Ultrasonic Sensor Data Transmission via Voltage and Current Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensor systems face limitations in data transmission rates and internal interference due to existing digital bus technologies like LIN and PSI5, which are not optimized for ultrasonic measurement systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines voltage-modulated and current-modulated data transmission using a modified PSI5 data bus interface, allowing for bidirectional, fully digital communication at higher rates (up to 378 kbaud/s) with reduced self-interference, enabling efficient data transfer of ultrasonic echo information and features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LIN bus is used for data transmission, then wiring harness can be simplified, but data transmission rate is limited to 20 kbit/s
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage-modulated transmission (for commands from control unit to sensor) and current-modulated transmission (for data from sensor to control unit) into a single bidirectional communication interface, merging the advantages of LIN bus simplicity with PSI5 bus high-speed capability
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage-modulated command transmission, current-modulated data transmission, and bidirectional communication, allowing a single interface to replace multiple separate connections
2Speed
If PSI5 bus is used for data transmission, then data transmission rate increases to 189 kbit/s, but self-interference during measurement increases due to high modulation current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different modulation methods to different transmission directions: voltage-modulation for control unit to sensor transmission and current-modulation for sensor to control unit transmission, optimizing each direction for its specific requirements while minimizing interference
Solution Approach 2:
The communication protocol uses periodic synchronization pulses and structured data frames with specific timing, allowing the system to manage transmission cycles in a way that minimizes interference with ultrasonic measurement operations
3Productivity
If bidirectional communication is implemented on the same data bus, then communication efficiency improves, but internal interference during simultaneous communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface dynamically switches between voltage-modulated and current-modulated transmission modes depending on the direction of data flow, allowing flexible adaptation to different communication requirements while minimizing interference
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol ensures continuous synchronization through regular SYNC pulses and maintains steady communication flow with structured data frames, preventing gaps or conflicts that could cause interference during bidirectional communication
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 enhances data transmission rates, reduces internal interference, and simplifies the design, allowing for faster object detection and more efficient ultrasonic sensor operation with lower costs and higher precision, while maintaining reliable communication.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor emits an ultrasonic pulse and measures the reflection of the ultrasonic pulse caused by an object, i.e. its echoes. The distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object is calculated using the measured runtime of the echo and the speed of sound.
Implementation Method 2
The distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object is calculated using the measured runtime of the echo and the speed of sound.
Implementation Method 3
data is current-modulated from the sensor to the control unit
Implementation Method 4
data is voltage-modulated from the control unit to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a sensor system, in particular an ultrasound sensor system, comprising at least one ultrasound sensor and at least one control device. Data is transmitted in a current-modulated manner from the at least one ultrasound sensor to a control device. Data is transmitted in a voltage-modulated manner from the control device to the at least one ultrasound sensor.