Variable Voltage Source for Programmable Sensor Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voltage regulators in programmable devices often block programming signals and fail to provide the higher power levels required to enter programming mode, especially when devices are already installed and coupled to their voltage regulators.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a variable voltage source, such as a variable voltage regulator, coupled with a controller that adjusts the output voltage to allow programming signals to pass through, including a mechanism to increase the output voltage temporarily to enable programming of programmable sensors like Hall effect sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard voltage regulator is used to provide stable power to the programmable device, then the device operates reliably at normal voltage levels, but the regulator blocks programming signals and prevents the device from entering programming mode
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator is configured to dynamically switch between two operational states: a first voltage level for normal operation and a second higher voltage level for programming mode. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the regulator to adapt its behavior based on the desired operational state, enabling both reliable normal operation and programming capability through the same regulator component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter delivered by the regulator based on the operational mode required. By providing different voltage levels (first voltage for normal operation, second voltage for programming), the regulator can enable or disable programming capability without requiring a separate power supply, thus resolving the contradiction between stable power delivery and programming adaptability.
2Reliability
If the voltage regulator is configured to output a pre-determined maximum voltage for normal operation, then the device operates safely within specified parameters, but the regulator fails to provide the higher power level required to enter programming mode
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically adjusts its output voltage based on the operational mode. During normal operation, it maintains the pre-determined maximum voltage for safe operation. When programming is required, it transitions to providing a higher voltage level, thus enabling both safe normal operation and sufficient power for programming mode through a single dynamic component.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator is designed to perform multiple functions: providing stable voltage for normal device operation and providing higher voltage bursts for programming mode entry. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supplies for different operational states, allowing the same component to serve both safety and programming power requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, devices, sensors, and other implementations, including a programmable sensor system that includes a variable voltage source (“VVS”) to receive an external input voltage and provide a variable output voltage from the input voltage, the VVS configured to be controlled to adjust behavior of the VVS, and a programmable sensor coupled to an output of the VVS to receive the variable output voltage. The sensor is configured to be programmed when a programming voltage of at least a predetermined level is provided by the VVS to power the sensor, and to perform regular sensor operations when regular-operation voltage is provided by the VVS to power the sensor. The sensor system further includes a controller to cause controllable adjustment of the VVS to provide the programming voltage for a predetermined period of time to power the sensor so as to cause the sensor to be programmed.