MEMS Sensor Signal Multiplexing for Multi-Rate Output Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor systems require separate signal paths and multiple sensor elements to meet diverse output data requirements, leading to increased cost and space usage due to the need for unique sensor systems and replicated signal processing chains for each application, which is costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS sensor package with a single common signal path and integrated circuit (IC) that uses multiplexers to simultaneously provide multiple output signals with different electrical characteristics, meeting various signal requirements such as output data rate, latency, and filtering needs without the need for separate sensor systems or replicated signal processing chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensor systems are employed for each output data requirement, then each application's specific signal requirements are met, but the cost and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor systems into a single integrated sensor package that includes a first sensor element, a second sensor element, and a shared signal processing chain. The multiplexer allows different applications to share the common signal path, reducing the overall space required while maintaining the ability to meet diverse signal requirements through software-configurable parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor package is designed with universal functionality to support multiple applications simultaneously. The system can be configured via register settings to provide different output data rates, filtering characteristics, and signal processing parameters to different applications, allowing a single sensor system to replace multiple dedicated systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If replicated signal processing chains are used for each output data requirement, then each application receives optimized signal processing, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing chain is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through software control. Register settings allow the system to change output data rates, filtering parameters, and signal processing characteristics in real-time based on application needs, eliminating the need for multiple static processing chains
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as output data rate, filtering characteristics, and signal processing settings through software configuration rather than hardware replication. This allows the same physical signal processing chain to adapt to different application requirements by modifying operational parameters
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor elements are employed for different applications, then each application has dedicated sensor output, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single sensor element that produces output signals which are then copied and distributed to multiple applications through the multiplexer. Rather than having multiple physical sensor elements, the signal from one element is replicated for different applications with different processing characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-path signal processing for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors is described. An exemplary MEMS sensor apparatus can comprise a single MEMS sensor element and an associated integrated circuit (IC) that facilitates generating multiple output signals having different output signal electrical characteristics required by a host system. Provided implementations can minimize cost and IC die area of associated MEMS sensor apparatuses and systems by employing one or more signal multiplexers (MUXs) on a single common signal path from the single MEMS sensor element. In addition, various methods of generating multiple output signals having different output signal electrical characteristics from a single MEMS sensor element are described.