Single wire analog output sensor architecture
AssigneeMicrochip Technology Incorporated
InventorsGe Wang, Ezana H. Aberra, Ronaldo Francisco, Chi Lung Wong
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A analog integrated sensor device has an interface with only a single ground line and a single signal line configured to receive power and output an analog value. A power capacitor is coupled between the ground line and the single signal line. An analog sensor circuitry is operable to be powered by the power capacitor and further operable to output an analog output signal on the single signal line once the power capacitor has bee charged sufficiently.
Claims25
A analog integrated sensor device comprising:
- an interface with only two connecting lines including a ground line and a signal line, wherein the signal line is configured to receive power and to output an analog value;
- a power capacitor coupled between the ground line and the signal line and configured to be charged when a supply voltage is fed to the signal line during a charging time period;
- analog sensor circuitry operable to be powered by the power capacitor and further operable to output an analog output signal on the signal line during an output time period once the power capacitor has been charged sufficiently.
A analog integrated sensor device comprising:
- an interface with only two connections coupled with a first and second external pin, wherein the first and second external pins are configured to be coupled with a ground line and a signal line, respectively, wherein power and an analog value are transmitted via the signal line;
- a third external pin for connection of an external power capacitor, wherein the external capacitor is coupled between the ground line and the single signal line;
- analog sensor circuitry operable to be powered by the power capacitor and further operable to output an analog output signal through the second external pin on the signal line once the power capacitor has been charged sufficiently.
A method for operating an integrated sensor device through an interface having only two lines, wherein one line is a ground connection and the other line is a signal line, the method comprising the steps:
- applying a supply voltage to the signal line by a controller coupled with the integrated sensor device through the interface for a predetermined time;
- performing an analog sensor measurement within the integrated sensor device;
- outputting an analog sensor signal on the signal line by the integrated sensor device;
- measuring the analog sensor signal by the controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.