Digital Sensor Supply Loop for Configurable Low-Noise Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor supply systems face challenges such as low configurability, fixed regulation voltage leading to high power dissipation, susceptibility to noise, and difficulties in managing voltage transitions, particularly in automotive systems with limited wiring and stringent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.

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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed regulation voltage is used in sensor supply systems, then the system is simple to implement, but power dissipation increases and configurability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation complexityVSAvoidpower dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a digital control loop that dynamically adjusts the sensor supply voltage based on actual power requirements. The system transitions from fixed voltage to variable voltage regulation, allowing the voltage to be optimized in real-time to minimize power dissipation while maintaining sensor operation. The control loop continuously monitors and adjusts the voltage level, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on communication requirements and sensor needs. By modifying the supply voltage level according to actual demand, the system achieves optimal power efficiency. The digital control loop enables precise adjustment of voltage parameters, allowing the system to operate at the minimum necessary voltage level rather than a fixed higher level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fixed regulation voltage is used, then the system is simple to implement, but configurability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation complexityVSAvoidvoltage configurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The digital control loop enables dynamic reconfiguration of the supply voltage without requiring hardware changes. The system can adapt to different sensor types and communication protocols by adjusting the voltage level through software control, providing high configurability while maintaining a simple hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to support multiple communication standards (DSI3, WSS, PSI5) and different sensor types through a single unified platform. The digital control loop provides universal voltage regulation capability that can be configured for various applications, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-voltage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional sensor supply systems are used, then the wiring is simple, but electromagnetic compatibility performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic voltage modulation during communication phases to transmit data to sensors. By confining voltage transitions to specific communication windows and using controlled periodic switching, the system minimizes electromagnetic radiation. The digital control loop enables precise timing of voltage changes to synchronize with communication protocols, reducing spurious emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The digital control loop continuously monitors the system state and adjusts the supply voltage to maintain electromagnetic compatibility. Feedback mechanisms detect potential EMI issues and modify the voltage waveform accordingly, reducing harmful emissions while maintaining communication integrity. The system can adapt its switching behavior based on detected electromagnetic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If voltage transitions are managed conventionally, then the system is simple to control, but noise and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidnoise and emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically controls voltage transitions rather than using fixed, abrupt switching. The digital control loop adjusts the timing and shape of voltage transitions to minimize noise generation. By making the voltage control adaptive and responsive to system state, the system reduces electromagnetic emissions while maintaining simple overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses feedback to monitor voltage transitions and adjust them in real-time to minimize noise and emissions. The digital control loop detects excessive noise or emissions and modifies the voltage waveform characteristics, such as slew rate and timing, to reduce harmful effects while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250226834A1Digital control loop of sensor supply
Publication Date: 2025.07.10 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV
  • US20250226834A1 patent drawing
  • US20250226834A1 patent drawing
  • US20250226834A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various examples in accordance with the present disclosure provide example methods, systems, and apparatuses for digital control loop of sensor supply.