Auto-address multi-sensor network
OwnerColm Boran, Myron Senyk +2inventors
InventorsColm Boran, Myron Senyk, David Eiswerth, Thomas Kelly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sensor network and method of initializing the sensor network is shown. The network includes a receiver and sensor assemblies each having a first and second pin. The receiver and the sensor assemblies are connected in a daisy chain type configuration. Based on the amount of current passing from the first pin to the second pin of each sensor assembly, the sensor assemblies determine a discrete time signal window to output a current modulated signal to the receiver.
Claims27
A sensor network for a motor vehicle, the sensor network comprising:
- a receiver having an output;
- a first sensor assembly having a first pin and a second pin, the first pin being connected to the output of the receiver, whereby a first current will be provided to the first pin of the first sensor assembly from the output of the receiver;
- a second sensor assembly having a first pin connected to the second pin of the first sensor assembly and a second pin, whereby a second current, being a fraction of the first current, will be provided to the first pin of the second sensor assembly from the second pin of the first sensor assembly;
- the receiver being configured to provide a synchronization pulse to the first and second sensor assemblies;
- and
- the first and second sensor assemblies each being configured to determine a discrete time signal window for data transmission based on the amount of current passing from the first pin to the second pin and output data to the receiver during the discrete time signal window triggered by the synchronization pulse.
A method for initializing a sensor assembly for a motor vehicle, connected to a daisy chain network and having a first pin and a second pin, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a current passing from the first pin to the second pin;
- measuring the amount of current passing from the first pin to the second pin;
- determining a discrete time signal window to output a sensor signal to the first pin based on the amount of current passing from the first pin to the second pin.
A sensor assembly for a motor vehicle configured for use in a daisy chain sensor network, the sensor assembly comprising:
- a first pin and a second pin;
- a sensor configured to output a sensor signal;
- a current monitor configured to output a current value based on the amount of current passing from the first pin to the second pin;
- an output control device configured to determine a time signal window for data transmission based on the current value and output a current modulated signal based on the sensor signal to the first pin during the time signal window referenced by a synchronization pulse.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.