Sensor Channel Diagnostics for Low-Load Safety Data Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor arrangements for safety-critical applications require significant computational resources and data transmission due to client-side cross-checks of sensor data, leading to increased hardware and software demands on the data processing unit.
Innovation Solution
The sensor arrangement includes a data processing unit connected to a sensor unit with at least two sensor channels, where one channel has a diagnostic unit to generate and transmit diagnostic information, reducing the computational load on the data processing unit by performing checks within the sensor channels and minimizing data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the data processing unit retrieves and compares sensor data from multiple sensor channels, then safety-critical data verification is ensured, but the computational load on the data processing unit increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic function is extracted from the data processing unit and relocated to a sensor channel (specifically the second sensor channel). The sensor channel now includes a diagnostic unit that performs cross-checks locally, generating diagnostic information that is transmitted to the data processing unit. This extraction reduces the computational burden on the data processing unit while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A diagnostic unit is introduced as an intermediary component within the sensor channel architecture. This diagnostic unit acts as a mediator that performs data verification between the sensor channels and the data processing unit, generating diagnostic information that confirms data integrity without requiring the data processing unit to perform complex comparisons.
2Reliability
If multiple sets of sensor data are transmitted from sensor channels to the data processing unit, then complete data verification is enabled, but the communication bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data verification function is extracted from the data processing unit and implemented within the sensor channel's diagnostic unit. This allows the system to transmit only the verified sensor data along with compact diagnostic information, rather than transmitting multiple complete data sets for verification, thereby reducing communication bandwidth requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the data processing unit performs cross-checks of sensor data, then data accuracy is verified, but the response time increases due to additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic unit performs cross-checks and generates diagnostic information in advance, before the data processing unit receives the sensor data. This preliminary verification action ensures that when the data processing unit receives the data, the accuracy has already been confirmed, reducing the overall response time while maintaining verification capability.
4Reliability
If the data processing unit is designed to handle multiple data sets and perform comparisons, then comprehensive verification is achieved, but the hardware and software requirements become more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The verification functionality is extracted from the data processing unit and implemented in the diagnostic unit within the sensor channel. This reduces the hardware and software requirements of the data processing unit, as it no longer needs to perform complex comparisons and handle multiple data sets, while verification completeness is maintained through the diagnostic unit's cross-check capabilities.
5Productivity
If sensor data is transmitted without prior verification, then communication efficiency is improved, but data reliability cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic unit performs verification actions in advance, generating diagnostic information that confirms data reliability before transmission to the data processing unit. This preliminary verification enables efficient communication of verified data without sacrificing reliability, as the diagnostic information accompanies the transmitted data.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic unit provides feedback in the form of diagnostic information that confirms the reliability of sensor data before it is transmitted to the data processing unit. This feedback mechanism ensures data reliability while maintaining communication efficiency, as only verified data with accompanying diagnostic information is transmitted.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor arrangement for safety-critical applications comprises a data processing unit connected to a sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises at least two sensor channels for acquiring first and second sensor data and at least one diagnostic unit for generating diagnostic information based on the first and second sensor data. A first sensor channel of the at least two sensor channels does not comprise a diagnostic unit, and a second sensor channel of the at least two sensor channels comprises a diagnostic unit. The first and/or second sensor channel is configured and designed to transmit the diagnostic information to the data processing unit. The first and/or second sensor channel is configured and designed to transmit the first sensor data or the second sensor data to the data processing unit.In particular, the diagnostic unit of the second sensor channel can be configured and designed to transmit the first sensor data or the second sensor data to the data processing unit.