Sensor Signal Encoding for Decentralized Electrical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital communication systems in decentralized electrical systems, such as those in automobiles, face challenges with separate clock and select signal lines, which increase costs and introduce electromagnetic interference issues, particularly with Manchester encoding requiring high frequencies and dedicated circuits, and lack efficient methods for encoding and decoding data using typical peripheral elements.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where a sensor transmits and receives signals using a pulse width modulated data signal format, with a synchronization signal embedded within the data transmission, allowing for synchronization and data recovery without separate clock lines, and enabling communication over a single or dual communication path with high tolerance to time base differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate clock and select signal lines are used to provide bus ability, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clock signal and data transmission into a single communication path by encoding the time base information within the transmitted data stream itself, eliminating the need for separate clock lines while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single communication path serves multiple functions: it transmits both data and timing information bidirectionally, allowing the same line to function as both clock and data carrier for multiple components
2Device complexity
If Manchester encoding is used to eliminate separate clock lines, then device complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic interference increases due to high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the encoding parameters by using variable-length pulse widths to represent data bits instead of fixed-frequency Manchester encoding, allowing slower transmission rates that reduce electromagnetic interference while still eliminating separate clock lines
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulse transmissions with variable widths rather than continuous high-frequency signaling, reducing electromagnetic interference through pulsed rather than continuous operation
3Device complexity
If Manchester encoding is used, then separate clock lines are eliminated, but dedicated circuits are required for encoding and decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting component generates its own timing references from the received signal, and the receiving component extracts timing information from the transmitted data, allowing typical peripheral elements to perform encoding and decoding without dedicated circuits
4Device complexity
If a single communication path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time base synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional communication where each component transmits timing reference information that the other component uses to synchronize its time base, creating a mutual feedback mechanism that achieves precise synchronization over a single communication path
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor comprises a transmitter to transmit signals over a communication path, the sensor further capable to receive signals from the communication path, wherein the sensor is configured to communicate sensor data having a nibble data signal format at the transmitter in response to a trigger signal received at the sensor.