Optical Position Encoder Analog Memory Parallel Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position encoders with optical sensor elements have limited readout rates due to sequential measurement and analog-to-digital conversion processes, which restrict the frequency of position code acquisitions and introduce temporal jitter, making it difficult to achieve high precision and accuracy, especially in applications requiring rapid and precise position measurements.
Innovation Solution
A position encoder with an optical sensor element incorporating an analog memory structure and an electrical switching structure that allows for line-by-line charge transfer and storage, enabling asynchronous acquisition and readout of position codes, allowing multiple measurements to be taken and buffered quickly, independent of readout duration, and enabling triggers to occur before previous measurements are completed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential measurement and analog-to-digital conversion processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but readout rate is limited and temporal jitter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is divided into multiple independent photosensitive regions (first photosensitive region and second photosensitive region) that can simultaneously acquire position codes. This segmentation allows parallel measurement processes, enabling the first position code to be acquired by the first photosensitive region while the second position code is acquired by the second photosensitive region at the same time, thereby increasing the readout rate and reducing temporal jitter between measurements.
2Measurement precision
If sequential measurement processes are used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision is reduced due to temporal jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is divided into multiple independent photosensitive regions (first photosensitive region and second photosensitive region) that can simultaneously acquire position codes. This segmentation allows parallel measurement processes, enabling the first position code to be acquired by the first photosensitive region while the second position code is acquired by the second photosensitive region at the same time, thereby increasing the readout rate and reducing temporal jitter between measurements.
3Productivity
If parallel acquisition regions are used, then readout rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit is designed to universally evaluate both the first position code from the first photosensitive region and the second position code from the second photosensitive region using the same evaluation algorithms. This multi-functionality allows the system to process multiple position codes simultaneously through a single evaluation unit, increasing readout rate without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first photosensitive region and second photosensitive region are integrated into a single sensor element, and their respective position codes are processed by a unified evaluation unit. This merging approach allows parallel acquisition while maintaining a compact structure, improving readout rate without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
This solution enables rapid and precise position code acquisition with improved readout rates, allowing for high-frequency trigger events and reduced temporal jitter, enhancing measurement accuracy and precision in applications such as coordinate measuring machines and geodetic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a line of photosensitive acquisition regions, which convert incident photons into electric charges
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a position transmitter with a position code and an optical sensor element for detecting at least one part of the position code. The sensor element has a row of photosensitive detection regions, which convert incident photons into electric charges, and a readout structure for outputting an electric data signal corresponding to the stored electric charges. The sensor element has an analog memory unit structure with a number of N>1 rows of photo-insensitive analog memory cells in order to temporarily store the electric charges and an electric switching structure, by means of which a charge transfer can be carried out between the detection regions and the memory cells, between the memory cells amongst one another, and between the memory cells and the readout row.