Sensor Controller Sync Signaling for Multi-Sensor Sample Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal synchronization methods for devices with multiple sensors are inefficient, relying on costly and power-hungry high-resolution timers, which can lead to sample loss and distortion, and require complex circuits that are prone to inaccuracies.
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 controllers to store or generate output values based on this signal, reducing the need for complex timing circuits and minimizing sample loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timestamp-based synchronization with high-resolution timers is used, then synchronization precision is improved, but power consumption increases and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the high-resolution timer and its associated distribution circuits from the system. Instead of using timestamp-based synchronization that requires these components, the invention uses a simplified sync signal generated directly by the sensor controllers themselves, eliminating the need for power-hungry timing infrastructure while maintaining synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor controller generates and monitors its own synchronization signals without requiring external timing infrastructure. The master sensor controller autonomously generates sync signals based on its internal sampling rate, and non-master controllers autonomously respond to these signals, creating a self-sufficient synchronization system that doesn't depend on costly external timers.
2Measurement precision
If timestamp-based synchronization with high-resolution timers is used, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex timer distribution circuitry from the system. By using sensor controllers that directly generate and monitor sync signals based on their internal sampling rates, the invention eliminates the need for sophisticated external timing circuits, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor controllers perform multiple functions: they sense environmental data, generate synchronization signals, and respond to synchronization signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated timing circuits, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving precise synchronization.
3Reliability
If conventional synchronization methods are used, then synchronization is achieved, but sample loss occurs leading to data distortion
Solution Approach 1:
Non-master sensor controllers continuously monitor the sync signal and prepare their output samples in advance, ensuring they are ready to be output at the correct synchronization points. This preliminary preparation prevents sample loss by ensuring samples are captured and buffered before the sync signal triggers output, maintaining data integrity without requiring complex interpolation or recovery mechanisms.
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.