Gyro Sensor Self-Diagnosis via Shared A/D Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing a state-checking function in gyro sensors without increasing their size, as adding redundant circuits like those in acceleration sensors would enlarge the gyro sensor.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control unit with a drive controller, signal processor, and a checker that selectively outputs either the detection component or quadrature component from the detection signal to an A/D converter, allowing for self-diagnosis without the need for additional large circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant circuits are added to enable self-diagnosis, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The A/D converter is designed to serve dual purposes: it processes both the detection component signal (for angular velocity measurement) and the quadrature component signal (for self-diagnosis). By making the A/D converter universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate dedicated A/D converter for monitoring, thereby improving reliability through self-diagnosis capability while avoiding the increase in device complexity that would result from adding redundant circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (the A/D converter and signal processing chain) to perform self-diagnosis by processing the quadrature component signal. Instead of requiring external or redundant monitoring equipment, the gyro sensor monitors its own operational state using its built-in components, achieving improved reliability without additional complexity.
2Reliability
If redundant A/D converter is added for monitoring, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single A/D converter is configured to handle multiple signal types sequentially - both the detection component from the detection signal and the quadrature component. This multi-functional usage of the existing A/D converter provides monitoring capability without requiring a second dedicated A/D converter, thus improving reliability while preventing an increase in device complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the monitoring function with the existing signal processing path. The quadrature component processing and the detection component processing share the same A/D converter and subsequent processing circuits. By combining these functions into a single integrated path rather than maintaining separate redundant circuits, the system achieves improved monitoring capability without increasing device complexity.
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 self-diagnosis of the gyro sensor while maintaining the accuracy of angular velocity detection and preventing size increase, improving convenience by reporting malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a third port of outputting a detection signal in accordance with Coriolis force generated at the gyro element
Data Source
AI summary
A gyro sensor includes a gyro element and a control unit. Control unit includes a drive controller and a signal processor. Drive controller generates a drive signal to input to gyro element the drive signal generated. Drive controller feedback-controls drive signal based on a drive sense signal output from gyro element. Signal processor includes an analog processor, an A/D converter, a digital calculator and a checker. Analog processor selectively outputs either a detection component or a quadrature component to A/D converter. Detection component and quadrature component are included in detection signal. Checker checks a state relating to control unit based on a first output signal or a second output signal. First output signal is output from A/D converter in response to that quadrature component is input to A/D converter. Second output signal is output from digital calculator in response to that first output signal is input to digital calculator.