Daisy Chain Sensor System with Periodic Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensing systems with a chain of sensors face power supply issues due to high peak currents and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emissions, particularly in long printed circuit board (PCB) strip applications, which are costly to address with existing solutions like oversized capacitors and increased voltage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system where sensors are configured to operate in a daisy chain with a predefined sequence period, reducing peak supply current by ensuring only a subset of sensors are active at any given time, and using a comparator to switch output nodes when a threshold is crossed, allowing for efficient power management and reduced EMC emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all sensors are continuously active to ensure continuous measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of physical properties by sensors, where each sensor is activated at specific time intervals rather than continuously. The control unit coordinates sensors to sample at different times, reducing peak power consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision through temporal distribution of measurement activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensor array into multiple groups that operate in alternating time slots. Each sensor or sensor group is assigned specific time windows for activation, segmenting the continuous measurement task into discrete periodic intervals. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement coverage while reducing simultaneous power demands.
2Use of energy by moving object
If sensors are activated in sequence to reduce peak current, then power consumption is reduced, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation patterns where the control unit adjusts sensor activation sequences based on detected events or conditions. When changes are detected in the physical environment, the system dynamically activates additional sensors or increases sampling rates in affected regions, optimizing the balance between power consumption and response time for different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors preliminary conditions and pre-activates sensors in anticipation of events that require measurement. By detecting precursor signals or environmental changes, the system activates sensors before actual measurement events occur, reducing effective response time without requiring continuous sensor operation.
3Power
If high supply voltage is used to compensate for voltage drop, then power delivery is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
By activating sensors periodically rather than simultaneously, the patent reduces peak current demands on the power supply system. This temporal distribution of power consumption allows the use of lower supply voltages while maintaining adequate power delivery to active sensors, thereby reducing electromagnetic radiation from high-voltage switching events.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution to sensors in a coordinated manner. It implements soft-start sequences and gradual activation patterns that reduce inrush currents and voltage transients, thereby mitigating electromagnetic compatibility issues while ensuring adequate power delivery to each sensor when activated.
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 significantly reduces peak supply current and power consumption, enabling longer sensor modules with reduced filtering and design requirements, while maintaining effective measurement capabilities and fault tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprises a comparator, for comparing the measured physical property with a threshold value, and an output switch and the output interface comprises a first output node connected to the output switch, and the sensor is configured for switching the output switch when the threshold value is crossed
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor and a sensing system comprising a chain of sensors, wherein each sensor comprises an input control port (112), an output control port (113), a power interface (111) and an output interface (114), and is configured such that, when the sensor (110) is powered over the power interface (111), an enable signal at the input control port (112) triggers the sensor (110) for executing a sequence which comprises measuring a physical property, and subsequently transmitting an enable signal over the output control port (113). The output control port (113) of an earlier sensor (110) is connected with the input control port (112) of a next sensor (110). A first sensor is configured for repeating the sequence with a predefined period.