Sensor IC Dual-Rate Data Transmission via PWM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems face limitations in rapidly updating data, particularly in communicating incremental changes in sensed parameters, which can lead to delayed response times and inefficiencies in processing sensor information.
Innovation Solution
The development of sensor integrated circuits (ICs) that transmit absolute data at a first rate and incremental data at a faster second rate, using techniques such as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and edge or pulse transitions to indicate changes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of incremental data resolution and communication of additional information without dedicated sensor connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sensor transmits absolute data periodically at a fixed rate, then the communication protocol is simple and reliable, but the data updating speed is slow and cannot respond quickly to changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transmission into two distinct types: absolute data transmitted at a lower rate for completeness, and incremental data transmitted at a higher rate for speed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast updating speeds through incremental data while maintaining protocol simplicity through the structured separation of data types with different transmission requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic transmission rates where incremental data is transmitted at a higher rate than absolute data. The system dynamically adjusts the transmission frequency based on the type of data being sent, allowing faster updates when only incremental changes occur while maintaining reliability through periodic absolute data transmission
2Speed
If the sensor uses a dedicated connection for incremental data, then the data transmission is fast and reliable, but the number of connections and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission of absolute data and incremental data into a single communication channel. By encoding both data types through PWM modulation on one output channel, the system achieves fast incremental data transmission without requiring separate dedicated connections, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining transmission speed
Solution Approach 2:
The single output channel is designed to serve multiple functions: transmitting both absolute position data and incremental change data, as well as providing error indications. This multi-functional use of a single connection eliminates the need for multiple dedicated lines while maintaining the speed and reliability of incremental data transmission
3Loss of information
If the sensor transmits only absolute data, then the data is complete and accurate, but the processing time is longer and the response to changes is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the essential incremental changes rather than complete absolute data at every update cycle. This partial transmission approach reduces processing time and enables faster response to changes while maintaining data completeness through periodic transmission of full absolute data to ensure no information is lost
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor integrated circuit (IC) includes a sensing element configured to sense a parameter associated with a target, a processor coupled to the sensing element and configured to generate a sensed signal indicative of the parameter associated with the target, and an output module coupled to receive the sensed signal. The output module is configured to transmit absolute data on a message line at a first rate and transmit incremental data on one or more index lines at a second rate, wherein the second rate is faster than the first rate, wherein the incremental data comprises data associated with changes in the absolute data and wherein an edge or a pulse is used to indicate an incremental change has occurred in the absolute data.