Multi-Chip Inductive Sensor Synchronization for Low-Interference Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple-sensor systems in mobile devices face challenges with sensor sensitivity, power consumption, and size, particularly when using resistive-inductive-capacitive sensors, as they often require external clock sources and multiple electrically-conductive pins, and suffer from parasitic noise and interference.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising actively-driven inductive sensors and control circuits that are communicatively coupled to distribute synchronization information, allowing for time-division multiplexed operation to minimize interference and reduce power consumption, eliminating the need for external clock sources and minimizing the number of pins required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are operated simultaneously, then sensor sensitivity is improved, but parasitic noise and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexed operation where sensors are activated and measured in periodic time slots rather than simultaneously. Each sensor is excited and measured during its designated time window, eliminating parasitic coupling and noise between sensors while maintaining measurement precision through sequential periodic action
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are operated simultaneously, then measurement coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic time-division multiplexing where sensors are activated in alternating time slots rather than continuously simultaneously. This distributes power consumption over time, reducing the total simultaneous current draw while maintaining measurement coverage through sequential operation
Solution Approach 2:
At any given moment, only a subset of sensors is actively driven and measured rather than all sensors operating at full capacity simultaneously. This partial action approach reduces instantaneous power consumption while achieving comprehensive measurement coverage through time-multiplexed operation
3Device complexity
If a single processing integrated circuit supports all sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of required electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor control functions into a single processing integrated circuit. By merging the control of multiple sensors into one IC and using time-division multiplexing, the system reduces the number of processing circuits needed while managing electrical connections through shared time-multiplexed pathways
4Loss of time
If external clock sources are used for sensor synchronization, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and pin requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for external clock sources by implementing an internal timing mechanism within the processing integrated circuit. The system achieves sensor synchronization through internal time-division multiplexing control, removing external clock components and their associated connection pins while maintaining adequate timing accuracy for sensor operation
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 enhances sensor sensitivity, reduces power consumption, and minimizes interference among sensors, enabling efficient operation of multiple sensors within a single processing integrated circuit, even when the number of sensors exceeds available connections.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of actively-driven inductive sensors and a plurality of control circuits, each control circuit of the plurality of control circuits configured to control operation of a respective set of the actively-driven inductive sensors
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of actively-driven inductive sensors and a plurality of control circuits, each control circuit of the plurality of control circuits configured to control operation of a respective set of the actively-driven inductive sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a plurality of actively-driven inductive sensors and a plurality of control circuits, each control circuit of the plurality of control circuits configured to control operation of a respective set of the actively-driven inductive sensors, each control circuit of the plurality of control circuits communicatively coupled to the other control circuits via a connection configured to distribute synchronization information among the plurality of control circuits. Each of the plurality of control circuits may further be configured to configure a schedule for controlling time-division multiplexed operation of its respective set of actively-driven inductive sensors and control time-division multiplexed operation of its respective set of actively-driven inductive sensors based on the schedule and the synchronization information in order to minimize interference among the plurality of actively-driven inductive sensors.