Sensor Chain Conversion Timing to Prevent SPDC Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous sensor parameter conversions in a chain of sensor devices can cause a significant drop in voltage on a shared power and data connection (SPDC), leading to communication errors due to increased current draw, which existing solutions attempt to mitigate with additional components and circuitry, but these solutions are costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Each sensor device in the chain determines its index position and calculates a staggered start time for parameter sensing and conversion, ensuring that no more than a predetermined number (e.g., two) convert simultaneously, thereby maintaining a stable voltage on the SPDC without the need for additional components or circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If simultaneous parameter conversions are performed by all sensor devices in the chain, then conversion speed and productivity are improved, but voltage drop on the SPDC increases causing communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous conversion process into staggered time slots based on device index position. Each sensor device performs conversion at a different time offset, dividing the bulk operation into manageable segments that prevent excessive current draw while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling conversions in regular time intervals determined by the formula: conversion_start_time = base_time + (device_index × time_offset). This periodic staggering ensures that conversions are distributed evenly over time, preventing voltage drops while maintaining systematic operation.
2Reliability
If additional components and circuitry are added to mitigate voltage drop, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having each sensor device autonomously determine its own conversion timing based on its index position and the prescribed time offset formula. Each device independently schedules its conversion without requiring external control signals or additional timing circuitry, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of conversion operation from simultaneous to staggered timing. By modifying the time parameter according to the formula (conversion_start_time = base_time + (device_index × time_offset)), the system achieves voltage stability without adding physical components, thus improving reliability while keeping device complexity low.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional components and circuitry are added to mitigate voltage drop, then voltage stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device area increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor device autonomously implements voltage stability by independently calculating its conversion start time based on its index position and the time offset formula. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional voltage regulation components, maintaining voltage stability while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves voltage stability by changing the operational timing parameter rather than adding physical components. The formula (conversion_start_name = base_name + (device_name × time_offset)) distributes current draw over time, stabilizing voltage without requiring additional circuitry, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
In examples, a sensor device is adapted to be coupled, by a shared power and data connection (SPDC), to other sensor devices in a chain of sensor devices. The sensor device comprises a sensor to sense a parameter, a counter, and a controller coupled to the sensor and the counter. The controller is configured to determine, based on an index position of the sensor device, a time that is to elapse between receipt of a command to convert the sensed parameter to a digital code and a conversion of the sensed parameter to the digital code. The controller is configured to, responsive to receipt of the command, set the counter to the time. The controller is configured to convert the sensed parameter to the digital code upon the counter indicating that the time has elapsed.