Programmable Monolithic Sensor Interface for Protocol Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Monolithic sensors with two or three terminals in a housing are inflexible and cannot be adapted to new interface standards or protocols, limiting the implementation of new algorithms for digital signal processing and compensation for external interference factors.

Innovation Solution

A monolithic sensor arrangement with a freely programmable digital processor, program memory, and data memory, utilizing two or three terminals for input and output, and an integrated interface for demodulation and data conversion, allowing for the implementation of new interface standards, protocols, and algorithms through software modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a monolithic sensor uses a predefined wired connection with fixed protocols and algorithms, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to new interface standards and protocols is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to new interface standards and protocolsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed, hardwired digital signal processing components with a freely programmable digital processor that can be dynamically reconfigured through software. This allows the sensor to adapt to new interface standards and protocols without physical hardware changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by making the system's functionality dynamic rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by storing multiple algorithms in memory for different operating conditions and selecting them through software control. This allows the sensor to change its processing parameters and adapt to various interface standards without altering the physical hardware architecture, thereby maintaining relatively simple device structure while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardwired digital signal processing components are used, then the reliability is improved through fixed connections, but the ability to test and implement new algorithms is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to test and implement new algorithmsVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/hardwired digital signal processing system with a software-based processing system running on a programmable digital processor. This substitution eliminates the need for physical rewiring to implement new algorithms, as software can be loaded and modified without changing the hardware manufacturing, thus improving algorithm implementability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple terminals are provided for data input and output, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to changed operating conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changed operating conditionsVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the digital processor and memory system to perform multiple functions through software configuration. The same hardware terminals can be used for different purposes (data input, data output, configuration) depending on the operating mode selected through software, making the system universally adaptable to changed operating conditions without requiring additional terminals or reducing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 adaptation to changed operating conditions, allowing for the implementation of new interface standards, protocols, and algorithms, enhancing the sensor's ability to process and compensate for external interference factors.

Implementation Method 1

In addition, the integrated circuit arrangement of DE 198 19 265 C1 includes, according to one embodiment, a Hall sensor that is used to detect a magnetic field that influences the integrated circuit arrangement.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20080278891A1Monolithic sensor arrangement and method for controlling a monolithic sensor arrangement

Publication Date: 2008.11.13 TDK MICRONAS GMBH

AI summary

A monolithic sensor arrangement includes a housing, a sensor integrated in the housing, and two or three connecting contacts deployed on the housing so as to provide a contact with the sensor. The housing also includes an integrated digital circuit includes a freely programmable digital processor, a program memory and a data memory, which are used to control and/or process the functionalities and/or the measured data of the sensor.