Universal Position Detection Platform Using FPGA Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensing technologies like synchros, resolvers, LVDTs, and RVDTs require multiple tailored converters for different implementation specifications, leading to increased complexity, costs, and limited applicability, as well as challenges in calibration and test due to hardware-specific designs.
Innovation Solution
A digital position detection and simulation platform with programmable logic and software-configurable interfaces, using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and commercial off-the-shelf components, supports a wide range of configurations and interfaces for synchros, resolvers, LVDTs, and RVDTs, enabling flexible operation across various applications without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hardware-tailored converters are used for specific implementation specifications, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal converter design that can handle multiple synchro, resolver, LVDT, and RVDT implementations through software configuration rather than hardware tailoring. The converter uses programmable logic and configurable parameters to adapt to different implementation specifications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized hardware variants while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter allows dynamic adjustment of electrical parameters such as voltage, frequency, and wiring configuration through software settings. This enables the same hardware platform to be configured for different implementation specifications by changing operational parameters rather than physical components, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware-tailored converters are designed for each unique implementation, then adaptability to specific applications is improved, but productivity and development cycles deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A single converter platform is designed to support multiple synchro, resolver, LVDT, and RVDT implementations through software configuration. This universal approach eliminates the need to design, test, and manufacture separate hardware variants for each implementation specification, significantly improving productivity while maintaining full adaptability to different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software models and digital representations of different transducer implementations rather than physical hardware copies. Each implementation specification is represented by configurable parameters and software settings, allowing the converter to adapt to different applications through software configuration rather than physical replication, thus accelerating development cycles.
3Measurement precision
If hardware tailoring is implemented for different wire implementations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The converter implements a unified sensing circuit design that can handle 4-wire, 5-wire, and 6-wire implementations through software configuration. Rather than manufacturing different hardware variants for each wire configuration, the system uses a single universal circuit with configurable parameters that adapt to different wiring schemes, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining signal detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter adjusts its operational parameters and signal processing algorithms based on the configured wire implementation type. This allows the same hardware to achieve measurement precision for different wire configurations by changing software-controlled parameters such as excitation voltage, sampling rate, and signal conditioning, eliminating the need for specialized hardware for each wire type.
Data Source
AI summary
A position detection and simulation platform includes software configurable logic and programmable inputs and outputs to support software configuration only changes for use with a variety of position feedback devices including synchros, resolvers, linear variable differential transformers, and rotary variable differential transformers. The platform provides support for all of these devices without making hardware changes to the platform; all changes are accomplished through software programming of configurable registers and logic devices. In this way the platform can universally be applied to applications that require interfacing to any of the supported devices. Additionally, the platform can be reconfigured through software to provide complete simulation of any of the supported devices.