Acceleration Sensor Dual-Register AD Conversion Wide Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acceleration sensors face challenges in achieving a wide dynamic range and high-resolution output simultaneously due to the high sensitivity of high-resolution AD converters, which increases circuit area and power consumption, leading to larger sensor size and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
The acceleration sensor employs a dual-register configuration with one register holding a high-resolution value for a limited detection range and another holding a low-resolution value for a wider detection range, using AD converters with different resolutions to achieve both wide dynamic range and high-resolution output while minimizing circuit area and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution AD converter is used to achieve high-resolution output, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acceleration detection range into multiple segments, each handled by a separate AD converter with appropriate resolution. A first AD converter handles a first detection range with high resolution, while a second AD converter handles a second detection range with lower resolution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-resolution output where needed without requiring a single high-resolution converter to handle the entire dynamic range, thus reducing overall circuit complexity and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If a high-resolution AD converter is used to achieve high-resolution output, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection ranges and assigns different AD converters with different resolutions to different segments. The first AD converter operates at high resolution only for the first detection range, while the second AD converter handles the second detection range at lower resolution. This approach reduces total power consumption compared to using a single high-resolution converter for the entire range, as lower-resolution converters consume less power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different AD converters based on the current acceleration level. When acceleration is within the first detection range, the high-resolution first AD converter is used. When acceleration exceeds this range, the system switches to the second AD converter. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high resolution when needed while conserving power during normal operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single AD converter is used to achieve wide dynamic range, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide detection range into multiple segments, each handled by a dedicated AD converter. The first AD converter is optimized for the first detection range with high resolution, while the second AD converter handles the second detection range. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both wide dynamic range coverage and high measurement precision within the primary detection range, overcoming the limitation of using a single converter that would have to compromise on resolution to accommodate the full range.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for concurrent achievement of wide dynamic range and high-resolution output with reduced circuit area and power consumption, enabling smaller and more cost-effective acceleration sensors.
Implementation Method 1
detection element 102 includes a movable electrode, and a fixed electrode facing the movable electrode, and a capacitor is formed between these electrodes. When an acceleration is applied from outside, the capacitor changes its capacitance.
Implementation Method 2
CV conversion circuit 104 converts the capacitance change in this capacitor into a voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
An acceleration sensor includes a CV conversion circuit, an AD conversion circuit, and first and second registers. The CV conversion circuit outputs a voltage corresponding to the capacitance changes between a movable electrode and each of first and second fixed electrodes disposed to face the movable electrode. The AD conversion circuit is connected to the CV conversion circuit and has a first detection range and a second detection range. The first register is connected to the AD conversion circuit and holds a first value. The second register is connected to the AD conversion circuit and holds a second value. The first value contains information about an acceleration in the first detection range, and the second value contains information about an acceleration in the second detection range. The first and second values indicate accelerations in the same direction.