Sensor System Shared Conductor Multiplexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for determining physical variables, such as fill-level in containers, require increased effort for connecting and measuring between sensors and control units, and suffer from reduced measurement accuracy due to separate evaluation of temperature and sensor identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system where the control/evaluation unit drives both the temperature measuring element and sensor identifier via a shared conductor, using a temperature-dependent resistance and electrical blocking elements like diodes or field-effect transistors to read measurements efficiently, reducing the need for separate connections and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate evaluating circuits are provided for temperature measuring element and sensor identifier, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and connecting effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the evaluation of temperature measuring element and sensor identifier into a single evaluating circuit. The control unit alternates between reading the temperature sensor and the sensor identifier through multiplexing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through sequential evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluating circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can evaluate both the temperature measuring element and the sensor identifier using the same circuitry. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each sensing element, reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate evaluating circuits are provided for temperature measuring element and sensor identifier, then independent evaluation is achieved, but connecting and measuring effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaluation of temperature and sensor identifier into one unified evaluating circuit, reducing the number of connections required between sensor and control unit. This simplifies the connecting effort while maintaining the ability to independently evaluate both parameters through sequential measurement.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connections are made between sensor and control unit, then reliable data acquisition is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluating circuit is designed to handle multiple sensing functions through a single connection interface. It can sequentially and reliably evaluate both the temperature measuring element and the sensor identifier, ensuring data acquisition reliability while reducing the number of physical connections required.
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
This approach reduces the connecting and measuring effort between sensors and control units while improving measurement accuracy by allowing simultaneous and accurate determination of temperature and sensor type, leading to more efficient and precise data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
provided in the sensor are a temperature measuring element for determining temperature... a temperature-dependent resistance and, in series with the temperature-dependent resistance, an electrical blocking element
Implementation Method 2
an identifying resistance with a resistance value depending on the type of sensor... in series with the identifying resistance, in each case, an electrical blocking element
Implementation Method 3
at least one electrical blocking element is provided in the temperature measuring element and/or in the sensor identifier... The two blocking elements are mutually opposed, in that their forward-current directions are oppositely directed
Implementation Method 4
The blocking element comprises a field-effect transistor, or a unipolar transistor
Implementation Method 5
the respectively applied positive or negative voltage forms, via the two conductors of the cable, a voltage divider with the corresponding series resistance and the sensor identifier or the temperature measuring element
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for determining a physical, measured variable, and includes a sensor and a control/evaluation unit, which are spatially separated from one another and electrically conductively connected via a cable having at least two conductors, wherein provided in the sensor are a temperature measuring element for determining temperature and a sensor identifier for sensor identification. The control/evaluation unit drives the temperature measuring element and the sensor identifier via a shared conductor with a positive voltage or a negative voltage, and, depending on the applied voltage, reads a temperature measured value of the temperature element or an identifying value of the sensor identifier.