ADC Variable Sampling Control for Multi-Sensor MCU Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for processing sensor information from multiple vehicle sensors using a single Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) in a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) result in excessive load and prolonged processing times due to inefficient sampling and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
An ADC sampling time control method that groups analog sensor signals based on similar characteristics, sets optimized sampling times, and monitors call time points to adjust sampling rates and phases, thereby reducing MCU load and improving processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ADC processes information from a large number of sensors individually, then each sensor signal can be accurately sampled, but the MCU load becomes excessive and processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups multiple sensor signals into signal groups based on similarity characteristics, and processes each group using a single ADC conversion operation. This merging approach allows multiple sensors to share ADC resources, reducing the total number of individual conversions needed and decreasing MCU processing time while maintaining sampling accuracy through proper group management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments sensor signals into distinct groups based on their characteristics, allowing the ADC to process each group efficiently. By dividing the large set of sensor signals into manageable groups with similar properties, the system optimizes processing time while ensuring each group receives appropriate sampling attention.
2Device complexity
If a single ADC processes information from multiple sensors, then hardware resources are optimized, but the MCU becomes overloaded and processing takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor signal processing operations into group-based ADC conversions, reducing the total number of processing cycles required. By merging signals with similar characteristics into single conversion operations, the system minimizes processing time while maintaining the benefit of using a single ADC hardware resource.
3Ease of operation
If ADC sampling is performed at fixed intervals for all sensors, then resource usage is simplified, but sampling efficiency decreases due to over-sampling or under-sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sampling time control where the ADC sampling timing is adjusted based on the characteristics of each signal group and the call time points of sensor values. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize sampling efficiency by adapting sampling rates to actual needs, preventing both over-sampling and under-sampling while maintaining operational simplicity through automated timing management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling time parameter dynamically based on signal group characteristics and sensor value call time points. By adjusting the sampling time parameter according to actual requirements, the system achieves optimal sampling efficiency without sacrificing control simplicity, as the parameter adjustments are managed automatically by the control logic.
4Measurement precision
If individual ADC conversion is performed for each sensor, then sampling accuracy is maintained, but MCU load increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual ADC conversion operations into group-based conversions, significantly reducing the number of processing operations the MCU must perform. By combining signals with similar characteristics into single conversion operations, the system maintains sampling accuracy for each sensor while dramatically reducing MCU energy consumption and processing load.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog to digital converter (ADC) sampling time control method includes: grouping, by an electronic control unit, analog sensor signals received from a plurality of sensors based on a similar signal; setting, by the electronic control unit, a sampling time for converting the grouped analog sensor signals into digital signals; and obtaining, by the electronic control unit, a sensor value by converting the grouped analog sensor signals into the digital signals based on the set sampling time.