Flow Sensor ASIC With Downloadable Conditioning Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor technologies face challenges in effectively conditioning highly non-linear outputs from flow sensors and combi-sensors, as existing signal conditioning methods either lack robustness for non-linear signals or require end-user processor resources for advanced conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor or combi-sensor with an integrated circuit that combines signal conditioning circuitry and memory for downloadable coefficients, allowing pre-selection and storage of user-specific coefficients during calibration, enabling both coarse and fine conditioning of signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a signal conditioning ASIC with coarse conditioning capability is used, then the basic conditioning is provided and the end-user processor is freed for other tasks, but the robustness of conditioning is limited for highly non-linear flow sensor outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conditioning coefficients into two segments: coarse conditioning coefficients stored in the ASIC for basic signal conditioning, and fine conditioning coefficients stored in external memory for enhanced non-linear correction. This segmentation allows the ASIC to provide basic conditioning while external memory stores additional coefficients for improved accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and stores multiple sets of conditioning coefficients (both coarse and fine) in external memory before the sensor is used by the end-user. These pre-computed coefficients are based on characterized non-linearities of the specific sensor, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations and enabling accurate conditioning when required.
2Measurement precision
If downloadable coefficients are provided for end-user conditioning, then high-level conditioning capability is achieved, but the end-user must tie up processor resources for conditioning purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conditioning task into two parts: coarse conditioning performed by the ASIC using stored coefficients, and fine conditioning performed by the end-user processor using additional coefficients from external memory. This segmentation allows accurate conditioning while reducing the computational burden on the end-user processor compared to performing all conditioning calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of coarse conditioning coefficients stored in the ASIC that prepares the signal before it reaches the end-user processor. This intermediary processing reduces the complexity of the fine conditioning calculations required by the end-user, making the overall system more efficient.
3Ease of manufacture
If a generic conditioning ASIC is used to accommodate various sensor types, then affordability is improved, but the ability to handle highly non-linear flow sensor outputs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conditioning system universal by storing multiple sets of pre-calculated fine conditioning coefficients in external memory, each set tailored to different sensor types or configurations. The ASIC remains generic and affordable, while the specific non-linear correction capabilities are provided through the selectable coefficient sets, enabling the same ASIC to work with various sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from having different ASICs for different sensor types to having a single ASIC that works with different sets of conditioning coefficients. By varying the coefficient parameters stored in external memory rather than changing the ASIC hardware, the system achieves sensor-specific optimization while maintaining ASIC affordability and reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor includes one or more sensor transducers coupled with a signal conditioning IC incorporating signal conditioning circuitry and memory devoted to storing end-user downloadable coefficients. In a preferred embodiment, the IC is an ASIC and the end-user downloadable coefficients are pre-selected by the end-user based on its needs, and the coefficients are pre-stored in the ASIC when the sensor is calibrated. This results in a more cost-effective and space-efficient sensor device with improved functionality over that available in the prior art.