Circuit and method of processing multiple-axis sensor output signals
First Claim
1. A signal processing circuit for processing signals generated by a multiple-axis sensor comprising:
- an input for receiving a sensor signal generated by a multiple-axis sensor;
a first demodulator for demodulating the sensor signal to generate a first signal indicative of a sensed parameter in a first sensing axis;
a second demodulator for demodulating the sensor signal to generate a second signal indicative of a sensed parameter in a second sensing axis; and
an output for providing the first and second signals, wherein the first and second demodulators concurrently demodulate the sensor signal and concurrently generate the first and second signals.
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Abstract
A dual-axis accelerometer and processing circuit are provided. The accelerometer has a plurality of fixed electrodes supported on a substrate and fixed capacitive plates arranged in first and second sensing axes. An inertial mass is suspended over a cavity and includes movable capacitive plates arranged to provide a capacitive couplings with the fixed capacitive plates. The inertial mass is movable relative to the plurality of fixed electrodes. The accelerometer has a plurality of support arms for supporting the inertial mass relative to the fixed electrodes and allowing movement of the inertial mass upon experiencing acceleration along the first and second sensing axes. The accelerometer further has inputs for receiving input signals and an output for providing an output signal which varies as a function of the capacitive coupling and is indicative of sensed acceleration. The processing circuit extracts the components of acceleration along the first and second sensing axes.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A signal processing circuit for processing signals generated by a multiple-axis sensor comprising:
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an input for receiving a sensor signal generated by a multiple-axis sensor; a first demodulator for demodulating the sensor signal to generate a first signal indicative of a sensed parameter in a first sensing axis; a second demodulator for demodulating the sensor signal to generate a second signal indicative of a sensed parameter in a second sensing axis; and an output for providing the first and second signals, wherein the first and second demodulators concurrently demodulate the sensor signal and concurrently generate the first and second signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of processing a sensor signal generated by a sensor for sensing a parameter pertaining to multiple sensing axes, said method comprising the steps of:
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receiving an sensor signal generated by a sensor; demodulating the sensor signal to generate a first signal indicative of a sensed parameter in a first sensing axis; demodulating the sensor signal to generate a second signal indicative of a sensed parameter in a second sensing axis; and outputting the first and second signals, wherein the steps of demodulating the sensor signal are continuous such that the first and second signals are concurrently generated. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification