Multi-Voltage Sensor System With Charge Pump Biasing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive pressure sensors require higher voltages than their supply voltage to operate effectively, leading to increased power consumption and component costs, as well as slower operating speeds due to the need for high voltage circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A multi-voltage sensor system that utilizes a medium voltage regulator, low voltage regulator, and charge pumps to generate higher voltages for the sensor bridge while allowing low voltage circuitry for readout, reducing power consumption and component costs by using low voltage components for measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage is used to operate the sensor, then the sensor deflection and measurement capability are improved, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct voltage domains: a high voltage domain for the sensor bridge operation and a low voltage domain for the readout circuitry. This segmentation allows each part to operate at its optimal voltage level, with the sensor requiring high voltage for proper deflection while the readout circuitry consumes minimal power at low voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage converter circuit acts as an intermediary between the low voltage readout circuitry and the high voltage sensor bridge. This mediator converts the low voltage from the readout circuitry into the high voltage required by the sensor bridge, enabling the sensor to operate at high voltage while the controlling circuitry remains at low voltage.
2Reliability
If high voltage circuitry is used for readout, then the sensor can be operated at high voltage, but component costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates high voltage and low voltage circuitry into distinct segments. The sensor bridge operates at high voltage while the readout circuitry operates at low voltage, eliminating the need for expensive high voltage components in the readout path and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between low voltage readout circuitry and high voltage sensor operation, allowing standard low voltage components to be used in the readout circuitry while still enabling high voltage sensor operation.
3Reliability
If high voltage is applied to the sensor, then adequate deflection is achieved, but operating speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into high voltage sensor operation and low voltage readout circuitry, the readout operations can proceed at faster low voltage speeds while the sensor maintains adequate deflection through high voltage application during measurement phases.
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 system enables reliable operation of high voltage sensors with reduced power consumption and lower component costs, maintaining faster operating speeds compared to traditional high voltage circuitry systems.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump voltage higher than the supply voltage is generated by a charge pump
Implementation Method 2
The sensor bridge (108) receives the pump voltages and generates sensor values
Data Source
AI summary
A multi voltage sensor system includes one or more charge pumps, a sensor bridge and readout circuitry. The one or more charge pumps are configured to provide a high voltage. The sensor bridge is biased by the high voltage and is configured to provide sensor values. The readout circuitry includes only low voltage components. The readout circuitry is configured to receive the sensor values.