Safety-Critical Sensor Diagnostics with Timed Transient Signal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices in safety-critical applications lack effective diagnostic capabilities that can perform fast, non-intrusive diagnostics without disrupting the primary sensing function, especially in high-speed systems with complex signal processing chains.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a transient signal generator and coupling element that introduces a transient signal into the signal processing chain, allowing for error detection and calibration based on the timing relationship between synchronization and transient signals, using an electronic control unit for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional diagnostic methods are used in high-speed sensor systems, then diagnostic coverage can be comprehensive, but the diagnostic process interrupts the primary sensing function and causes significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic diagnostic actions by injecting test signals at specific intervals rather than continuously. The diagnostic system periodically activates the transient signal generator to inject test signals into the signal processing chain, allowing diagnostics to occur in scheduled bursts rather than continuously interrupting the sensing function. This periodic approach maintains diagnostic coverage while minimizing disruption to primary sensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic actions by injecting test signals before actual sensing operations that might be affected. The system proactively tests the signal processing chain integrity by introducing transient signals and verifying their proper propagation through the processing chain, ensuring the system is ready for accurate sensing without waiting for failures to occur.
2Productivity
If fast runtime diagnostics are implemented in high-speed systems, then minimal impact on sensing function is achieved, but diagnostic depth and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of test signals dynamically based on the diagnostic needs and system state. The transient signal generator can adjust signal characteristics such as amplitude, duration, and waveform shape to optimize both the speed of diagnostic execution and the depth of fault detection. This parameter flexibility allows the system to perform comprehensive diagnostics in shorter timeframes by adapting signal properties to specific testing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary test signal that mediates between the diagnostic requirements and the high-speed sensing operation. The transient signal acts as a probe that can reveal system integrity issues without directly interfering with the primary sensing function. By using this intermediary signal, the system can assess the health of the signal processing chain indirectly, maintaining both diagnostic depth and operational continuity.
3Reliability
If multiple sensing elements and signal processing chains are tested, then comprehensive fault identification is achieved, but system complexity and diagnostic overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into modular components, with each sensing element and signal processing chain tested independently through dedicated test signal injection points. The transient signal generator can target specific segments of the signal processing chain, allowing comprehensive testing of multiple elements without requiring a monolithic complex diagnostic system. This segmentation enables fault isolation to specific modules, reducing overall diagnostic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal diagnostic approach where a single transient signal generator and detection system can test multiple different sensing elements and signal processing chains. The diagnostic system is designed to be multi-functional, capable of injecting test signals at various points in the signal chain and detecting responses from different sensors, thereby reducing diagnostic overhead while maintaining comprehensive fault detection coverage across all system components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor system for safety-critical applications comprising at least one sensor device, which includes a sensor for measuring a physical parameter and generating a corresponding signal, a signal processing chain for processing this signal, and an interface for handling an external synchronization signal. The device also features a transient signal generator that produces a transient and a coupling element for introducing the transient signal into the signal processing chain's input such that the transient signal which is coupled to the signal processing chain has a predetermined relation with the synchronization signal. This configuration allows for the detection of errors within the sensor device and/or calibration of the sensor system by measuring the time difference between the synchronization signal and the detection moment of the transient signal.