Frequency-Selective Sensor Control on a Single Shared Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for controlling multiple sensors require multiple signal paths and specific communication protocols, leading to increased costs, size, and limited pin availability on controllers, while also restricting sensor interchangeability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses frequency-based power control to activate individual sensors, allowing data signal identification without multiple signal paths and specific communication protocols, using filters to transmit power at distinct frequencies and a single conductor for data signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple signal paths are used to transmit data signals from each sensor to different pins on the controller, then individual sensor identification is achieved, but part count, cost, and size increase due to increased wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor data transmission paths into a single shared conductor. Multiple sensors transmit their data signals sequentially over the same communication bus, eliminating the need for separate dedicated conductors for each sensor. This merging approach reduces wiring complexity while maintaining the ability to identify individual sensor data through sequential activation and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller sequentially activates sensors at different time periods, with each sensor operating during its designated time slot. This periodic activation allows the system to multiplex multiple sensors onto a single communication path, reducing the number of required conductors and pins while preserving individual sensor identification capability through time-division multiplexing.
2Power
If different conductors and pins are used for power transmission to each sensor, then individual sensor power control is achieved, but the disadvantages of increased part count and controller size are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission for multiple sensors into a single shared conductor. The controller transmits power sequentially to different sensors over the same communication bus by activating each sensor during its designated time slot. This approach eliminates the need for separate power conductors for each sensor, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining individual power control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single communication bus serves multiple functions: it transmits both power and data signals to multiple sensors sequentially. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated power and data conductors for each sensor, reducing the overall number of required conductors and pins on the controller.
3Measurement precision
If encoding is used to identify individual sensors, then sensor identification is achieved, but specific communication protocols and additional hardware are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex encoding schemes, the patent uses simple periodic activation where each sensor is activated during a specific time slot. The controller knows which sensor is active at any given time based on the activation sequence, enabling sensor identification without requiring encoding/decoding hardware or complex communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex encoding protocols and implements it through simple temporal sequencing. By removing the need for encoding hardware and protocols, the system achieves sensor identification through the simpler mechanism of sequential activation and timing-based recognition.
4Measurement precision
If multiple different sensors are used that are not interchangeable, then specific measurement requirements are met, but adaptability and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface where sensors with different measurement capabilities can all communicate through the same single-bus protocol. Sensors can be activated and controlled uniformly through the sequential activation mechanism, allowing interchangeable use of different sensor types while maintaining their specific measurement functions. This universal approach enhances adaptability without sacrificing measurement precision.
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
Reduces the number of conductors and pins required, lowers costs, and allows for smaller controller size, while enabling sensor interchangeability and eliminating the need for additional hardware and communication protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter configured to provide power transmitted at a first frequency to a first sensor of the plurality of sensors to thereby activate the first sensor and cause the first sensor to generate a first data signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a plurality of sensors includes a plurality of filters each of which is configured to provide power transmitted at distinct frequencies to a corresponding sensor of the plurality of sensors to thereby active the corresponding sensor and cause the corresponding sensor to generate a data signal. A power frequency controller is configured to adjust a frequency of power from a power source and to transmit power at distinct frequencies at different points in time in order to activate each of the plurality of sensors at different times. A sensor controller may be configured to receive the data signal from each of the sensors over a common conductor and on a common pin and may also act as the power source providing the power to the power frequency controller.