High-resolution optical encoder with phased-array photodetectors
First Claim
1. A sensor device comprising:
- an array of a plurality of photodetectors that receive energy from a beam of electromagnetic energy, said photodetectors operative to output signals indicating detection of energy from said beam; and
a mode selection circuit communicatively coupled to said array of photodetectors, wherein said mode selection circuit is operable to select a first mode in which each of said detectors independently provides a signal, said mode selection circuit being operable to select a second mode in which at least two of said photodetectors are grouped to provide a signal.
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Abstract
Embodiments of high-resolution optical encoders having phased-array photodetectors and integrated on semiconductor chips. Emitters, detectors, and encoders disks are described which can be easily produced with semiconductor processes, such as a detector array provided with lens to collimate light and enhance detection. Integrated sensor chips include an array of photodetectors that receive energy from a beam emitted from an emitter and modulated by an encoder disk, analog-to-digital converters, state machines, counters, a communication module, a sensor processing unit, and a force computation unit. One embodiment includes low resolution and high resolution modes and an emitter controlled by sensor circuitry. A detector for an optical encoder can be provided on a single chip that includes a first array of photodetectors used for absolute sensing of a moving object, and a second array of photodetectors used for incremental sensing of the moving object.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A sensor device comprising:
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an array of a plurality of photodetectors that receive energy from a beam of electromagnetic energy, said photodetectors operative to output signals indicating detection of energy from said beam; and
a mode selection circuit communicatively coupled to said array of photodetectors, wherein said mode selection circuit is operable to select a first mode in which each of said detectors independently provides a signal, said mode selection circuit being operable to select a second mode in which at least two of said photodetectors are grouped to provide a signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A detector for an optical encoder, the optical encoder detecting motion of a moving member, the detector comprising:
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a first array of a plurality of photodetectors that receive energy from a beam emitted by an emitter of said optical encoder, each of said photodetectors operative to output a signal indicating a detection of energy from said beam, wherein said first array is used for absolute sensing of said moving member; and
a second array of a plurality of photodetectors that receive energy from said beam emitted by said emitter, each of said photodetectors operative to output a signal indicating a detection of energy from said beam, wherein said second array is used for incremental sensing of said moving member;
wherein said first array and said second array of photodetectors are included on a single semiconductor integrated circuit chip. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. An integrated sensor processing device comprising:
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a photodetector array for outputting one or more analog signals;
at least one analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog signals to digital signals;
at least one state machine for receiving the digital signals, and outputting pulse and direction signals;
a counter for using the pulse and direction signals to determine a position of a moving member, the position being relative to a start point of the moving member;
a communication module for providing the position to a controller; and
a mode selection circuit coupled to the photodetector array, wherein the mode selection circuit is operable in any one or more of a first mode and a second mode, the first mode for providing a first signal, and the second mode for providing a second signal that is lower in resolution than the first signal.
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11. An integrated sensor processing device detecting motion of a moving member, the sensor processing device comprising:
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an array of a plurality of photodetectors that receive energy from a beam of electromagnetic energy emitted from an emitter, each of said photodetectors operative to output a signal indicating a detection of energy from said beam;
at least one analog-to-digital converter coupled to said array of photodetectors, said analog-to-digital converter converting said signals from said photodetectors to digital signals;
at least one state machine coupled to said at least one analog-to-digital converter, said state machine outputting pulse and direction signals;
a counter coupled to said analog-to-digital converter that receives said pulse and direction signals and determines a position of said moving member from said pulse and direction signals, said position relative to an initial start point of the moving member;
a communication module coupled to said counter and providing said position to a controller;
wherein said integrated sensor processing device is provided on a single integrated circuit chip; and
digital logic circuitry coupled to said at least one analog-to-digital converter, wherein said digital logic circuitry can select a first digital signal having a high resolution, and wherein said digital logic circuitry can select a second digital signal having a resolution lower than the first digital signal such that the amount of power consumed is reduced. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification