One-Wire Sensor Reconfiguration Using Pulse-Modulated Signals

Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensor configurations require additional hardware or dedicated pins for re-configuration, which limits miniaturization and increases costs, and existing interfaces consume more power and space.

Innovation Solution

A re-configurable sensor device using a one-wire voltage interface for bidirectional communication, allowing re-configuration through pulse modulated signals, eliminating the need for additional hardware and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardwired pin-programming is used to re-configure sensor parameters, then multiple settings can be achieved, but the number of required pins increases reducing space for other functions and miniaturization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor re-configuration capabilityVSAvoidsensor package area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single pin to serve multiple purposes: it functions as both a data output pin and a re-configuration input pin. The sensor device can transmit data through this pin while also receiving re-configuration commands through the same pin, eliminating the need for separate dedicated re-configuration pins and reducing the overall pin count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the pin's function to change over time. The pin can dynamically switch between transmitting sensor data and receiving re-configuration commands based on the operational mode. This time-multiplexed approach enables the same physical pin to perform different functions at different times, reducing the number of pins required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional dedicated hardware components like voltage dividers are used to set parameters, then re-configuration flexibility is improved, but hardware cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting flexibilityVSAvoidhardware component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical hardware components (voltage dividers, resistors) with a digital/software-based re-configuration system. Instead of using analog voltage division circuits to set parameters, the sensor uses digital re-configuration commands transmitted through the communication interface. This substitution of mechanical/analog systems with digital systems reduces hardware complexity and component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copying of parameter settings through re-configuration commands. Instead of physically setting parameters through hardware components, the desired parameter values are copied and transmitted as digital signals through the communication interface. This allows the same parameter settings to be replicated and applied without requiring additional physical hardware for each setting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated pins are provided for different parameter settings, then re-configuration options increase, but space for other useful pins is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter configuration optionsVSAvoidpin availability for other functions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single pin to serve multiple purposes: it functions as both a data output pin and a re-configuration input pin. The sensor device can transmit data through this pin while also receiving re-configuration commands through the same pin, eliminating the need for separate dedicated re-configuration pins and reducing the overall pin count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the pin's function to change over time. The pin can dynamically switch between transmitting sensor data and receiving re-configuration commands based on the operational mode. This time-multiplexed approach enables the same physical pin to perform different functions at different times, reducing the number of pins required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12529716B2Re-configurable sensor device and method for reconfiguring a sensor device using a pulse modulated signal

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

Disclosed is a re-configurable sensor arrangement (100) including a sensor device (110) and a controller device (120), both being configured to communicate with each other, wherein the controller device (120) is configured to transmit a pulse modulated signal (130) to the sensor device (110) via a one-wire voltage interface (140), and wherein the sensor device (110) is configured to receive the pulse modulated signal (130) via the one-wire voltage interface (140) and to re-configure its internal configuration in response to the received pulse modulated signal (130).