Sensor Trigger Timing Adaptation for PWM Frequency Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensor systems operating in synchronous mode face performance degradation due to PWM frequency variation, leading to non-deterministic trigger behavior and potential loss of sensor data values, especially at frequencies of 20 kHz or higher.

Innovation Solution

Sensors in synchronous mode adjust sampling points and transmit latency compensation information to adapt to PWM frequency variations, maintaining synchronization by predicting trigger points and compensating for delay deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the sensor operates in synchronous mode at high PWM frequencies (20 kHz or higher), then the data transmission speed and system responsiveness are improved, but the trigger behavior becomes non-deterministic and sensor data values may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidtrigger behavior determinism

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor dynamically adjusts its internal trigger level value based on measured time intervals between consecutive triggers. This allows the sensor to adapt to PWM frequency variations and maintain deterministic behavior even at high frequencies. The dynamic adjustment of the trigger level compensates for timing variations and prevents data loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the actual time interval between triggers and using this information to adjust the internal trigger level for subsequent operations. This feedback loop ensures that the sensor maintains accurate synchronization with the PWM signal despite frequency variations, preserving trigger determinism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the sensor predicts trigger points to maintain synchronous operation, then the synchronization accuracy is improved, but the complexity of timing prediction and adjustment mechanisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidtiming prediction mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs preliminary actions by measuring the time interval between consecutive triggers and calculating the appropriate internal trigger level before the next trigger occurs. This advance preparation allows the sensor to be ready for synchronous operation without complex real-time prediction mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor adjusts sampling points to adapt to PWM frequency variations, then the adaptability to frequency changes is improved, but the computational overhead for calculating delay latency and adjusting sampling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency variation adaptabilityVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor changes its operational parameters by adjusting the internal trigger level value based on measured time intervals. This parameter adjustment allows the sensor to adapt to PWM frequency variations efficiently. The calculation involves simple time interval measurements and comparisons rather than complex computations, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12438791B2Adaptation to a pulse width modulation frequency variation for a sensor operating in a synchronous mode

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

In some implementations, a sensor may determine a delay latency value associated with an amount of time from completion of a set of sensor tasks to an actual time of reception of a trigger to selectively transmit or sample sensor data. The sensor may calculate a deviation of the delay latency value from a target delay latency. The sensor may transmit a data frame including an indication associated with the deviation of the delay latency value from the target delay latency.