Positional Encoder Lookup Table Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-precision positional encoders require significant computing resources for calculating absolute and incremental positional values, leading to reliability issues and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A positional encoder with a memory unit that stores predetermined look-up values for positional values, allowing direct retrieval instead of repeated calculations, thereby reducing computational burden and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-precision calculation algorithms (e.g., CORDIC) are used to determine positional values from sensor signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computing resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates positional values for all possible sensor signal combinations and stores them in lookup tables during the manufacturing process. During operation, the system simply retrieves pre-computed values based on sensor readings rather than performing real-time calculations, thereby achieving high precision without complex computing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the calculation process by storing pre-computed results in lookup tables. Instead of implementing complex algorithms like CORDIC, the system uses pre-generated tables that map sensor signal combinations directly to positional values, reducing computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If significant computing resources are allocated for real-time calculation of positional values, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to more components and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all complex calculations during manufacturing and stores results in lookup tables. During actual operation, only simple table lookups are performed, reducing the number of active computing components and potential failure points, thereby improving reliability while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time calculation algorithms with pre-computed lookup tables. This substitution eliminates the need for complex computing hardware during operation, reducing component count and improving reliability while preserving measurement precision through the stored results.
3Measurement precision
If complex computing resources and algorithms are implemented for high-precision measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs complex calculations once during manufacturing to generate lookup tables, which are then stored in memory. This one-time pre-computation eliminates the need for expensive computing hardware in the final product, reducing production costs while maintaining high measurement precision through the stored results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive real-time computing algorithms with pre-computed lookup tables stored in memory. This substitution eliminates the need for complex FPGAs or microprocessors during operation, significantly reducing component costs and production expenses while preserving measurement precision.
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 increases the reliability and efficiency of positional measurements by eliminating error-prone calculations and optimizing resource usage, while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
the moveable member comprises at least one magnetic element with a plurality of opposite magnetic poles and the first and second sensors are magnetic sensors such as Hall sensors
Implementation Method 2
the first and second sensors are magnetic sensors such as Hall sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A positional encoder comprises a moveable member and at least a first and a second sensor. The moveable member is rotatable relative to the first and second sensors, the first sensor being adapted to capture a first component of a current position of the moveable member and to output a first signal corresponding to the first component, the second sensor being adapted to capture a second component of the current position complementary to the first component and to output a second signal corresponding to the second component, wherein the positional encoder further comprises at least a first memory unit holding a plurality of predetermined look-up values, each predetermined look-up value representing a positional value which corresponds to a respective set of at least the first and second signals and being associated with an individual memory address which is formed by concatenating the signals of the respective set, the first memory unit being configured to receive a memory address which is formed by concatenating at least the first and second signals outputted by the first and second sensors, respectively, and to output the predetermined look-up value associated with the received memory address in response.