Multi-Sensor Output Synchronization Without Timestamp Timers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal processing methods for synchronizing multiple sensor outputs in devices with multiple sensors are inefficient, often relying on costly and power-hungry timers, and can result in sample loss and distortion.
Innovation Solution
A hardware solution involving a sensor controller for each sensor, where one sensor controller acts as a master to generate a sync signal at a predetermined sampling rate, allowing other sensor controllers to synchronize and generate output values accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timestamp-based synchronization is used to align sensor samples, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and device cost increases due to requiring accurate low-skew high-resolution timers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the timer component from the synchronization system. Instead of using timestamp-based synchronization that requires accurate low-skew high-resolution timers, the invention uses a timer-less approach where sensor controllers directly synchronize their output samples through a shared bus protocol, eliminating the need for expensive timer hardware and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/timing-based synchronization system with a control-based system. Instead of relying on precise timer hardware and timestamp stamps, the invention uses controller coordination where the first sensor controller manages the synchronization timing and other controllers adjust their sampling accordingly, substituting hardware timing mechanisms with software/control logic.
2Measurement precision
If timestamp-based synchronization with interpolation is used, then sample alignment is improved, but sample loss occurs leading to distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first sensor controller determine the timing requirements and establish the synchronization protocol before other sensor controllers begin sampling. The first controller calculates when samples should be taken and communicates this timing information in advance, allowing other controllers to synchronize their sampling without losing samples or requiring interpolation.
3Device complexity
If multiple sensor controllers operate independently, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing and synchronization function into a single dedicated controller (the first sensor controller). Instead of each controller having independent timing hardware, the first controller consolidates the synchronization management, determining when samples should be taken and coordinating all other controllers through a shared bus, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes multiple sensors and, for each sensor, a respective sensor controller of multiple sensor controllers. Each sensor controller is configured to implement a respective decimation filter that is configured to generate a single output value from multiple input samples generated by a corresponding sensor of the multiple sensors. The system further includes a master sensor controller of the multiple sensor controllers, which is configured to generate a sync signal upon receiving a threshold number of input samples. Each sensor controller other than the master sensor controller is configured to monitor sync signals generated by the master sensor controller and to provide an output value generated from input samples upon determining that the master sensor controller generated a sync signal.