Integrated Motion Sensor Signal Cross-Checking for Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for detecting object movement in applications like ABS systems face challenges in verifying the consistency of speed and direction signals, as they rely on redundant systems which are costly and cannot distinguish between sensor failures and ECU faults, failing to meet safety standards such as ISO 26262.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a first magnetic sensor element for velocity and a second sensor element for direction, integrated with an alerting unit on a semiconductor chip that monitors and issues warnings for discrepancies between the signals, allowing for reliable signal validation and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant sensor systems are used for plausibility checks, then reliability of signal verification is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor elements (first sensor element for velocity, second sensor element for direction) and the alerting unit into a single integrated sensor system on one semiconductor chip. This merging eliminates the need for separate redundant sensor systems while maintaining verification capability through internal cross-monitoring of the combined sensor outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the first sensor element measures velocity, the second sensor element measures direction, and the alerting unit monitors both signals for consistency. This multi-functional integration replaces the need for separate dedicated verification systems, achieving reliable signal verification without additional redundant hardware.
2Reliability
If redundant sensor systems are used for plausibility checks, then reliability of signal verification is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all sensor elements and the alerting unit onto a single semiconductor chip, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate sensor components and their associated assembly processes. This integration significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability of signal verification through internal cross-monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-verification through the alerting unit, which automatically monitors the consistency between velocity and direction signals from the integrated sensor elements. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external redundant verification systems, reducing both manufacturing cost and system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If integrated monolithic sensor system is used, then device complexity is reduced and cost decreased, but means to verify signal consistency and detect faults is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The alerting unit continuously monitors the signals from the integrated sensor elements and provides feedback when inconsistencies are detected. The unit compares the velocity signal from the first sensor element with the direction signal from the second sensor element, and generates an alert output when the predefined relationship between these signals is violated, enabling fault detection within the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The alerting unit acts as an intermediary monitoring component within the integrated sensor system. It receives both velocity and direction signals, verifies their consistency against a predefined relationship, and intervenes by generating an alert when discrepancies are detected, thereby providing fault detection capability without adding external verification systems.
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
The system effectively checks the consistency of speed and direction signals, providing reliable operation and fault detection, thus enhancing safety standards compliance without the need for redundant systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor element may be a magnetic sensor element. The first sensor element may provide a first signal along a first signal path on a semiconductor chip. The first signal may be indicative for a velocity of the movement.
Implementation Method 2
The second sensor provides a second signal along a second signal path on the semiconductor chip. The second signal may be indicative for a direction of the movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for sensing movement of an object, including: a first sensor providing a first signal along a first signal path on a semiconductor chip, the first signal being used to determine a first characteristic of the movement; a second sensor providing a second signal along a second signal path on the semiconductor chip, the second signal being used to determine a second characteristic of the movement; and an alarm circuit configured to issue a fault warning when there is a violation of a predefined relationship between the first signal and the second signal based on a missing or additional portion of the first signal or the second signal.