Digital Sensor Supply Loop for Stable Voltage and Low Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor supply systems face challenges such as low configurability, high susceptibility to noise, and difficulties in managing voltage transitions, leading to increased power dissipation and electromagnetic compatibility issues, particularly in automotive systems with limited wiring.
Innovation Solution
A digital control loop for sensor supply, comprising an analog-to-digital module, voltage drop module, digital-to-analog module, and voltage regulator module, which generates a stable and configurable supply voltage, optimizes power dissipation, and reduces noise by modulating the voltage waveform during communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensor supply systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the configurability is low and susceptibility to noise is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a digital control loop that dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to sensors based on real-time conditions. The system transitions from a static conventional supply to a dynamic regulated supply where the voltage can be configured and adjusted digitally, resolving the contradiction between configurability and system complexity by introducing controlled dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the supply voltage parameter from a fixed conventional value to a digitally controllable variable. The digital control loop enables the supply voltage to be adjusted according to different operating conditions, communication requirements, and noise environments, thereby improving configurability while managing complexity through systematic parameter control.
2Loss of energy
If conventional sensor supply systems are used, then the wiring is simple, but power dissipation is high and electromagnetic compatibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the digital control loop continuously monitors the supply conditions and adjusts the voltage to optimize power dissipation. The feedback loop compares the actual supply voltage with the desired voltage and makes real-time adjustments, reducing power loss while managing the increased wiring complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/conventional voltage regulation approach with a digital electronic control system. Instead of using complex passive wiring structures for voltage regulation, the system uses active digital control with ADC and DAC components, substituting mechanical simplicity with electronic intelligence to achieve better power efficiency and EMC.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If voltage transitions are managed conventionally, then the system operation is simple, but electromagnetic compatibility issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic digital control actions to manage voltage transitions smoothly. The digital control loop operates in periodic cycles, sampling the supply voltage, processing the digital signal through filtering and voltage drop calculations, and updating the DAC reference voltage at controlled intervals. This periodic digital control reduces electromagnetic interference compared to conventional continuous analog control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signal processing as an intermediary between the supply voltage and the sensor. The ADC converts the analog supply voltage to digital, processes it through digital filtering and voltage drop modules, then the DAC converts it back to analog for the sensor. This digital intermediary reduces electromagnetic compatibility issues by isolating the sensitive sensor from direct analog voltage transitions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If digital control loop is implemented, then supply voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital control loop that can serve multiple functions: voltage regulation, noise filtering, communication protocol handling, and power optimization. By creating a multi-functional control system, the patent justifies the increased device complexity through the delivery of multiple benefits, including improved supply voltage stability, reduced noise susceptibility, and better power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital control loop is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting the supply voltage based on real-time conditions without external intervention. The system monitors its own operation, processes digital signals through integrated filtering and voltage drop calculations, and self-corrects any deviations from the desired supply voltage, making the complexity manageable through autonomous operation.
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 digital control loop provides a stable and configurable supply voltage, optimizing power dissipation and electromagnetic compatibility, while ensuring accurate communication between sensors and the transceiver.
Implementation Method 1
an analog-to-digital module configured to receive an analog input voltage, and generate a digital signal corresponding to the analog input voltage
Implementation Method 2
a digital-to-analog module configured to generate a reference voltage based on the reference voltage control signal
Implementation Method 3
a voltage regulator module configured to compare the reference voltage to a sensed voltage at an output node coupled to the at least one sensor, and control a supply voltage for the sensor based on the comparison
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Various examples in accordance with the present disclosure provide example methods, systems, and apparatuses for digital control loop of sensor supply. An exemplary digital control loop comprises: an analog-to-digital module (104) configured to receive an analog input voltage (101), and generate a digital signal (105) corresponding to the analog input voltage; a voltage drop module (106) coupled to the analog-to-digital module (104), the voltage drop module configured to receive one or more of a fixed voltage drop or a modulation voltage drop, and generate a reference voltage control signal (107) based on one or more of the fixed voltage drop or the modulation voltage drop; a digital-to-analog module (108) coupled to the voltage drop module (106), the digital-to-analog module configured to generate a reference voltage (109) based on the reference voltage control signal; and a voltage regulator module (110) coupled to the digital-to-analog module (108) and at least one sensor, the voltage regulator module configured to compare the reference voltage (109) to a sensed voltage (111) at an output node (114) coupled to the at least one sensor, and control a supply voltage for the sensor based on the comparison of the reference voltage (109) to the sensed voltage (111).