PEPS Sensor Positioning via AoA and Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passive entry and passive start systems face challenges with connectivity and power management as the complexity of sensor systems increases, necessitating efficient position calculation and power-saving techniques to preserve battery life and ensure system operability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple sensors with arrays of antennas for wireless signal detection, using angle of arrival (AoA) and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) techniques to calculate position-related information, and employing power-saving methods like synchronized wake-up and idle modes to reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are employed to detect user position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition calculation accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the sensor network into multiple independent sensor nodes, each capable of autonomous position calculation. Each sensor detects wireless signals independently and contributes to the overall position determination, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple distributed detection points while maintaining manageable individual component complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensors are combined into a coordinated network where each sensor processes wireless signals and contributes position data. The sensors work together in unison, merging their individual detection capabilities to achieve accurate three-dimensional position calculation while sharing computational loads through the distributed architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors with arrays of antennas are used for signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition calculation accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors operate in periodic cycles, alternating between active signal detection phases and idle low-power states. The system activates sensors only when position calculation is required, allowing them to enter sleep modes between operations, thereby maintaining high measurement precision when needed while significantly reducing average energy consumption across the sensor network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Each sensor autonomously determines when to activate based on detected wireless signal presence and position calculation requirements. Sensors self-manage their power states, activating only when position data is needed and remaining in low-power modes otherwise, eliminating the need for continuous operation and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If synchronized wake-up and idle modes are implemented, then use of energy is reduced, but reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor for wireless signals and system status. When position calculation is required, sensors receive wake-up triggers and activate to perform measurements, then return to idle states. This feedback-driven activation ensures the system responds reliably to position requests while maintaining energy savings during inactive periods, balancing reliability with power consumption

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 accurate and efficient position calculation while conserving power, ensuring reliable operation of passive entry and passive start systems by effectively managing sensor connectivity and reducing battery drain.

Implementation Method 1

using angle of arrival (AoA) and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) techniques to calculate position-related information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle of arrival (AoA):

Implementation Method 2

using angle of arrival (AoA) and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) techniques to calculate position-related information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclic redundancy check (CRC):

Data Source

PatentUS10993074B2Power management and data bandwidth improvements for passive entry, passive start (PEPS)

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AMERICAS CORP

AI summary

A passive entry, passive start (PEPS) application is described, wherein a number of sensors are configured with wireless communication protocol information for wireless communication between a master device and a BLE hub. The sensors eavesdrop signals from the master device to the BLE hub while not in operative communication with the master device. Eavesdropped signals are processed to determine and calculate position-related information, such as phase and magnitude of the wireless signals received at multiple antennas of the sensors, angle-of-arrival (AoA), and distance or position of the master device relative to the sensors, individually or as a system. Power management techniques for a PEPS system are also described.