Multi-Mode Pressure Sensor Interface for Precision and Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated sensor systems (ISSs) lack adequate interface flexibility, measurement capability, and accuracy for air data applications, particularly in low-noise precision and high-resolution pressure measurements, and suffer from latency and reliability issues due to non-hermetic packaging and limited configurability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode sensor system that integrates a sensor, signal conditioning circuitry, and interface circuitry within a single housing, featuring a pressure-sensitive diaphragm with varying resistors, an amplifier circuit, and an output circuit that can be selectively configured to implement different signal processing modes, including analog, asynchronous delta-sigma, and synchronous delta-sigma modes, to provide flexible and accurate output signals compatible with both analog and digital systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated sensor systems use standard signal processing circuits, then the system is simple and robust, but measurement precision and resolution are insufficient for low-noise precision applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple signal processing modes (analog, asynchronous delta-sigma, synchronous delta-sigma) that can be dynamically selected based on application requirements. This allows the system to adapt its complexity level - using simpler analog processing for basic applications and more complex digital processing for high-precision applications, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the signal processing circuits by providing different output modes with different resolution capabilities (10-bit, 12-bit, 14-bit, 16-bit). This allows the system to achieve high measurement precision (up to 16-bit resolution) when needed while maintaining the option for lower precision modes when complexity should be minimized.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integrated sensor systems provide multiple signal processing modes, then interface flexibility and measurement capability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple signal processing modes (analog output, asynchronous delta-sigma digital output, synchronous delta-sigma digital output) within a single integrated sensor system. This multi-functional approach allows the same device to serve diverse applications with different interface requirements, thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility while consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sensor elements, signal conditioning circuits, and multiple output circuitries into a single integrated package. This merging of previously separate components into one unified device provides interface flexibility and measurement capability enhancements while managing overall device complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
3Measurement precision
If smart sensors implement high accuracy pressure measurements at high measurement rates, then measurement precision and productivity are improved, but latency increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides different output modes (analog, asynchronous, synchronous) that can be dynamically selected based on the specific application's latency and reliability requirements. The asynchronous mode is optimized for low latency applications, while the synchronous mode provides better reliability for applications requiring stable timing, allowing the system to achieve high measurement accuracy without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different sampling rates and output formats that can be selected to optimize the balance between measurement accuracy, latency, and reliability. By providing configurable parameters such as measurement rate (e.g., up to 200 Hz or higher) and output resolution (10-16 bits), the system can achieve high accuracy measurements at high rates while maintaining reliability through appropriate mode selection.
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 provides enhanced measurement accuracy, stability, and flexibility, addressing the limitations of existing ISSs by enabling high-resolution pressure measurements at high rates with low latency and compatibility with various end-use circuits, while maintaining environmental compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor including a pressure sensitive diaphragm and a plurality of varying resistors disposed on the pressure sensitive diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated multi-mode sensor system is described that integrates into a single housing a sensor, signal conditioning circuitry, calibration memory, and interface circuitry that is compatible with both analog and digital end-use circuits. The sensor includes a housing, a sensor circuit, memory, and an interface circuit. The sensor circuit is disposed within the sensor housing, is operable, upon being energized, to supply an output signal that varies with at least one physical parameter to which the sensor circuit is exposed. The interface circuitry disposed within the sensor housing is adapted to receive a mode select signal and the sensor signal. The output circuit is selectively configurable, in response to the mode select signal, to implement one of a plurality of signal processing modes, including analog voltage output, asynchronous pulse density modulation (APDM) and synchronous pulse density modulation (SPDM) of various moduli, and an APDM or SPDM mode using a selectable I2C or SPI interface protocol.