Configurable ECU Input Conditioning for Analog and SENT Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
ECU designs face challenges in configurability, adaptability, and flexibility to support multiple applications and features due to limitations on input/output pins, mechanical package size, and PCB density.
Innovation Solution
Implementation of controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuitry that includes a microcontroller with configurable switches and multiplexers to condition sensor signals, allowing for adaptable signal processing of both analog and SENT signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ECU interface designs are used with fixed signal conditioning circuits, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility to support multiple sensor types and applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable signal conditioning circuits that can change their configuration based on the connected sensor type. Switches and multiplexers allow the circuit to adapt its signal processing path in real-time, transforming a static circuit into a dynamic one that responds to different sensor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal ECU interface that can handle multiple sensor types (analog, digital, temperature, pressure, etc.) through a single standardized connector and reconfigurable circuit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each sensor type, achieving versatility without proportional increases in complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more input/output pins are added to support multiple sensor types, then the adaptability improves, but the mechanical package size and PCB density constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal conditioning functions (amplification, filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, temperature compensation) into a single integrated reconfigurable circuit block. This consolidation allows multiple sensor types to be supported through one interface rather than requiring separate circuits for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the signal conditioning circuit through software control rather than hardware modifications. By adjusting circuit configuration parameters (switch positions, multiplexer selections, filter settings) based on the connected sensor type, the system achieves high configurability without adding physical components.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated signal conditioning circuits are implemented for each sensor type, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and PCB density increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically reconfigurable signal conditioning circuits that can change their configuration based on the connected sensor type. Switches and multiplexers allow the circuit to adapt its signal processing path in real-time, transforming a static circuit into a dynamic one that responds to different sensor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a template-based reconfigurable circuit design where the same physical circuit structure can be configured to match different sensor types. Rather than designing unique circuits for each sensor, the system uses a single versatile circuit template that can be programmed and configured to replicate the functionality of dedicated circuits for various sensor types.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller-configurable input signal conditioning (C-CISC) circuit includes an input node, a first switch, a second switch, and a multiplexer which are operatively coupled with an output pin of a microcontroller. First and second signal conditioning branches of the C-CISC circuit are operatively coupled with an input node and a sensor signal input pin of the microcontroller controller via a first input and a second input of a multiplexer. The C-CISC circuit is configurable in response to a first output of the sensor selection output pin to provide an analog signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin and configurable in response to a second output of the sensor selection output pin to provide a single edge nibble transmission (SENT) signal input received at the input node to the sensor signal input pin.