Edge-Based PWM Communication for Multi-Sensor Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SPC protocol in automotive applications leads to long trigger pulse durations and asynchronous data sampling from multiple sensors, resulting in undesirable timing discrepancies in data capture and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional edge-based PWM communication system where a single trigger pulse can initiate data sampling and subsequent data transmission from multiple sensors simultaneously or consecutively, reducing the need for separate sensor identification signals and minimizing the duration between sensor triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional SPC protocol uses separate trigger pulses for each sensor with different lengths, then sensor identification is achieved, but trigger duration and communication time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensor identification and data sampling into a single trigger pulse event. Multiple sensors share the same trigger pulse timing, eliminating the need for separate identification phases. The pulse width still encodes sensor ID information, but all sensors sample data simultaneously at the same moment, drastically reducing total communication time compared to sequential triggering approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by assigning specific pulse width ranges to different sensors before operation. When a trigger pulse is sent, sensors can autonomously determine their own identity and sampling timing based on the pulse width they receive, without requiring sequential addressing. This preliminary setup enables parallel operation and reduces real-time communication overhead.
2Reliability
If conventional SPC protocol makes pauses between triggering different sensors, then transmission conflicts are avoided, but overall communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol into distinct phases: a shared trigger phase where multiple sensors receive the same pulse simultaneously, followed by individual transmission phases where each sensor transmits its data. This segmentation allows simultaneous sampling (improving efficiency) while maintaining separate transmission windows (avoiding conflicts). The master controller coordinates the timing to ensure no overlaps occur.
3Ease of operation
If sensors sample data at different points in time, then individual sensor triggering is simple, but data synchronization becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger pulse serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a universal start signal for all sensors, encodes sensor identification information through pulse width, and synchronizes the sampling moment for all sensors. This multi-functionality is achieved by having all sensors monitor the same communication line and interpret the pulse width to determine both their identity and the precise sampling time, ensuring all sensors capture data at the exact same moment while maintaining simple triggering logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and devices related to bidirectional edge-based pulse width modulation communication systems are disclosed. In some implementations, upon receipt of a predetermined trigger pulse at least two slave devices perform an action.