MEMS Sensor Synchronization Using Host-Guided Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems face synchronization challenges due to timer drift in internal timers, which affects the accuracy of sensor data acquisition and output, particularly in applications requiring precise timing synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a host to send synchronization signals to sensor circuits, allowing them to receive a higher-frequency external clock for more accurate synchronization, and communicate internal timer values to adjust the sensor data acquisition and output rates to match a desired rate, thereby addressing timer drift and ensuring precise timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal timers are used for sensor sampling, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to timer drift
Solution Approach 1:
A host processor acts as an intermediary between the external clock source and the sensor circuits. The host receives synchronization signals from an external clock, determines appropriate synchronization intervals based on drift characteristics, and sends sync pulses to sensor circuits to correct timing drift without requiring each sensor to have its own high-precision clock
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the synchronization interval parameter based on the drift characteristics of the internal timers. The host processor monitors timing drift and modifies the frequency of synchronization signals to maintain accurate timing while optimizing system performance and power consumption
2Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are sent frequently to correct timer drift, then timing accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous synchronization, the system uses periodic synchronization pulses at optimized intervals. The host processor calculates appropriate synchronization intervals based on drift characteristics and sends sync signals only at these periodic intervals, reducing energy consumption while maintaining timing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial synchronization by correcting timing drift only when it exceeds acceptable thresholds, rather than continuously adjusting. This approach uses sufficient synchronization to maintain accuracy without the excessive energy consumption of constant correction
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of this disclosure comprise systems and methods for synchronizing sensor data acquisition and/or output. For example, various aspects of this disclosure provide for achieving a desired level of timing accuracy in a MEMS sensor system, even in an implementation in which timer drift is substantial.