Programmed method and apparatus for quadrature output sensors
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Abstract
A sensor is provided in one illustrative embodiment that includes a microcontroller that executes a program that generates quadrature output signals that indicate the change in a parameter being measured. As an example, the sensor could comprise a linear position transducer. The quadrature output signals can comprise square wave signals that are ninety degrees out of phase, each transition of the signals representing a unit of change in position of the measured mass. According to another aspect, the quadrature signals can be placed into phase with one another to indicate an error condition. In another aspect, user inputs can be provided to allow the user to select parameters such as frequency, update rate, and/or resolution. Moreover, at least one of the sensor inputs can be utilized to load calibration factor data for the sensor.
58 Citations
20 Claims
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1-4. -4. (canceled)
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5. A method in a sensor for generating incremental output signals indicating the change in a parameter, the method comprising:
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providing a signal representing the value of the parameter using a program to determine a number of transitions to provide based upon the change in the value of the parameter; and
using the program to switch at least one incremental output signal based upon the number of transitions determined, such that the number of transitions in the incremental output signal represents the change in parameter. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A storage medium having executable instructions for performing a method for generating quadrature output signals indicating the change in a measured parameter, the method comprising:
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determining a transition count based upon the change in the measured parameter;
determining the direction of the change in the parameter; and
generating a pair of quadrature pulse signals such that the number of transitions in the quadrature pulse signals is substantially equal to the transition count, and such that the phase of the pulse signals is offset based upon the direction determined. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for providing output signals in a quadrature output device, the method comprising:
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providing a measurement signal indicating the value of a measured parameter;
generating a pair of signals having a number of transitions, wherein the number of transitions in the signals is proportional to the change in measurement signal;
detecting whether an error has occurred; and
if an error has occurred, causing a simultaneous transition of the pair of signals. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A method for providing output signals from a sensor, the method comprising:
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receiving at least one input from a user indicating a user selection;
modifying a program setting based upon the user selection;
determining the value of a measurement parameter; and
using the program, generating a pair of signals having a number of transitions, the number of transitions in the signals having a relation to the measured parameter. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method for calibrating a sensor, the method comprising:
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testing the sensor to determine calibration factor data;
connecting a calibration device to at least one sensor input that is normally used to receive a command signal from an external control device; and
loading calibration factor data from the calibration device over the at least one sensor input. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20-24. -24. (canceled)
Specification