Drive-Sense Particle Sensor Circuit With Shared Signal Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication systems face challenges in efficiently processing and interpreting signals from a variety of sensors and actuators across different applications, particularly in terms of power management and signal interpretation, which affects the accuracy and reliability of data collection and actuation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drive-sense circuit system that provides regulated power signals to sensors and actuators, detects changes in these signals, and generates representative signals for processing, enabling efficient communication and control between computing devices and physical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor circuit uses three separate electrical connections (power supply, ground, and signal), then the signal representation is straightforward, but the device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply, ground, and signal transmission into a single shared electrical connection between the sensor circuit and computing device. The sensor modulates the impedance of this shared connection to encode signal information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated signal wiring while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared electrical connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power supply to the sensor, establishes ground reference, and carries signal information through impedance modulation. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of required connections while maintaining system performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are placed in various applications (bodies, automobiles, airplanes, etc.), then the versatility and application range increase, but the reliability and performance consistency across different environments become more challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses impedance modulation where the sensor's electrical characteristics directly affect the shared connection's impedance, creating an inherent feedback mechanism. This allows the sensor to adapt to different environmental conditions while maintaining reliable signal transmission, as the modulation scheme compensates for environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical impedance parameters to encode sensor information. By monitoring impedance variations in the shared connection rather than relying on fixed voltage or current levels, the system achieves reliable performance across diverse applications and environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device includes at least one particle sensor that responds to sensed subatomic particles. At least one drive-sense circuit is coupled to the particle sensor, wherein the at least one drive-sense circuit includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to the at least one particle sensor into the sensed signal, wherein the sensed signal indicates a change in an electrical characteristic associated with the at least one particle sensor; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the sensed signal, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the at least one particle sensor.