Programmable Sensor Electronics With Hierarchical Curve Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices lack a universal electronic component that can be programmably configured for various types of sensitive devices, including inductive and capacitive sensors, with adjustable settings for sensor characteristics and protective functions without requiring additional external components.

Innovation Solution

The electronic component features multiple programmable levels, including a first level for basic setup parameters and a second level for setting the sensor characteristic curve, with an adjustable resistance device and integrated protective functions, allowing it to be used with different types of sensor devices and sensitive elements, and includes a digital unit for signal processing and output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal electronic component is designed to work with multiple types of sensitive devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different sensitive devicesVSAvoidinternal circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic component is designed with a universal interface that can connect to different types of sensitive devices (inductive, capacitive, optical, magnetic). The component includes configurable circuitry that can be programmed through two programming levels to adapt its behavior to match the specific characteristics of the connected sensitive device, allowing one component design to serve multiple sensor types without requiring device-specific hardware variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic component incorporates adjustable parameters that can be modified through programming to optimize performance for different sensitive device types. These parameters include gain settings, threshold values, filtering characteristics, and operating frequencies. By changing these parameters through the programming interface, the same hardware can be adapted to work with various sensitive devices without physical modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If multiple programming levels are provided for configuring sensor characteristics, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfigurability of sensor parametersVSAvoidprogramming structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The programming functionality is divided into two distinct programming levels. The first programming level handles basic configuration parameters such as operating mode selection and fundamental sensor characteristics. The second programming level provides access to more advanced settings including detailed characteristic curve adjustment and fine-tuning parameters. This segmentation allows users to access only the programming features necessary for their specific application, simplifying the operation for simple applications while providing comprehensive control when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable resistance devices are integrated into the electronic component, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of sensor characteristicsVSAvoidresistance value precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic component integrates adjustable resistance devices that can dynamically change their resistance values based on programming inputs. Rather than relying on fixed precision resistors, the system uses digitally controllable resistance elements (such as DAC-based voltage dividers or digitally controlled potentiometers) that can be programmed to provide the exact resistance values needed for different sensor applications. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to achieve precise sensor characteristics without requiring high-precision fixed resistors during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2550740B1Electronic component for a sensor device, sensor device, and method for configuring a sensor device
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 BALLUFF
  • EP2550740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2550740B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2550740B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic component for a sensor device, comprising a first connecting device for connecting a sensitive device that can be influenced by a target, a second connecting device for external communication, and a control device and/or an analysis device providing output signals, the component being programmable via the second connecting device, characterized by a first programming level in which parameters for the setup of the sensor device can be set, and a second programming level in which a characteristic curve of the sensor device can be set, wherein the first programming level is hierarchically superordinate to the second programming level and settings and/or setting options in the second programming level are dependent on settings in the first programming level.