or ABI.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the communication protocol includes pulses for achieving a certain length for a message.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the estimated parameters are transmitted in nibble units.

21. An interface for receiving data from at least one sensor at a first time point in time, A processing module for determining parameters from the received data at the first time point and for estimating the parameters for future time points based on the data at the first time point, A system comprising an output for outputting the estimated parameters for the aforementioned future point in time to a receiving device.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the data includes one or more of temperature data, optical data, current, position, angle, and / or electromagnetic field intensity.

23. The system according to claim 21, wherein the at least one sensor includes an inductive sensor, a magnetic field strength sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, an angle sensor, and / or a magnetic position sensor.

24. The system according to claim 21, wherein the device includes an integrated circuit (IC) package, and the at least one sensor forms part of the IC package.

25. The system according to claim 21, wherein the device includes an integrated circuit (IC) package, and the at least one sensor is connected to the IC package.

26. The system according to claim 21, wherein the device includes an integrated circuit (IC) package configured to estimate the parameters for the future time point.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the (IC) package is configured to output the estimated parameters to the receiving device.

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the IC package includes a magnetic field sensor integrated circuit (IC) package, the parameter includes the angular position of the target at the first time point, and the IC package is configured to determine the rotational speed of the target.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the IC package is configured to estimate the angular position of the target at a future time based on the rotational speed and angular position of the target at a first time point.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the IC package is configured to output the estimated angular position of the target at the future point in time to a communication protocol.

31. The system according to claim 21, wherein the estimated future time includes an estimated time for processing the data from the at least one sensor.

32. The system according to claim 21, wherein the estimated future time includes an estimated time for performing a process to generate the estimated parameters at the future time.

33. The system according to claim 21, wherein the estimated future time includes an estimated time corresponding to the digital transmission of the estimated parameters to the receiving device at the future time.

34. The system according to claim 21, wherein the estimated future time includes an estimated time for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at the future time.

35. Estimating the aforementioned future point in time is The estimated time for the IC package to process the signals from the at least one sensor within the IC package, The estimated time for the IC package to process for the estimation of the parameters at the aforementioned future point in time, The estimated time corresponding to the transmission of the estimated parameters to the receiving device at the aforementioned future point in time, The system according to claim 21, comprising an estimated time for the receiving device to process the estimated parameters at the aforementioned future point in time.

36. The system according to claim 21, wherein the receiving device includes an engine control unit (ECU).

37. The system according to claim 21, wherein the device is configured to output the estimated parameters to a communication protocol.

38. The aforementioned communication protocol includes Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Single Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT), Controller Area Network (CAN bus), Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS), and I ２ The system according to claim 37, comprising C, pulse width modulation (PWM), and / or ABI.

39. The system according to claim 27, wherein the communication protocol includes pulses for achieving a certain length for a message.

40. The system according to claim 27, wherein the device is configured to transmit the estimated parameters in nibble units.

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