ASIC Interface Unit for Ultrasonic Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensor control systems require multiple microprocessors for time-critical signal processing, leading to increased costs and complexity, particularly in processing 'time of flight' measurements in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An ASIC interface unit is designed to independently manage all time-critical transmission, reception, and programming modes for ultrasonic sensors, integrating with a higher-level control unit to perform 'time of flight' measurements and data analysis, potentially using a minimized microprocessor for selected signal processing tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate microprocessors with capture registers are used for time-critical signal processing, then real-time processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interface unit and microprocessor functions into a single integrated ASIC device. The interface unit directly generates interrupt signals and transfers measurement data to the microprocessor without requiring separate capture registers or additional control units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining real-time processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface unit acts as an intermediary between the ultrasonic sensor and the microprocessor. It pre-processes the raw sensor signals, performs initial measurements, and presents processed data to the microprocessor, reducing the real-time processing burden on the microprocessor and eliminating the need for additional capture register hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface units are used for each ultrasonic sensor, then sensor control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can handle multiple ultrasonic sensors through a single unit. It provides universal control capabilities for sensor activation, signal reception, and data extraction, eliminating the need for dedicated interface units for each sensor and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If separate ASIC interface units are used for each sensor, then signal processing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interface unit functions into a single ASIC device that serves all ultrasonic sensors. This consolidation maintains precise signal processing capabilities through dedicated hardware circuits while reducing the total number of ASIC devices required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs through reduced component count and assembly complexity.
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 reduces the number of control devices needed, optimizing time-critical processing while maintaining efficient data analysis and diagnosis, thereby lowering costs and enhancing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each ultrasonic sensor emits an ultrasonic signal which is reflected by a potential object or obstacle and can be received by the same ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
a so-called 'time of flight' measurement of the ultrasonic packets from the sensors can also be performed
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for controlling ultrasonic sensors (1, 2, 3, 4), particularly for ultrasonic-based environment detecting systems in a motor vehicle, having at least one interface unit (7) designed as an ASIC between the at least one ultrasonic sensor (1, 2, 3, 4) and a controller (5). An interface unit (7) according to the invention is present, controlling all time-critical transmitting, receiving, and programming modes of all ultrasonic sensors (1, 2, 3, 4) independently and providing the determined signals to the controller (5) via corresponding communication lines (9, 10). The interface unit (7) designed as an ASIC can thereby be integrated in controller (5) already present for other control tasks.