Programmable Sensor Interface Circuit for Multi-Protocol Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor communication protocols, such as the Single Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT) protocol, are limited in their ability to accommodate diverse communication requirements, necessitating a generic interface circuit that can operate SENT sensors with varying communication needs.
Innovation Solution
A programmable interface circuit is developed, comprising storage sets and a signal generator, which stores and generates signals based on programmable values for different communication protocols, allowing flexible configuration to support various communication modes and protocols, including unidirectional and bidirectional transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional SENT protocol interface circuit is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate sensors with different communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit is designed with programmable storage sets and a signal generator that can be configured through a data bus to support multiple sensor communication protocols including SENT, CAN, LIN, and I2C. The circuit uses a universal architecture where the same hardware components can be reprogrammed to handle different protocols, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface circuit employs programmable storage sets that can be dynamically configured via a data bus to adapt to different communication requirements. The signal generator can dynamically adjust its output based on the programmed values, allowing the circuit to switch between different protocols and communication modes as needed without physical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If separate interface circuits are designed for different sensor protocols, then each protocol is supported optimally, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate dedicated interface circuits for SENT, CAN, LIN, and I2C protocols, the invention implements a single universal interface circuit that can be programmed to support all these protocols. The programmable storage sets hold configuration values for different protocols, and the signal generator can switch between protocols by loading appropriate configuration data, thereby reducing the total number of circuits while maintaining protocol-specific reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple protocol-specific interface circuits into a single unified interface circuit. By combining the functionality of separate SENT, CAN, LIN, and I2C interfaces into one programmable unit, the system reduces component count and interconnection complexity while maintaining the ability to communicate reliably with sensors using any of these protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-function interface circuit is used, then the circuit design is straightforward, but it lacks flexibility for customized communication modes
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit transitions from a fixed-function design to a dynamic, programmable architecture. The programmable storage sets can be configured via a data bus to store custom communication parameters such as baud rates, data formats, and timing characteristics. The signal generator dynamically adjusts its output based on these programmed values, enabling customized communication modes while maintaining a relatively simple underlying hardware structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables customization of communication modes by allowing changes in key parameters such as signal period, transition timing, and data format through programmable storage sets. By modifying these parameters via the data bus, the interface circuit can adapt to custom communication requirements without changing the physical circuit structure, achieving flexibility through parameter reconfiguration rather than hardware redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller may include a programmable interface circuit to operate one or more sensors. The interface circuit may include a first set of storage to store a first set of values. The first set of values may specify a period and a set of transitions for a first signal. The interface circuit may include one or more second sets of storage to store one or more second sets of values respectively. The second sets of values may each specify a period and a set of transitions for a respective one of one or more second signals. The interface circuit may include a signal generator operatively coupled to the first and second sets of storage to generate the first and second signals based on the first and second sets of values.