Frequency-Addressed Sensor Measurement for Vehicle Inverter Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining sensor values with minimal installation space and cost, particularly in vehicles with limited microcontroller pins, necessitating costly workarounds like analog multiplexing for temperature measurement of inverters.
Innovation Solution
A device with parallel branches and filter elements generates filter-specific input signals to uniquely address each sensor, allowing for fast and reliable determination of sensor values using a single measuring element, reducing component costs and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of temperature sensors are used to map the temperature field with sufficient accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of signal frequency to uniquely identify different sensors. Each sensor is assigned a specific excitation frequency, and the control unit determines sensor values by analyzing responses at these distinct frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple physical measurement channels
Solution Approach 2:
A single measurement channel is made universal by using frequency-division multiplexing. The same physical sensor and measurement channel can evaluate multiple sensors sequentially by responding to different excitation frequencies, allowing one channel to perform the function of multiple channels
2Quantity of substance
If analog multiplexing is used to evaluate multiple temperature sensors with limited pins, then the number of sensors that can be evaluated is increased, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog multiplexing system with a frequency-based electrical system. Instead of using analog switches and multiplexers that require additional components and pins, the solution uses frequency-modulated excitation signals and spectral analysis in the digital domain, eliminating the need for costly analog multiplexing hardware
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
Enables quick and cost-effective determination of sensor values with improved accuracy by uniquely assigning input signals to specific sensors, minimizing installation space and component costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first branch, wherein the first branch has at least one first filter element and at least one first sensor, at least one further branch, wherein the at least one further branch has at least one further filter element and at least one further sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for determining sensor values (T1, T2, T3), comprising: - at least one signal generator (10) for generating input signals, - a first branch (Z1), wherein the first branch (Z1) has at least one first filter element (21) and at least one first sensor (31), - at least one further branch (Z2, Z3), wherein the at least one further branch (Z2, Z3) has at least one further filter element (22, 23) and at least one further sensor (32, 33), - at least one measuring element (40) for tapping output signals, wherein the first branch (Z1) and the at least one further branch (Z2, Z3) are arranged in a parallel circuit, wherein the at least one signal generator (10) is connected upstream of the parallel circuit, wherein the at least one measuring element (40) is connected downstream of the parallel circuit, and a control unit (200) for controlling at least one drive component (60) of a vehicle.