Angle Sensor Counter Synchronization for High-Resolution Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle sensor technologies face challenges in achieving high velocity and high resolution with high accuracy due to conflicting requirements, such as high latency in analog-to-digital converters and measurement inaccuracies from noise and fast changes in velocity.
Innovation Solution
An angle sensor apparatus and method that uses a sensor arrangement to provide phase-shifted measurement signals, determines angular position based on these signals, calculates differences with a counter, and controls the counter based on these differences to synchronize and enhance resolution and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter is used to improve measurement precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the angle measurement system into two independent parts: a high-speed counter that operates at the maximum possible update rate regardless of converter resolution, and a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter that provides accurate angle measurements but with inherent latency. By segmenting the functionality, the system can achieve both high speed and high precision without one compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the difference calculation device and counter control logic) that mediates between the high-speed counter output and the high-resolution converter output. This intermediary processes the difference between the two measurements and adjusts the counter accordingly, allowing the system to benefit from both the speed of the counter and the precision of the converter without direct conflict.
2Productivity
If the update rate is increased to improve productivity, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise and fast changes in velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the difference between the counter output and the converter output is continuously calculated and used to adjust the counter control. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for measurement errors caused by noise and fast velocity changes, maintaining precision even at high update rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by using the high-speed counter to provide continuous angle estimates at high update rates, while the high-resolution converter provides correction values that are applied in advance to compensate for potential measurement errors. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain both high speed and high precision.
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
The apparatus achieves high resolution and accuracy in angle measurement with a high update rate by synchronizing the counter with sensor outputs, reducing measurement errors and latency.
Implementation Method 1
mounting a permanent magnet arrangement on a rotating object such as a shaft, which, on rotation, generates a modulated magnetic field, and detecting the magnetic field using magnetic field sensors
Implementation Method 2
use magnetic field sensors, such as for example Hall sensors, or sensors based on magnetoresistive effects
Implementation Method 3
at least two phase-shifted measurement signals, an angle determination device that is configured to take the at least two phase-shifted measurement signals as a basis for determining an angular position
Implementation Method 4
a difference calculation device that is configured to determine a difference between the angular position determined by the angle determination device and an output from a counter, the counter being configured to be controlled based on the difference
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example implementation, an angle sensor apparatus is provided, including: a sensor arrangement that is configured to respond to a rotational movement of a rotatable object by providing at least two phase-shifted measurement signals, an angle determination device that is configured to take the at least two phase-shifted measurement signals as a basis for determining an angular position, and a difference calculation device that is configured to determine a difference between the angular position determined by the angle determination device and an output from a counter, the counter being configured to be controlled based on the difference.