Multi-conductor Touch System Using Drive-Sense Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication systems face challenges in efficiently processing and interpreting signals from sensors and actuators, particularly in managing power signals and detecting changes in electrical characteristics, which affects the accuracy and reliability of data collection and communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of drive-sense circuits that can simultaneously drive and sense signals via a single line, using power signal change detection circuits to generate representative signals of changes in electrical characteristics, enabling effective communication and processing of sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate drive and sense lines are used for sensor communication, then signal accuracy is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drive and sense functions into a single communication line between the sensor and controller. The sensor modulates the impedance of this shared line to encode both power reception and data transmission, eliminating the need for separate drive and sense lines while maintaining signal accuracy through impedance modulation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single communication line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the sensor, transmits sensor data to the controller, and enables bidirectional communication. The impedance modulation technique allows the same line to carry both power and information signals without requiring separate dedicated lines for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are connected to the same controller, then sensing coverage is improved, but signal interference and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements time-division multiplexing where each sensor is activated in sequential time slots. The controller selectively enables individual sensors at different times, allowing each sensor to communicate on the shared line during its designated time window. This periodic activation eliminates signal interference between multiple sensors while maintaining comprehensive sensing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensor network into individually addressable segments, where each sensor can be selectively activated and controlled. The controller can target specific sensors by addressing them individually, allowing precise control over which sensor is active at any given time. This segmentation approach enables multiple sensors to coexist on the same communication line without interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A touchscreen display includes one or more conductive layers that is implemented for a touch sensor and a common portion. The touch screen display may include as few as one conductive layer that is partitioned for both the touch sensor and the common portion in some examples. A first conductor of the touch sensor is composed of first segments(s) that are electrically connected, and a second conductor of the touch sensor is composed of a second segments(s) that are electrically connected. Also, the common portion includes a third conductor. Drive-sense circuits (DSCs) are respectively implemented to service the conductors and to generate digital signals representative of electrical characteristics of signals provided to those conductors. Processing module(s) is/are configured to execute operational instructions to process the digital signals to facilitate operation of the touchscreen display including to detect presence, interaction, and/or gestures, etc. of a user with the touchscreen display.