Magnetic Sensor PWM Encoding with Multi-Threshold Signal Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic sensor systems face challenges in providing additional information, such as functional safety data, without modifying existing PWM protocol software on the ECU, which can be costly and reduce reliability, and adding hardware channels increases size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pulse width modulation technique using at least three signal levels and two signal thresholds, allowing information associated with both the magnet wheel and the magnetic sensor to be encoded in a single signal, compatible with the PWM protocol, eliminating the need for software modifications on the ECU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional hardware channels are added to provide functional safety information, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple information streams (magnet wheel data and functional safety information) into a single PWM signal channel. The magnetic sensor encodes both types of information in one signal, eliminating the need for separate hardware channels and reducing system complexity while maintaining complete information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The single PWM signal channel performs multiple functions: it transmits both magnet wheel operational data and functional safety information. This multi-functional approach allows one channel to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated channels, reducing hardware complexity.
2Loss of information
If PWM protocol software on ECU is modified to handle additional information, then information completeness is improved, but reliability and cost decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor itself performs the information encoding function, embedding both magnet wheel data and functional safety information directly into the PWM signal at the source. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external software modifications on the ECU, maintaining protocol reliability and reducing development costs.
3Loss of information
If multiple signal levels and thresholds are used in PWM, then information capacity is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes multiple signal levels (high, middle, low) and corresponding thresholds in the PWM signal to encode different types of information. By changing the amplitude parameter of the signal, the system increases information capacity without requiring additional channels, as the ECU can distinguish between information types based on signal level characteristics.
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 the decoding of both magnet wheel and magnetic sensor information within a single signal by the ECU, maintaining protocol reliability and avoiding costly hardware modifications, while providing enhanced functional safety information.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor may sense a magnetic field produced or distorted by a rotating magnet wheel
Implementation Method 2
provide a signal including the information associated with the magnet wheel and the information associated with the magnetic sensor, where the signal may be provided using a pulse width modulation technique associated with at least three signal levels and at least two signal thresholds
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor may determine information, associated with a magnet wheel, that is associated with a rotational speed of the magnet wheel or a rotational direction of the magnet wheel. The magnetic sensor may determine information, associated with the magnetic sensor, that is associated with a property of the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor may provide a signal including the information associated with the magnet wheel and the information associated with the magnetic sensor. The signal may be provided using a pulse width modulation technique associated with at least three signal levels and at least two signal thresholds. A period of time during which the information associated with the magnetic sensor is provided may at least partially overlap a period of time during which the information associated with the magnet wheel is provided, or may be provided without a time offset from the information associated with the magnet wheel.