Programmable Gateway Reshaping Raw Sensor Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal processing devices require physical access and hardware changes to adapt to new input signal levels, limiting the ability to format input signals without losing information content.
Innovation Solution
A gateway with programmable MOSFET dual n-channel packages and high precision resistors allows for adaptive signal formatting, enabling the reshaping of input signals without hardware modifications, using control signals to manage switching devices and voltage dividers to maintain signal integrity within predetermined ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage dividers with hand-operated jumpers are used to adapt input signal levels, then the device can handle various input signal levels, but the device requires physical access and hardware changes to adapt to new input levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical jumper system with an electronic switching mechanism controlled by a microcontroller. The switching devices (MOSFETs or analog switches) are controlled through electrical signals rather than manual physical manipulation, allowing remote or wireless reconfiguration of voltage divider ratios to adapt to different input signal levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the voltage divider configuration to be changed on-demand through control signals. The switching devices can be activated or deactivated programmatically, enabling the system to dynamically adjust its input signal handling capabilities without physical hardware changes.
2Reliability
If fixed hardware voltage dividers are used, then the circuitry is simple and reliable, but the device cannot be upgraded wirelessly or reconfigured without physical access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal input signal handling system where a single hardware platform can handle multiple different input signal levels and configurations. The microcontroller-controlled switching network allows the same physical circuitry to be reconfigured for different applications, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated hardware versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration through programmable control. The microcontroller can automatically select and activate the appropriate voltage divider configuration based on the detected input signal characteristics, eliminating the need for manual intervention or physical hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable switching devices are implemented, then the device can be reconfigured without physical access, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage divider functionality with the control logic into a unified system. The microcontroller integrates the configuration management, switching control, and signal processing functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added programmability.
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
Enables flexible and non-invasive adaptation of input signals to various levels, ensuring no information loss and allowing for real-time processing and communication of sensor data through a programmable microcontroller, enhancing the efficiency of signal processing and communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first switching device, which is part of a programmable MOSFET dual n-channel package, is connected between the voltage divider and a ground potential
Implementation Method 2
A voltage divider is connected between the raw input signal and the first switching device
Data Source
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AI summary
The inventio concerns a method by which an electrical raw input signal (102) is reshaped to a formatted electrical input signal (104) according to the input requirements of a signal processing device (106). According to the method the following steps are conducted: - feeding a parameter to a programmable device (108) according to the expected raw input signal format in order that, - the programmable device (108) may deliver one or more output control signals (110,111) in dependency of the parameter whereby, - each control signal (110,111) is served at each its switching device (Q10-A; Q10-B) provided in a signal line between the raw input signal (102) and ground potential (114) wherein, - the control signals (110,111) allow switching devices (Q10-A; Q10-B) to connect the raw input signal (102) to ground potential (114) through a resistor of predetermined size (R32, R28), to create the formatted input signal (4) at the resistor (R32, R28).