Multi-Sensor Round-Robin Sensing Through Shared MEMS Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MEMS sensor systems face challenges in efficiently processing multiple sensor types on shared processing circuitry, leading to increased area and power consumption without sacrificing sensor accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a round robin processing method where MEMS sensor outputs from multiple sensors are processed on shared circuitry, utilizing known phase and frequency information to schedule access and minimize interference, with active and inactive guard bands to optimize measurement and evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple MEMS sensor types are processed on shared processing circuitry, then area and power consumption are reduced, but measurement accuracy and sensor reliability deteriorate due to interference between sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing of different MEMS sensor types into distinct time intervals called guard bands. Each sensor type (accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) is measured during its dedicated guard band period, preventing simultaneous interference. This temporal segmentation allows multiple sensors to share the same processing circuitry while maintaining measurement accuracy by eliminating cross-sensor interference during each measurement phase.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If multiple MEMS sensor types are processed on shared processing circuitry, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by organizing sensor measurements into repeating cycles of guard bands. Each guard band is a periodic time interval dedicated to measuring a specific sensor type. This periodic structure allows the processing circuitry to efficiently switch between different sensors in a predictable pattern, reducing power consumption through duty-cycling while ensuring each sensor receives undisturbed measurement time to maintain accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If guard band intervals are used to separate sensor measurements, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement frequency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing guard bands only during transition periods between different sensor measurements, rather than continuously separating all measurements. The guard bands are strategically placed to provide just enough separation to prevent interference, allowing measurements to proceed as frequently as possible within the constraints of preventing cross-talk. This optimized approach maintains measurement accuracy while maximizing measurement frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A round robin MEMS sensor system includes multiple sensor types connected to a shared sense path in which measurement and evaluation operations are performed in a round robin fashion. Signals corresponding to movement of a proof mass are selectively provided to measurement circuitry, and in turn, the output of the measurement circuitry is selectively provided to the evaluation circuitry. The timing of these operations is optimized such that numerous MEMS sensor and other sensor outputs can be evaluated through the common sense path without sacrificing sensor accuracy or speed.