Multi-Axes Gyroscope Signal Processor Using Time-Multiplexed Front-End Amplifier

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gyroscope signal processors have a large form factor, high power consumption, and circuit complexity due to their analog-based design, which limits their efficiency and manufacturing cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A signal processor that uses a single front-end amplifier to multiplex and demultiplex signals from multiple sensors, converting analog signals to digital through an analog-to-digital converter and demodulating them to extract envelope signals, reducing the need for multiple analog components and enhancing digital processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple front-end amplifiers are used to process signals from multiple sensors, then signal processing capability is improved, but form factor and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidform factor

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple front-end amplifiers into a single shared amplifier that sequentially processes signals from multiple sensors. The amplifier is time-multiplexed across different sensors, allowing one amplifier to serve multiple functions that previously required separate amplifiers for each sensor, thereby reducing the overall form factor while maintaining signal processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single front-end amplifier is designed to be universal, capable of processing signals from any of the multiple sensors in the array. By making the amplifier multi-functional and able to dynamically switch between serving different sensors, the system achieves the same processing capability with fewer physical components, reducing area and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple front-end amplifiers are used to process signals from multiple sensors, then signal processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple front-end amplifiers into a single shared amplifier that sequentially processes signals from multiple sensors. The amplifier is time-multiplexed across different sensors, allowing one amplifier to serve multiple functions that previously required separate amplifiers for each sensor, thereby reducing the overall form factor while maintaining signal processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single front-end amplifier is designed to be universal, capable of processing signals from any of the multiple sensors in the array. By making the amplifier multi-functional and able to dynamically switch between serving different sensors, the system achieves the same processing capability with fewer physical components, reducing area and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If analog components are used for demodulation and filtering, then signal processing is achieved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processingVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces analog electronic components (demodulators and filters) with digital signal processing implementations. By converting the signal processing functions from the analog domain to the digital domain, the system achieves the same signal processing capabilities while significantly reducing circuit complexity, as digital processing can be implemented through software or simple digital logic rather than complex analog circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If analog calibration mechanisms are used, then temperature compensation is achieved, but immunity to noise and process spread decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature compensationVSAvoidimmunity to noise and process spread

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces analog electronic components (demodulators and filters) with digital signal processing implementations. By converting the signal processing functions from the analog domain to the digital domain, the system achieves the same signal processing capabilities while significantly reducing circuit complexity, as digital processing can be implemented through software or simple digital logic rather than complex analog circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach results in a reduced form factor, lower power consumption, and lower manufacturing costs, while improving the immunity to noise and temperature variations by moving calibration mechanisms to the digital domain.

Implementation Method 1

at least one analog-to-digital converter coupled to the front end amplifier and operative to convert an analog signal into a digital signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 2

at least one demodulator coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and operative to demodulate the digital signal to thereby extract an envelope signal therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDemodulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9329042B1Innovative angular sensor read-out multi-axes digital front-end chain

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 HANKING ELECTRONICS HONGKONG CO LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to a controller, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of processing multiple sensor signals of a gyroscope. The signal processor includes: a front end amplifier for converting a signal into a voltage variation signal; at least one analog-to-digital converter coupled to the front end amplifier and operative to convert an analog signal into a digital signal; and at least one demodulator coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and operative to demodulate the digital signal to thereby extract an envelope signal therefrom.