Circuits, systems and methods for integrating sensing and heating functions
First Claim
1. A sensing and heating system comprising:
- a first element and a second element that form a capacitor;
a switch configured to selectively connect the first and the second elements together; and
circuitry coupled to the first and second elements and configured to;
control the switch to disconnect the first element from the second element to receive a signal from at least one of the first or second elements related to a capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first and the second elements,analyze the signal to detect a condition, andcontrol the switch to connect the first element to the second element together to activate the first and the second elements to provide heat if the signal is indicative of the condition.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments relate to integrated circuits, systems and methods for combined sensing and heating functions in structures suitable for use in deicing, heating and other applications. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit is coupled to a heating element and configured to control operation of the heating element to provide heat as well as to utilize the heating element as at least part of a sensing structure to sense the presence of ice, water or air on or near the heating element. In embodiments, the heating element comprises a conductive polymer structure, and the presence of ice, water or air is sensed based on a capacitance, impedance or other spectroscopy of the structure sensed and analyzed by integrated circuitry coupled to the structure.
6 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A sensing and heating system comprising:
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a first element and a second element that form a capacitor; a switch configured to selectively connect the first and the second elements together; and circuitry coupled to the first and second elements and configured to; control the switch to disconnect the first element from the second element to receive a signal from at least one of the first or second elements related to a capacitance of the capacitor formed by the first and the second elements, analyze the signal to detect a condition, and control the switch to connect the first element to the second element together to activate the first and the second elements to provide heat if the signal is indicative of the condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An integrated circuit comprising:
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driving circuitry configured to control a heating and sensing structure, the heating and sensing structure including a first element and a second element that form a capacitor; a switch configured to selectively connect the first and the second elements together; and state machine circuitry coupled to the driving circuitry and configured to; control the switch to disconnect the first element from the second element to receive a capacitance signal corresponding to a capacitance of the capacitor from the heating and sensing structure, analyze the capacitance signal to determine a presence or absence of a condition proximate the heating and sensing structure, and control the switch to connect the first element to the second element together and the driving circuitry based on the determined presence or absence of the condition. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method comprising:
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disconnecting first and second elements of a sensing and heating structure, the first and the second elements forming a capacitor; sensing a capacitance between the first and the second elements of the sensing and heating structure having the first element disconnected from the second element; analyzing the capacitance to determine whether moisture is present at the sensing and heating structure; connecting the first element to the second element; and activating the connected first and second elements of the sensing and heating structure to provide heat if a result of the analyzing is a presence of moisture. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification