Sensor Time Synchronization via Adjustable Phase Registers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor data fusion systems face challenges in synchronizing data from multiple sensors due to asynchronous data output, which leads to errors in calculated target variables, especially when sensors have different data rates and phase shifts, and current synchronization methods like forced mode and external sync pins impose real-time requirements or increase costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a sensor system with external registers that allow the control unit to adjust and set the phase position and period of data samples, using a sample timer and sample counter for sub-sample accuracy, enabling precise synchronization of sensor data rates and phase alignment without subsequent synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors operate asynchronously with independent data rates, then sensor independence and flexibility are maintained, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates leading to errors in target variable calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit reads the sensor time from the sensor's internal clock and uses this feedback to calculate the time difference. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the sensor's data rate and phase by writing correction values to adjustment registers, creating a closed-loop synchronization system that maintains accuracy while preserving sensor independence
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the sensor (data rate and phase) dynamically based on the measured time difference. By adjusting these parameters through register writes, the system achieves synchronization without forcing the sensor to operate in a fixed mode, thus maintaining flexibility while improving accuracy
2Measurement precision
If forced mode synchronization is used, then synchronization control is improved, but real-time performance requirements increase beyond current system capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing full forced mode synchronization that would require the sensor to be completely controlled by the control unit (excessive action), the invention applies partial adjustment by only modifying the data rate and phase parameters through register writes. This partial action achieves sufficient synchronization control without imposing the heavy real-time burden of complete forced mode operation
3Measurement precision
If external synchronization pins are used, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the synchronization function from the physical domain (external pins and wiring) and implements it in the digital domain using the sensor's existing digital interface and internal clock. By taking out the external synchronization hardware requirement and replacing it with software-based time adjustment, the system achieves synchronization accuracy without increasing device complexity or cost
4Use of energy by moving object
If FIFO buffers are used for energy savings, then energy efficiency is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to readout time alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor's internal clock and timestamp mechanism act as an intermediary between the FIFO buffer operation and the control unit. Even though data is read asynchronously from the FIFO, the internal clock continuously tracks the actual data generation time, and this timestamp information is used to correct for the readout time alignment issues, maintaining accuracy while allowing energy-efficient FIFO operation
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor for capturing measurement values and outputting data samples, comprising at least one first register for storing a sensor time which includes time information on phase positions and/or periods of the data samples, said first register being externally readable. The invention is characterized in that the sensor contains at least one second register which is externally writable and by means of which the phase positions and/or periods of the data samples can be adjusted in the sensor. The invention also relates to a sensor system with at least one sensor according to the invention and an external control unit, by means of which at least the first register can be read and at least the second register can be written. The invention also relates to a combination sensor system comprising at least one sensor system according to the invention with at least two sensors according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the phase position and/or the periods of data samples in a sensor system according to the invention or a combination sensor system according to the invention.