Drive-Sense Circuit for Touch Sensor Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication systems face challenges in efficiently processing and interpreting signals from sensors, particularly in accurately determining physical conditions such as pressure and temperature, due to limitations in drive-sense circuits that affect the reliability and precision of sensed data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of drive-sense circuits that simultaneously drive and sense signals via a single line, using power signals with DC and AC components to detect changes in sensor electrical characteristics, enabling precise interpretation of physical conditions and improved data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate drive and sense circuits are used, then signal interpretation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drive and sense circuits into a single integrated circuit that can simultaneously perform both functions. The circuit includes a drive signal generator and a sense amplifier integrated in one unit, allowing concurrent driving and sensing operations without requiring separate discrete circuits, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining signal interpretation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can drive sensors, sense sensor signals, and interpret signals simultaneously through a unified architecture. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized circuits while maintaining the reliability of signal interpretation through integrated signal processing paths.
2Productivity
If concurrent sensing and driving is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit employs time-division multiplexing where drive and sense operations occur in periodic cycles. During sense phases, the drive signal is suspended or reduced, allowing precise measurement of sensor signals without interference from active driving. This periodic switching enables both concurrent operation capability and high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit maintains continuous operational capability by rapidly switching between drive and sense modes, ensuring that useful actions (driving and sensing) continue without interruption. The fast switching between modes creates the effect of continuous operation while actually providing dedicated time for precise measurements, thus maintaining both productivity and precision.
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 approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of data communication systems by allowing concurrent sensing and driving of sensors, reducing power requirements and line interference, and improving the ability to handle high impedance sensors, thereby enhancing the precision of sensed data interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
power signals with DC and AC components
Implementation Method 2
power signals with DC and AC components
Implementation Method 3
A sensor includes a transducer, which functions to convert one form of energy (e.g., force) into another form of energy (e.g., electrical signal)
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor device (TSD) includes TSD electrodes associated with a surface of the TSD. Also, an overlay that includes marker electrode(s) is also associated with a region of the surface of the TSD. The TSD also includes drive-sense circuits (DSCs) operably coupled to the plurality of TSD electrodes. A DSC is configured to provide a TSD electrode signal to a TSD electrode and simultaneously to sense a change of the TSD electrode signal based on a change of impedance of the TSD electrode caused by capacitive coupling between the TSD electrode and the marker electrode(s) of the overlay. Processing module(s) is configured to process a digital signal generated by the DSC and other digital signals generated by other DSCs determine the region of the surface of the TSD that is associated with the overlay and to adapt sensitivity of the TSD within that region.