Position Encoder Readout Using Selective ADC Reference Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for determining position, length, or angle are time-consuming and limited in resolution due to the comprehensive comparison of measurement signals with a full set of reference values across their entire amplitude.
Innovation Solution
A specification unit generates a signal indicating a limited selection of reference values for digitization based on the determined relative position, allowing digitization to be performed efficiently by focusing on a range of expected positions rather than the entire amplitude range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive comparison with full set of reference values is performed, then measurement coverage is complete, but digitization time increases and resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The set of reference values is segmented into multiple subsets based on the measurement range. Instead of comparing the measurement signal with all reference values across the entire amplitude range, the system divides the reference values into groups corresponding to different position ranges, allowing selective comparison only with relevant subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of the measurement range before conducting the full digitization process. By first identifying which range the measurement signal falls into, the system can pre-select the appropriate subset of reference values to use, avoiding unnecessary comparisons with reference values outside the relevant range.
2Productivity
If comprehensive comparison with full set of reference values is performed, then complete measurement range is covered, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The digitization process is segmented into multiple stages: first determining the measurement range, then selecting the corresponding reference value subset, and finally performing comparison only with that subset. This segmentation transforms a single complex operation into multiple simpler, more efficient steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the digitization process based on the measured position. The set of reference values used for comparison is not fixed but changes dynamically according to the determined measurement range, allowing the system to optimize processing speed for each specific measurement scenario.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for determining position, length, or angle, comprising a first part with a code and a second part with a readout device, as well as at least one analog-to-digital converter and an evaluation unit for determining the relative position between the first and second parts. Furthermore, a specification unit is provided and configured to generate a specification signal, which indicates a limited selection of reference values for the digitization of a subsequent measurement signal or measured value, based on information about the determined relative position between the first and second parts, and to transmit it to the analog-to-digital converter.The analog-to-digital converter is designed to digitize at least one measurement signal, at least in a first step, in particular completely, based solely on reference values indicated by the obtained specification signal. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.