Adjustable Digital Sensor Output Resolution via Sigma-Delta Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors face challenges in providing digital output signals with adjustable resolution, particularly in applications where speed and resolution requirements vary, leading to limitations in meeting specific application needs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a sensor integrated circuit that includes a sensing element, a front-end amplifier, and a sigma-delta modulator, where at least one of the amplifier or modulator has adjustable settings to change the resolution of the digital sensor output signal. This allows for customization of the sensor output to match application-specific speed and resolution requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor provides high resolution output signal, then measurement precision is improved, but output speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor output resolution adjustable rather than fixed. The resolution can be dynamically changed based on application requirements, allowing the system to optimize between speed and precision as needed. This is achieved through configurable output modes that enable the sensor to adapt its resolution characteristics in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter of the sensor output signal. By providing multiple resolution options (e.g., different bit depths or sampling rates), the system can adjust the resolution parameter to match specific application needs. This allows users to select appropriate resolution levels that balance measurement precision with output speed requirements.
2Productivity
If a sensor provides high speed output signal, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor enables dynamic adjustment of output characteristics, allowing high-speed operation when productivity is prioritized and high-resolution operation when measurement precision is prioritized. This dynamic configurability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides the ability to change output parameters such as resolution and sampling rate. When high productivity is needed, the system can operate at lower resolution with higher sampling rates, whereas when precision is needed, it can switch to higher resolution modes, thus resolving the trade-off between speed and precision.
3Device complexity
If a fixed resolution sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor universal by providing multiple output resolution options within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the same sensor to serve different application requirements without needing multiple specialized sensors, thus improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated design.
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 approach enables the sensor output to be tailored to meet specific application requirements, improving the ability to handle varying speed and resolution demands without the need for different sensors, thus enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sensors are used to perform various functions in a variety of applications. Some sensors include one or magnetic field sensing elements, such as a Hall effect element or a magnetoresistance element, to sense a magnetic field associated with a target object
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor integrated circuit includes a sensing element configured to generate a sensor output signal proportional to a sensed parameter, a front-end amplifier coupled to receive the sensor output signal and configured to generate an amplifier output signal, and a sigma-delta modulator coupled to receive the amplifier output signal and configured to generate a digital sensor output signal indicative of the sensed parameter. At least one of the front-end amplifier or the sigma-delta modulator has an adjustable setting configured to change a resolution of the digital sensor output signal.