Safe Position Measuring Apparatus Analog Digital Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position measuring systems face challenges in achieving functional safety while maintaining high measurement accuracy, particularly when using a single position measuring device, as they often rely on redundant systems to ensure safety and accuracy, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A scanning head with at least two individual sensors spaced apart to produce sine and cosine signals, where analog signal processing ensures functional safety and digital signal processing enhances measurement accuracy, allowing for safe and accurate position and speed measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two measuring devices are used per axis to provide redundant position information for safety functions, then functional safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into two separate processing paths within a single measuring device: an analog processing path that provides safe output signals for safety functions, and a digital processing path that provides highly accurate output signals for position determination. This segmentation allows the system to achieve functional safety without requiring multiple redundant measuring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single position measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates both safe output signals (analog sine/cosine signals) for safety-related position monitoring and highly accurate output signals (digitally processed signals) for precise position and speed determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate redundant systems.
2Measurement precision
If digital signal conditioning is used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but functional safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates signal processing into two distinct processing paths: an analog processing path that maintains functional safety by avoiding digital conditioning, and a digital processing path that enhances measurement accuracy. The analog path processes signals to generate safe output signals suitable for safety functions, while the digital path processes signals to generate highly accurate output signals for position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by generating two different types of output signals from the same sensor inputs: analog safe output signals that preserve functional safety characteristics, and digitally conditioned highly accurate output signals that provide enhanced measurement precision. This intermediary dual-output approach allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a single position measuring device is used instead of redundant systems, then device complexity is reduced, but functional safety and measurement accuracy cannot both be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The single position measuring device is designed with multi-functionality to simultaneously provide safe output signals for functional safety and highly accurate output signals for precise position determination. The device includes both analog processing components and digital processing components, allowing it to fulfill multiple roles that would traditionally require separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions into a single integrated measuring device: the analog signal processing path and the digital signal processing path are merged within one device structure. This combination achieves both functional safety and high measurement accuracy while reducing overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate devices.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single position measuring device is used instead of redundant systems, then cost is reduced, but functional safety and measurement accuracy cannot both be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The single position measuring device is designed with multi-functionality to simultaneously provide safe output signals for functional safety and highly accurate output signals for precise position determination. By integrating both analog and digital processing capabilities in one device, the system eliminates the need for multiple redundant devices, thereby reducing cost while maintaining both safety and accuracy requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning head for scanning a material measure on which markings with a period are formed periodically in the measuring direction includes at least two individual sensors configured to produce sensor signals by scanning the markings. The scanning head further includes a digital signal processing apparatus configured to produce at least one highly accurate output signal from the sensor signals. The scanning head is configured to output at least two different types of output signals. The at least two different types of output signals comprises at least one safe output signal and the at least one highly accurate output signal.