Ultrasonic Sensor Array Sliding Range Gate Window Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large area ultrasonic sensor systems with piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) face limitations due to the TFT layer's narrow pixel to pixel address and signal traces, leading to signal degradation and reduced current, especially in high-density PMUT arrays.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sliding range gate window (RGW) with controlled timing to compensate for temporal delays, allowing simultaneous output of receiver signals from a large number of pixels while maintaining alignment with returned acoustic signals, thereby reducing the load on TFT layer signal traces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large number of PMUTs are arranged in a high-density array to increase sensing area and resolution, then the sensing capability is improved, but the TFT layer's narrow pixel to pixel address and signal traces cause signal degradation and reduced current
Solution Approach 1:
The large PMUT array is divided into multiple smaller sub-arrays or groups that are activated sequentially rather than simultaneously. This segmentation allows the TFT layer to handle fewer active signals at any given time, reducing trace loading and signal degradation while maintaining the overall large sensing area capability
Solution Approach 2:
The PMUT array operates in periodic cycles where different groups of pixels are activated in sequence over time. By using time-division multiplexing with periodic activation patterns, the system maintains high-density array configuration while ensuring that the TFT layer is not overwhelmed by simultaneous signals from all pixels
2Productivity
If simultaneous output of receiver signals from a large number of pixels is implemented to improve productivity, then the sensing speed is improved, but the load on TFT layer signal traces increases causing signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple groups that output signals in sequential time slots rather than all simultaneously. This maintains high productivity by keeping the overall sensing cycle short while distributing the signal load across time, preventing TFT trace overload
Solution Approach 2:
Signal output from the pixel array is organized into periodic bursts corresponding to different pixel groups. Each group outputs signals in rapid succession during its designated time window, achieving high throughput while ensuring the TFT layer processes signals in manageable periodic batches rather than continuous overload
3Measurement precision
If temporal delays in signal transmission across the large array are compensated to maintain signal alignment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to sliding range gate window control
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and pre-configures the sliding range gate window timing parameters based on the known geometric arrangement of PMUT elements. By performing this timing compensation setup in advance rather than dynamically adjusting during operation, the patent achieves precise signal alignment while minimizing the complexity of real-time control mechanisms
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
This approach significantly reduces signal degradation and allows for simultaneous operation of a large number of PMUTs, enhancing the performance and accuracy of ultrasonic sensing systems by maintaining signal quality and alignment with acoustic signals.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric layer may convert vibrations caused by ultrasonic reflections into electrical output signals
Implementation Method 2
Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers are attractive candidates for such applications
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system and method for ultrasonic sensing, wherein an ultrasonic receiver array includes multiple ultrasonic sensor pixels, and each sensor pixel includes an ultrasonic receiver configured to read an ultrasonic signal. An ultrasonic transmitter array, composed of multiple elements, transmits ultrasonic signals which may be reflected from an object and received at the ultrasonic receivers, wherein a sensor controller applies excitation signals to the transmitter array with a temporal delay between excitation signals.