Vehicle Exhaust Temperature Sensing With Dedicated A/D Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle exhaust temperature sensor systems require replacing all sensors and the interface module if one becomes faulty, leading to inefficiencies and degradation due to multiplexing systems, which affects signal integrity and operational parameters.
Innovation Solution
Individual connection and disconnection of temperature sensors to an interface module with dedicated A/D converters for each sensor, allowing for replacement of faulty sensors without affecting others, and using a thermistor for temperature measurement and correction of digital values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiplexing systems are used to reduce device complexity, then the number of A/D converters is reduced, but signal integrity and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent measurement channels, each with its own dedicated A/D converter. This segmentation allows each sensor signal to be processed independently without interference from other channels, maintaining signal integrity while providing modular architecture that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermistor is introduced as an intermediary element to measure the temperature of the interface module itself. This thermistor provides correction data that compensates for thermal drift in the A/D converters and signal conditioning circuits, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring redundant high-precision sensors for every measurement point.
2Reliability
If all temperature sensors and interface module are replaced when one sensor is faulty, then system reliability is maintained, but loss of time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into independently replaceable units. Each temperature sensor can be individually disconnected and replaced without affecting other sensors or the interface module. This modular approach maintains system reliability by ensuring that faulty components are isolated and replaced selectively, rather than requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
When a temperature sensor becomes faulty, only that specific sensor is discarded and replaced, while the interface module and other functional sensors are recovered and retained in the system. This selective replacement minimizes waste and reduces maintenance time and costs.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated A/D converters are used for each sensor, then A/D conversion quality and signal integrity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent measurement channels, each with its own dedicated A/D converter. This segmentation allows each sensor signal to be processed independently without interference from other channels, maintaining signal integrity while providing modular architecture that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
4Device complexity
If multiplexing systems are used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but operational parameters and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent measurement channels, each with its own dedicated A/D converter. This segmentation allows each sensor signal to be processed independently without interference from other channels, maintaining signal integrity while providing modular architecture that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermistor is introduced as an intermediary element to measure the temperature of the interface module itself. This thermistor provides correction data that compensates for thermal drift in the A/D converters and signal conditioning circuits, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring redundant high-precision sensors for every measurement point.
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 configuration enhances A/D conversion quality, maintains signal integrity, and allows for efficient replacement of faulty sensors, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by preventing the need to replace entire systems.
Implementation Method 1
using a thermistor for temperature measurement and correction of digital values
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a first temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of exhaust at a first location of an exhaust system of a vehicle; a second temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of exhaust at a second location of the exhaust system of the vehicle; a first analog to digital (A/D) converter configured to receive a first analog signal from the first temperature sensor, to sample the first analog signal to produce first samples, and to generate first digital values corresponding to the first temperature based on the first samples, respectively; and a second A/D converter a configured to receive a second analog signal from the second temperature sensor, to sample the second analog signal to produce second samples, and to generate second digital values corresponding to the second temperature based on the second samples, respectively.