Dual Capture Peripheral for Engine Timing Control

The patent combines multiple capture channels into a single integrated peripheral that can capture multiple engine parameters simultaneously. The dual capture peripheral integrates multiple capture channels, comparison registers, and interrupt generation capabilities into one unified component, enabling precise simultaneous measurement of multiple engine events without requiring separate control systems for each parameter.

The capture peripheral is designed as a universal component that can monitor multiple engine parameters (crankshaft angle, camshaft angle, valve timing, spark timing) through different capture channels. This multi-functional peripheral serves various monitoring purposes with a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through its ability to capture multiple parameters simultaneously.

The capture peripheral is segmented into multiple independent capture channels, each capable of monitoring specific engine parameters. Each channel has its own comparison register and capture logic, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple values without requiring a completely separate system for each parameter. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple measurements while keeping each individual channel relatively simple.

The patent implements a nested structure where capture channels are organized within a hierarchical peripheral architecture. The dual capture peripheral contains multiple capture channels that are nested within a unified control framework, with interrupt generation and data processing functions nested within the capture infrastructure. This nesting allows complex simultaneous capture functionality to be achieved through organized modular components rather than monolithic complexity.

The comparison registers are pre-loaded with reference values for engine parameters before the capture operation begins. When an engine event occurs, the peripheral immediately compares current parameter values against these pre-stored references and triggers capture operations without requiring time-consuming calculations or data processing delays. This preliminary preparation of comparison data enables rapid response to engine events while minimizing processing time.

The capture peripheral automatically generates interrupt signals and triggers capture operations based on its own internal comparison logic without requiring external microcontroller intervention. The peripheral monitors engine parameters continuously and autonomously decides when capture operations should occur, eliminating the need for time-consuming external processing decisions and reducing the delay between event detection and data capture.