Resonance Loop Control for Fast-Starting MEMS Sensor Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor controllers face issues with long start-up times, low immunity to process spread, poor protection against external shocks, large form factor, and high power consumption due to their analog-based design and reliance on factory calibration of the system clock.
Innovation Solution
A sensor controller with an analog-to-digital converter, phase controller, amplitude controller, and modulator/phase-shifter forms a closed electro-mechanical resonance loop to control the oscillation amplitude of a resonating mass, using a digitized sensor signal to lock the system clock in phase and apply a gain-modulated signal for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a conventional analog-based sensor controller is used, then the system can operate with simple components, but the start-up time becomes very long and the system has low immunity to process spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional analog-based control system with a digital signal processing system. The analog controller that directly manipulates voltages and frequencies is substituted with a digital processor that converts sensor signals to digital format, processes them through digital algorithms, and generates control signals. This substitution enables faster start-up times while improving immunity to process spread through digital signal stability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment by locking the system clock frequency to the resonant frequency of the resonating mass. Instead of using a fixed factory-calibrated frequency, the system continuously adjusts the clock frequency parameter to match the actual resonant frequency, enabling fast start-up and maintaining optimal operation despite process variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system clock frequency is factory calibrated, then the initial setup is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to transient stages or external shock events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the resonant frequency of the resonating mass and adjusts the system clock frequency accordingly. The digital signal processor detects the actual resonant frequency and feeds this information back to the voltage-controlled oscillator to lock the clock frequency to the resonant frequency. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to transient stages and external shock events while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Area of stationary object
If more analog components are used in the controller, then the implementation is simpler in terms of signal processing, but the form factor increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog signal processing components with digital signal processing circuits. The analog controller that requires multiple analog amplifiers, filters, and oscillators is substituted with a digital processor that performs the same functions using digital algorithms. This substitution reduces the physical footprint (form factor) and power consumption while maintaining or improving signal processing capability.
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
This solution reduces start-up time, enhances immunity to process spread, and improves resistance to external shocks while reducing power consumption and form factor through a mixed analog-digital domain implementation.
Implementation Method 1
a resonating mass... The output signal from the phase shifter is amplified and input to the drive for exciting the resonating mass, to thereby form a closed resonance loop for controlling the oscillation amplitude
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a controller, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of controlling a sensor having a resonating mass. The controller includes: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) unit for extracting a digitized sensor signal from the sensor signal; a phase controller for generating, based on the digitized sensor signal, a phase-controlled signal that is locked in phase with the digitized sensor signal; an amplitude controller for applying a gain to the digitized sensor signal to thereby generate an amplitude-adjusted signal; a modulator for modulating the amplitude-adjusted signal to thereby generate a modulated signal; and a phase shifter for shifting the phase of the modulated signal by 90 degrees. The output signal from the phase shifter is amplified and input to the drive for exciting the resonating mass, to thereby form a closed resonance loop for controlling the oscillation amplitude of the resonating mass.