Sensor Diagnostic Circuit for Channel Fault Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic systems for industrial machines struggle to accurately distinguish between the states of sensors and defects in communication channels, leading to erroneous determinations due to issues like short circuits or breaks in the circuit.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system with a detection circuit, input circuit, and diagnostic circuit that uses a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to generate reference signals for comparators, allowing for the identification of sensor and communication channel states based on voltage amplitude differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a simple voltage detection method is used to determine sensor states, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot accurately distinguish between sensor states and communication channel defects
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system is divided into multiple independent functional modules: detection circuit (with first and second detection channels), input circuit (with third and fourth detection channels), and diagnostic circuit. Each module has a specific function, allowing the system to complex diagnostic tasks to be broken down into manageable segments that can be implemented and maintained independently
Solution Approach 2:
A communication channel is introduced as an intermediary element between the detection circuit and input circuit. This intermediary allows the system to detect and diagnose faults in the communication path itself, distinguishing between sensor failures and communication channel defects by monitoring voltage signals transmitted through this intermediate medium
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection channels are used to improve diagnostic accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit and input circuit are designed with multiple detection channels (first, second, third, and fourth) that can detect different states of the sensor and communication channel. These channels serve multiple functions: detecting sensor on/off states, identifying communication channel defects, and providing redundant verification paths, thereby achieving comprehensive diagnostics without requiring entirely separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection circuit, input circuit, and diagnostic circuit into a single integrated diagnostic system. The multiple detection channels are merged into a unified architecture where signals from different channels are processed together to reach a diagnostic conclusion, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each detection function
3Reliability
If the system detects both sensor states and communication channel defects, then the reliability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection actions by continuously monitoring voltage signals at multiple points (detection circuit output, input circuit input, and communication channel) before actual faults occur or escalate. The detection circuit and input circuit are pre-configured with resistors and voltage sources that establish baseline voltage levels, allowing the system to detect deviations from normal operation and identify faults in both sensors and communication channels before they cause system failure
Data Source
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AI summary
A diagnostic system includes a detection circuit comprising a first impedance, a second impedance, a first input pin, a second input pin, a first output pin and a second output pin. The detection circuit is configured to receive an input signal via the first and the second input pins. The first impedance is configured to electrically couple the first input pin and the first output pin, and the second impedance is configured to electrically couple the first input pin with the second input pin and second output pin. The diagnostic system also includes a communication channel. The diagnostic system further includes an input circuit comprising a third input pin, a fourth input pin and a third output pin. The input circuit is configured to provide, via the third output pin, a voltage signal.