Parallel Position Sensing With Adaptive Signal Weighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position sensing devices face challenges in achieving high-speed position measurement with accurate results and improved signal-to-noise ratio, as they often rely on sequential scanning of sensing elements which increases latency and noise.

Innovation Solution

A position sensing device that combines signals from multiple sensors in parallel using a combiner circuit with adjustable weight factors, a processing block for filtering, and a feedback loop to adjust weight factors, allowing for reduced latency and enhanced noise performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If sequential scanning of sensing elements is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines signals from multiple sensing elements simultaneously through a combiner circuit, merging their outputs to achieve better signal-to-noise ratio. This parallel combination approach improves measurement precision without requiring complex sequential scanning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamically adjustable weight factors that can be modified based on operating conditions through a feedback loop. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize measurement precision across different positions and speeds while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If sequential scanning of sensing elements is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous parallel processing of position information by combining signals from all sensing elements simultaneously rather than sequentially. This continuous action approach improves measurement speed and productivity while keeping device complexity manageable through the straightforward combiner circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If parallel combination of multiple sensor signals is used, then measurement precision and signal-to-noise ratio improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages device complexity by parameterizing the combination process through weight factors that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt to different positions and speeds without requiring fundamentally different circuit architectures, balancing improved measurement precision with controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If fixed weight factors are used in signal combination, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback loop that monitors operating conditions and adjusts weight factors accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying positions, speeds, and noise conditions while maintaining relatively simple fixed circuitry, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enables faster error estimation and improved signal-to-noise ratio by averaging noise contributions, achieving low position/angle errors even at high speeds and maintaining accuracy across varying positions/angles.

Implementation Method 1

By measuring the strength of a magnetic field generated by the magnet(s) at various locations, the position or orientation of the magnet(s) relative to the sensor elements can be determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3517897B1Position sensing device
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SA
  • EP3517897B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3517897B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3517897B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a position sensing device for measuring a position, comprising a position sensing device for measuring a position, comprising - a plurality of sensors (2) arranged to produce sense signals each being a function of an input phase (θi) representative of a position to be measured, -a combiner circuit (4) arranged to generate an error signal (5) by combining said sense signals according to an array of weight factors, - a processing block (6) arranged for filtering said error signal and for outputting a phase value representative of said position, - a feedback loop comprising a feedback signal unit (8) arranged for receiving said output phase value and for adjusting based on said received output phase value said array of weight factors.