Extended Sensor Panel Detection with Single-Line Drive-Sense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems face inefficiencies in power management and signal interpretation, leading to higher power consumption and interference, especially in systems with distributed and remotely located sensor panels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unified drive-sense circuit architecture that combines power and signal management for both sensors and actuators, using a single drive-sense line to minimize power requirements and reduce interference, while enabling concurrent sensing and actuation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate drive and sense lines are used for sensors, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drive and sense functions into a single integrated drive-sense circuit that operates on a single line. The circuit multiplexes between driving the sensor and sensing the sensor output, eliminating the need for separate drive and sense lines while maintaining signal integrity through controlled impedance design and proper timing sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive-sense circuit performs multiple functions (driving the sensor and sensing its output) using a single circuit path. The same circuit infrastructure is used for both actuation and detection, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform both functions reliably.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor panels are distributed remotely, then system versatility is improved, but power consumption and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent drive-sense circuits for each sensor panel, allowing each panel to be controlled and sensed separately. This segmentation enables remote distribution of panels while maintaining efficient power management through localized circuit operation, reducing the power required compared to centralized control of multiple panels.
3Measurement precision
If high impedance sensors are used, then sensing precision is improved, but power consumption and line interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive-sense circuit acts as an intermediary between the signal source and the high impedance sensor. It provides the necessary drive strength to the sensor while being able to sense the sensor's output without requiring excessive power, effectively mediating between the need for high impedance sensing and power efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor device includes a first panel, a second panel, and a drive-sense circuit (DSC). The first panel that includes first electrodes arranged in a first direction and second electrodes arranged in a second direction. The second panel includes third electrodes arranged in a third direction and fourth electrodes arranged in a fourth direction. The DSC is operably coupled via a single line to a coupling of a first electrode of the first electrodes and a first electrode of the third electrodes. The DSC is configured to provide the signal, which is generated based on a reference signal, via the single line to the coupling and simultaneously to sense the signal via the single line. The DSC generates a digital signal representative of the at least one electrical characteristic associated with the first electrode of the first electrodes and/or the first electrode of the third electrodes.