Differential Sensor Bus Interface for Synchronized High-Speed Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor interfaces are prone to high failure rates due to cable and connector vulnerabilities, contribute significantly to the total cost of ownership, and often act as bottlenecks in information transfer, limiting data resolution and bandwidth, especially in complex systems with multiple remote sensors.
Innovation Solution
A differential bus interface with non-return-to-zero line coding, USART data encoding, and dedicated synchronization bits is employed, enabling high update rates, synchronization, and robust communication, while reducing wiring complexity and enhancing electromagnetic interference and electrostatic discharge robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional pin-to-pin interfaces (SENT, SPC, current interfaces) are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but information transfer speed and bandwidth are limited, creating a bottleneck for data resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interface functions (data transmission, synchronization, addressing, diagnostic data) into a single CAN bus interface. The sensor node integrates the sensor element, interface circuitry, and processing unit into one consolidated module that communicates via CAN bus, eliminating the need for separate synchronization signals and address lines while achieving high-speed data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The CAN bus interface is used for multiple purposes simultaneously: transmitting sensing data, diagnostic information, synchronization signals, and addressing. The single bus handles all communication needs between the ECU and sensor, making the interface universal and eliminating the need for multiple dedicated signal lines.
2Reliability
If cable and connector connections are used for remote sensors, then sensor positioning flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to high FIT rate from cable and connector vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal functions (data, clock, address, diagnostic) are merged into a single CAN bus connection, eliminating the need for multiple separate cables and connectors. This consolidation reduces the number of physical connection points and potential failure sources while maintaining sensor positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cable and connector connections with an electrical/electronic CAN bus communication system. The interface uses electrical signals over a standardized bus rather than mechanical connectors, reducing physical wear and connection failures while maintaining the ability to position sensors remotely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional interfaces provide one-way data link, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as dynamic adjustment of sensor parameters and synchronization become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus interface enables bidirectional communication between ECU and sensor node. The ECU can send synchronization signals, addressing information, and parameter adjustment commands to the sensor, while the sensor transmits sensing data and diagnostic information back. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adaptation and real-time control.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface supports dynamic adjustment of sensor parameters through bidirectional communication. Synchronization timing, data format, and operational parameters can be modified in real-time based on system requirements, making the interface adaptable rather than static.
4Device complexity
If point-to-point connections are used for each sensor, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex wiring harnesses in systems with multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus serves as a universal communication medium that can connect multiple sensor nodes to a single ECU. Each sensor node uses the same standardized interface and protocol, allowing multiple sensors to be connected without requiring separate wiring harnesses for each connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple point-to-point connections are merged into a single multi-drop CAN bus network. Instead of having separate cables from each sensor to the ECU, all sensors share a common bus, dramatically reducing wiring complexity while maintaining individual addressability and communication capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are discussed that enable robust, high-speed communication of sensor data. One example system includes a sensor bus, an electronic control unit (ECU), and one or more sensors. The ECU is coupleable to the sensor bus and configured to generate a synchronization signal, and is configured to output the synchronization signal to the sensor bus. The one or more sensors are also coupleable to the sensor bus, and at least one sensor of the one or more sensors is configured to sample sensor data in response to the synchronization signal and to output the sampled sensor data to the sensor bus.