Time-Division Multiplexed Encoder Signal Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement apparatuses require a large number of transmission lines to transmit optical signals for position measurement, leading to increased space requirements on printed-circuit boards and cable sizes.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus that includes a light emitting part, a scale with distinct tracks, a light receiving part with multiple elements outputting optical signals, and a signal generation part that time-division multiplexes these signals into a serial signal for transmission, reducing the number of necessary transmission lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transmission lines are used to transmit optical signals for position measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but the area of transmission lines on printed-circuit board and cable size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical signals from different light receiving elements are merged into a single transmission line through time-division multiplexing. The signal generation part sequentially outputs multiple optical signals on one transmission line at different time intervals, eliminating the need for separate transmission lines for each signal while preserving all measurement information.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generation part uses periodic time-division multiplexing to sequentially output multiple optical signals at different time intervals. Each optical signal is transmitted in a periodic cycle, allowing multiple signals to share a single transmission line through time-based separation while maintaining signal integrity and measurement precision.
2Productivity
If multiple transmission lines are used to transmit optical signals, then all optical signals can be transmitted simultaneously, but the number of transmission lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical signals that would traditionally require separate transmission lines are combined into a single transmission line using time-division multiplexing. The signal generation part sequentially switches between different light receiving elements and outputs their signals through one shared transmission line, reducing the number of transmission lines from multiple to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (multiple transmission lines transmitting signals simultaneously in parallel) to temporal multiplexing (single transmission line transmitting signals sequentially in time). This dimensional change from space to time allows multiple signals to share one transmission line without loss of information.
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 allows for the reduction of transmission lines, minimizing the size of cables and board space while maintaining accurate position measurement by converting multiple optical signals into a single serial signal for processing.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting part that emits light; a scale that includes a plurality of tracks whose patterns are different from each other, the plurality of tracks passing at least a part of lights emitted by the light emitting part
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving part that includes a plurality of light receiving elements that each output an optical signal corresponding to intensity of light received through the plurality of tracks
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus includes: a light source that emits light; a scale that has a plurality of tracks whose patterns are different from each other, the tracks passing at least a part of lights emitted by the light source; a light receiving part that has a plurality of light receiving elements that each output an optical signal corresponding to strength of light received through the tracks; and a signal generation part that generates a serial signal in which a plurality of the optical signals are time-division multiplexed and sends the generated serial signal.