Vehicle Sensor Output Interface for Post-Assembly Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating sensors in vehicles after assembly increase complexity due to the need for additional communication pathways, such as dedicated pins or CAN communication channels.
Innovation Solution
The use of an existing interface between the sensor and the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, where a transistor in the sensor interface circuitry is activated to electrically couple the sensor output to either ground or a voltage source outside the sensor's output voltage range, and a calibration code is transmitted to initiate and verify the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional communication pathways such as dedicated pins or CAN communication channels are used for sensor calibration, then the calibration can be performed after vehicle assembly, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing sensor output interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its primary function (signal output) and a secondary function (calibration command reception and execution). The sensor output line is repurposed to also carry calibration initiation signals from the ECU, eliminating the need for dedicated calibration communication pathways while maintaining calibration capability after vehicle assembly.
2Extent of automation
If the sensor output is electrically coupled to ground or external voltage during calibration, then the calibration can be initiated, but this may interfere with the sensor's normal output voltage range
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU proactively initiates the calibration sequence by electrically coupling the sensor output to ground or an external voltage source before the sensor generates its normal output signal. This preliminary action prepares the sensor for calibration mode, ensuring that the calibration command is delivered through the output line before any conflicting voltage is present. After calibration, the ECU restores the normal voltage coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and related methods for vehicle sensor calibration are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a sensor including an output; sensor interface circuitry including a transistor, the sensor interface circuitry communicatively coupled to the output; and processor circuitry communicatively coupled to the sensor via the sensor interface circuitry. The processor circuitry is to cause the transistor to activate to electrically couple the output to one of (a) a ground potential or (b) a voltage source associated with a voltage different than a voltage corresponding to an output voltage range of the sensor; and cause a code to be transmitted to the sensor. The sensor is to perform a calibration in response to the electrical coupling of the output to the ground potential or the voltage source and receipt of the code.