Integrated Drive-Sense Circuit for Touch Sensor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication systems face challenges in efficiently processing and communicating sensor data across various applications, including industrial and healthcare settings, due to limitations in sensor circuit design and actuator control, which affect the accuracy and reliability of physical condition sensing and actuation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication system that integrates drive-sense circuits with sensors and actuators, enabling simultaneous driving and sensing via a single line, and utilizing a drive-sense processing block to generate control signals for sensors and actuation signals for actuators, thereby improving data processing and physical condition monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate drive and sense circuits are used for sensors and actuators, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drive and sense circuits into a single integrated circuit that can simultaneously perform both driving and sensing functions. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to accurately sense physical conditions and control actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions - it can drive sensors, sense physical conditions, control actuators, and process data all within a single circuit. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Reliability
If separate drive and sense circuits are used, then reliability of sensing and actuation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging drive and sense circuits into one integrated unit, the system reduces the total power consumption that would be required to operate separate circuits. The integrated design allows for more efficient power management and reduces redundant power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit enables continuous simultaneous operation of driving and sensing functions without the need to switch between separate circuits, maintaining reliable performance while optimizing power usage through continuous efficient operation.
3Productivity
If simultaneous drive and sense functions are implemented via single line, then productivity and system efficiency are improved, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit dynamically switches between drive and sense modes on the same line, using time-division multiplexing or similar dynamic techniques. This allows the single line to efficiently handle both functions while maintaining measurement precision through controlled switching and proper timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit employs periodic switching between drive and sense operations, allowing simultaneous functionality while maintaining accuracy through regular, controlled cycles of driving and sensing that prevent signal interference.
4Device complexity
If integrated drive-sense circuit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and control may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated drive-sense circuit incorporates self-service capabilities where the circuit automatically generates appropriate control signals and manages its own operation. This reduces the need for external control logic and simplifies operation despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit includes built-in feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust control signals based on sensed conditions, making the system easier to operate by eliminating the need for complex external control logic while maintaining precise control over actuators and sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor device (TSD) includes TSD electrodes associated with a surface of the TSD. Also, an overlay that includes marker electrode(s) is also associated with at least a portion of the surface of the TSD. The TSD also includes drive-sense circuits (DSCs) operably coupled to the plurality of TSD electrodes. A DSC is configured to provide a TSD electrode signal to a TSD electrode and simultaneously to sense a change of the TSD electrode signal based on a change of impedance of the TSD electrode caused by capacitive coupling between the TSD electrode and the marker electrode(s) of the overlay. Processing module(s) is configured to process a digital signal generated by the DSC to determine characteristic(s) of the overlay that is associated with the at least a portion of the surface of the TSD.