Sensor Error Reporting Below Power Supply Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in transmitting error information from sensors to control apparatuses using two-wire lines, where error detection is crucial for safety but is hindered by high power consumption and inability to define signal states outside normal operation, leading to unreliable measurement data and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects errors in sensors, switches off energy-consuming components, and transmits error information at a minimum energy level, allowing differentiation from measurement data, with options to suppress measurement pulse transmission, restart sensors, and store errors in non-volatile memory to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error information is transmitted using signal states outside normal usage range, then error detection capability is improved, but power consumption becomes unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor adapts its operational state dynamically based on error conditions. During normal operation, the sensor maintains standard signal levels for measurement data transmission. When an error is detected, the sensor dynamically switches to an error reporting mode where energy-consuming components are switched off and error information is transmitted using signal states below the minimum power supply level, thus resolving the contradiction between error detection capability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal parameter levels to convey error information. Instead of using signal states outside the normal usage range that would require higher power, the invention uses signal states below the minimum power supply level by switching off energy-consuming components. This parameter change allows error transmission while maintaining acceptable power consumption within the two-wire line constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If two-wire lines are used for both power supply and data transmission, then cost is reduced, but the ability to transmit error information reliably is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The two-wire line serves multiple functions: it provides power supply to the sensor and transmits both measurement data and error information. The invention makes the communication line universal by enabling it to carry different types of information (normal measurement data and error signals) using the same physical medium, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while achieving reliable error transmission through differentiated signal states.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using signal states above the normal range for error reporting (which would increase power consumption), the invention inverts the approach by using signal states below the minimum power supply level. This is achieved by switching off energy-consuming components during error reporting, allowing error information to be transmitted reliably through the same two-wire line without requiring additional wires or increasing power consumption.
3Loss of information
If energy-consuming components are kept on during error state, then measurement information can be captured, but power consumption increases and error transmission becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the error reporting function from the normal measurement information capture process. When an error is detected, the sensor switches off energy-consuming components that are needed for measurement information capture, and instead transmits error information using the remaining operational circuitry. This separation allows the system to prioritize error transmission over measurement capture during error states, resolving the contradiction between information capture and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor operates in periodic cycles, switching between normal measurement mode and error reporting mode. During normal operation, components are on and measurement information is captured. When an error occurs, the sensor periodically switches to error reporting mode, turns off energy-consuming components, and transmits error information. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing both measurement capture and error transmission at different times.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting error information of a sensor, in a signal exchanged between the sensor and a master receiver, said signal being designed with a minimum level for supplying electric power to the sensor and carrying measurement data. One disclosed method involves identifying the error in the sensor; switching off a component of the sensor consuming electric power; and transmitting the error information at an error level lying below the minimum level.