Pulse Frequency Measurement Using Hardware Counters and Low-Speed MCUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse frequency measurement technologies in the process automation industry are costly due to the use of high-speed MCUs and FPGAs for high-frequency pulse sequences, and existing algorithms require high-speed processing units, increasing implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
A pulse frequency measurement device and method utilizing a low-speed MCU with an external hardware counter to measure pulse sequences, employing a frequency calculation module that adapts measurement strategies based on pulse frequency thresholds, and using a time division strategy for multi-channel sampling to reduce costs and ensure accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If FPGAs are used to implement frequency measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency measurement function is segmented into two parts: a hardware counter that performs high-speed pulse counting, and a low-speed processing unit that calculates frequency. This segmentation allows the expensive FPGA functionality to be replaced with a simple counter circuit and basic processor, reducing device cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A hardware counter is introduced as an intermediary component between the pulse signal and the low-speed processing unit. The counter handles the high-speed counting operation, allowing the main processor to operate at lower speed, thus reducing overall system cost while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If high-speed MCUs are used for frequency measurement, then productivity is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the processing tasks by placing the time-critical pulse counting function in dedicated hardware (counter) and leaving the computationally intensive frequency calculation to a low-speed processor. This allows high measurement speed without requiring expensive high-speed MCUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for high-speed processor mechanics with a combination of simple hardware counting and software-based frequency calculation. The hardware counter handles the high-speed event detection, substituting the need for fast processor response with dedicated hardware logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive measurement strategy is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on pulse frequency characteristics. The processor adjusts between different measurement strategies (single pulse timing vs. multiple pulse counting) depending on the input signal properties, providing adaptability through software logic rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a pulse frequency measurement device and method and a control system, the device including: a hardware counter configured to perform a counting operation on an input pulse sequence to output a counting result; and a processing unit configured to obtain number of pulses from the counting result outputted by the hardware counter and measure a first time period during which the obtained number of pulses occupy, in which the processing unit includes a frequency calculation module configured to calculate a frequency of the input pulse sequence based on the obtained number of pulses and the first time period. According to the invention, it is possible to achieve adaptive pulse frequency measurement and multi-channel sampling for multiple input pulse sequences with a relatively low cost while ensuring the accuracy of the measurement result.