Three-Terminal Sensor Memory Readout via Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors often require multiple external electrical terminals, which increases their size and manufacturing cost, making them less convenient for integration into physical systems, and lack efficient methods for data storage and readout.
Innovation Solution
A packaged sensor with three external electrical terminals that includes a power input, a ground terminal, and a sensor output terminal, featuring a sensing block and an adjustment block with memory for data storage and modulation, allowing for data readout using a serial polar return-to-zero format signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors use multiple external electrical terminals, then they can provide more functionality and data readout capability, but their size increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the sensor to operate in multiple modes through a single three-terminal interface. The sensor can function as a magnetic field sensor, store calibration data, store manufacturing test data, and perform both sensing and data readout operations all through the same power input terminal, ground terminal, and output terminal configuration. This eliminates the need for separate terminals for different functions, reducing sensor size while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a unified three-terminal architecture. The power input terminal serves dual purposes as both power supply and data input interface. The output terminal handles both sensing output and data readout. The memory block is integrated within the sensor package, combining storage functionality with the sensing elements. This consolidation reduces the number of external terminals needed while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors use multiple external electrical terminals, then they can provide more functionality and data readout capability, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the sensor to operate in multiple modes through a single three-terminal interface. The sensor can function as a magnetic field sensor, store calibration data, store manufacturing test data, and perform both sensing and data readout operations all through the same power input terminal, ground terminal, and output terminal configuration. This eliminates the need for separate terminals for different functions, reducing sensor size while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a unified three-terminal architecture. The power input terminal serves dual purposes as both power supply and data input interface. The output terminal handles both sensing output and data readout. The memory block is integrated within the sensor package, combining storage functionality with the sensing elements. This consolidation reduces the number of external terminals needed, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
3Volume of moving object
If sensors reduce external electrical terminals, then size decreases and manufacturing cost decreases, but data storage and readout capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the sensor to autonomously manage its own data storage and readout operations through integrated memory and processing capabilities. The adjustment block contains a memory block that can store calibration data and manufacturing test data. The sensor can read back stored data through the same three-terminal interface used for power and sensing, eliminating the need for additional terminals or external equipment for data retrieval. The sensor effectively serves its own data management needs independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a unified three-terminal architecture. The power input terminal serves dual purposes as both power supply and data input interface. The output terminal handles both sensing output and data readout. The memory block is integrated within the sensor package, combining storage functionality with the sensing elements. This consolidation reduces the number of external terminals needed, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If sensors reduce external electrical terminals, then assembly becomes easier, but data storage and readout functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the sensor to autonomously manage its own data storage and readout operations through integrated memory and processing capabilities. The adjustment block contains a memory block that can store calibration data and manufacturing test data. The sensor can read back stored data through the same three-terminal interface used for power and sensing, eliminating the need for additional terminals or external equipment for data retrieval. The sensor effectively serves its own data management needs independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the sensor to operate in multiple modes through a single three-terminal interface. The sensor can function as a magnetic field sensor, store calibration data, store manufacturing test data, and perform both sensing and data readout operations all through the same power input terminal, ground terminal, and output terminal configuration. This eliminates the need for separate terminals for different functions, reducing sensor size while maintaining versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces sensor size and cost while enabling efficient data storage and readout, facilitating easier integration into various systems and providing a convenient method for programming and retrieving stored data.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensing device situated in the package housing... providing an output signal that is related to a magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensing device
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged sensor having three external electrical terminals. The packaged sensor comprises a package housing, a power input terminal, a ground terminal, a sensing device, a sensor output terminal for providing an output signal that is related to a physical quantity sensed by the sensing device when the packaged sensor is operated in a sensing mode of operation and for providing a data readout signal related to stored data when the packaged sensor is operated in a data readout mode of operation, a sensing block coupled to the sensing device and to the sensor output terminal, and an adjustment block coupled to the power input terminal, coupled to the sensing block, coupled to the sensor output terminal, comprising a memory storing the stored data, and operable to modulate the data readout signal onto the sensor output terminal in response to a data readout command modulated onto the power input terminal.