Sensor Controller Sync Signaling for Aligned Decimated Outputs
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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 operates 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
1Reliability
If timestamp-based synchronization is used to align sensor samples, then synchronization capability 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 entirely. Instead of using timestamp-based synchronization that requires accurate low-skew high-resolution timers, the invention uses a hardware solution where sensor controllers directly synchronize through a shared bus, eliminating the need for power-hungry timer circuits while maintaining synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based timestamp synchronization mechanism with a hardware-based synchronization approach. The sensor controllers use hardware logic to monitor sync signals and coordinate sample generation, substituting the mechanical timer system with a more efficient hardware control system that consumes less power.
2Manufacturing 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 master sensor controller generate sync signals in advance at the predetermined sampling rate before other controllers need to produce their samples. This allows non-master controllers to prepare their samples in advance and synchronize perfectly with the master controller, eliminating the need for interpolation and preventing sample loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sync signal as an intermediary mechanism between the master and non-master sensor controllers. This sync signal acts as a coordination mediator that enables precise synchronization without requiring interpolation, allowing all controllers to generate samples at the correct timing and avoiding sample loss and distortion.
3Measurement precision
If timers are used for synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex signal distribution circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex timer and signal distribution circuits from the system. By using a simpler hardware synchronization approach where controllers monitor sync signals on a shared bus, the invention eliminates the need for complex timer distribution infrastructure while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each sensor controller to autonomously monitor the sync signal and independently generate samples at the correct timing without requiring complex centralized control circuits. This decentralized approach reduces circuit complexity while maintaining precision.
4Reliability
If conventional synchronization methods are used, then basic synchronization is achieved, but mode switching speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor controller roles (master or non-master) dynamically switchable based on operational needs. The hardware logic allows rapid role transitions without the delays associated with software-based synchronization reconfiguration, enabling fast mode switching while maintaining synchronization reliability through the persistent hardware control architecture.
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.