Two-Wire Ultrasonic Sensor Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensor systems for vehicle environment monitoring require multiple cables for power and signal transmission, leading to increased interference and reduced acoustic sound power due to passive architectures, and active sensors need energy and signal form transmission, complicating the design and increasing cable requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a remote sensor connected via a two-wire line for bidirectional signal transmission, using an amplifier with variable gain and high-pass/low-pass filters to transmit amplified signals and gain settings on the same line, allowing for reduced cable usage and low-interference data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used for power and signal transmission in active sensor systems, then signal transmission capability and power supply are improved, but device complexity and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply and signal transmission functions into a single two-wire connection. The transmission line serves dual purposes: providing power to the remote sensor and transmitting bidirectional signals (amplified sensor signals and gain control signals) between the sensor and control unit, thereby reducing cable complexity while maintaining reliable communication
Solution Approach 2:
The single transmission line performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a power supply line, an upward transmission line for amplified sensor signals, and a downward transmission line for gain control signals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cables for each function
2Device complexity
If passive sensor architecture is used, then cable requirements are reduced, but acoustic sound power and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sensor functionality by placing an active amplifier with variable gain directly in the remote sensor unit. This local amplification segment boosts the acoustic signal strength before transmission, compensating for the passive two-wire connection and enabling high acoustic sound power with minimal cabling
Solution Approach 2:
The remote sensor acts as an intermediary that receives power and control signals through the two-wire line, performs local signal amplification and processing, then transmits the amplified signals back through the same line. This intermediary function enables active sensing capabilities despite the passive connection architecture
3Reliability
If variable gain amplification is implemented in remote sensor, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where the control unit monitors the sensor signals and dynamically adjusts the gain of the remote amplifier via control signals transmitted through the two-wire line. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal signal integrity across varying operating conditions without requiring complex hardwired gain control
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier gain is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to different signal strength conditions. The gain control signals are transmitted bidirectionally over the same two-wire line, enabling real-time adjustment of amplification to maintain signal integrity without adding physical complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables robust, low-interference signal transfer with adjustable amplification, reducing cable requirements and maintaining signal integrity by using a single transmission line for both signal and power, while allowing for fast response times and simple gain control.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier with variable gain for amplifying the received signals
Implementation Method 2
the sensor has a first high-pass filter coupled to the amplifier and an adder
Implementation Method 3
the control and signal evaluation unit has a first low-pass filter coupled to a gain control of the control and signal evaluation unit
Implementation Method 4
the sensor has a first high-pass filter coupled to the amplifier and an adder
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for detecting analog signals, in particular for detecting surroundings, said device having a control and signal analyzing unit (101) and at least one sensor (102) with a signal receiving unit (104) for detecting received signals and an amplifier (105) for amplifying the received signals. The sensor (102) is connected to the control and signal analyzing unit (101) via one or more transmission lines (103, 106, 107). The amplification of the amplifier (105) can be modified, and the device is designed to transmit the received signals amplified by means of the amplifier (105) via the same transmission line (103) via which information for adjusting the amplification and/or the supply voltage of the sensor (102) is also transmitted simultaneously. The invention further relates to a method for operating the device (100) according to the invention and to a mobility aid which has the device according to the invention.