Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a novel inductive rotational position sensor that includes a sensor module having transmitting and receiving coils formed on a printed circuit board with a signal processor located in a center area enclosed by the transmitting and receiving coils. This arrangement permits a more compact sensor module. The entire sensor module can be positioned inside a cavity, which has a diameter generally the same as the diameter of the rotational element whose position is being sensed. The arrangement also permits a coupler to be formed on the end of the target. The sensor is concentric with the transfer case shaft and an annulus bore of a transfer case. The sensor is non-contacting and has no movable parts.

Abstract: A system including a non-circular coupler, a sensor, a memory module, and a processor module is provided. The sensor includes a transmitter coil adapted to be energized by a high frequency current source and at least two receiving coils. One of the receiver coils generate a sine-like function output signal and the other generates a cosine-like function output signal upon rotation of the coupler. The memory module is operable to compensate for non-sinusoidal output signals caused by a plurality of geometric errors and a gap between the coupler and the at least two receiving coils. The processor module configured to process the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, determine an error in the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, mathematically compensate the assembly to eliminate the error and generates an output signal representative of the rotational position of the coupler.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inductive sensor assembly is provided. The inductive sensor assembly includes a sensor assembly and a shaft. The sensor assembly include a transmitter coil and a two-part receiver coil. The shaft includes a first end. The first end includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The second planer surface extends from the first planar surface. A target is formed from the first planar surface and the second planar surface. When the target is moved about a shaft axis, the first planar and second planar surfaces modify an inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the two-part receiver coil.

Abstract: A system including a non-circular coupler, a sensor, a memory module, and a processor module is provided. The sensor includes a transmitter coil adapted to be energized by a high frequency current source and at least two receiving coils. One of the receiver coils generate a sine-like function output signal and the other generates a cosine-like function output signal upon rotation of the coupler. The memory module is operable to compensate for non-sinusoidal output signals caused by a plurality of geometric errors and a gap between the coupler and the at least two receiving coils. The processor module configured to process the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, determine an error in the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, mathematically compensate the assembly to eliminate the error and generates an output signal representative of the rotational position of the coupler.

Abstract: A duty cycle is used in conjunction with a powered oscillator to electronically reduce the current draw by reducing the average current and thus reducing the sensor radiated emissions without altering an inductive position sensor. The duty cycle and the switching of the oscillation drive enable an on and an off cycling of the inductive position sensor such that an oversampling may occur without altering the hardware, but providing the improvements. As such, the inductive position sensor may only have an oscillation signal long enough to capture a stable sample and remain off for the duration of the sampling period. As such, a reduction in radiated emissions is achieved.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a system having a processor and a bridge circuit. The bridge circuit includes a pair of differential voltage sources, a first pair of sensing elements and a second pair of sensing elements. The first pair of sensing elements generate a pair of measurement signals. The pair of measurement signals are independent of one another and based on the respective sensing element. The second pair of sensing elements communicatively coupled to first pair of sensing elements. The second pair of sensing elements define a first divider. The pair of measurement signals are input into the respective second sensing element of the second pair of sensing elements. The first divider is configured to output a first output signal to the processor. The first output signal is a first differential signal of the first pair of sensing elements.

Abstract: A duty cycle is used in conjunction with a powered oscillator to electronically reduce the current draw by reducing the average current and thus reducing the sensor radiated emissions without altering an inductive position sensor. The duty cycle and the switching of the oscillation drive enable an on and an off cycling of the inductive position sensor such that an oversampling may occur without altering the hardware, but providing the improvements. As such, the inductive position sensor may only have an oscillation signal long enough to capture a stable sample and remain off for the duration of the sampling period. As such, a reduction in radiated emissions is achieved.

Abstract: A high speed sensor system including coupler, a sensor, a memory module, and a processor module is provided. The sensor includes a transmitter coil adapted to be energized by a high frequency current source and at least two receiving coils. One of the receiver coils generates a sine-like function output signal and the other generates a cosine-like function output signal upon rotation of the coupler. The memory module is operable to compensate for non-sinusoidal output signals caused by the high speed sensor system and the gap between the coupler and the at least two receiving coils. The processor module is communicatively coupled to the memory module. The processor module is configured to process the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, determine the offset error, and generate a corrected output signal representative of the rotational position of the coupler.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inductive sensor assembly is provided. The inductive sensor assembly includes a sensor assembly and a shaft. The sensor assembly include a transmitter coil and a two-part receiver coil. The shaft includes a first end. The first end includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The second planer surface extends from the first planar surface. A target is formed from the first planar surface and the second planar surface. When the target is moved about a shaft axis, the first planar and second planar surfaces modify an inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the two-part receiver coil.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a system having a processor and a bridge circuit. The bridge circuit includes a pair of differential voltage sources, a first pair of sensing elements and a second pair of sensing elements. The first pair of sensing elements generate a pair of measurement signals. The pair of measurement signals are independent of one another and based on the respective sensing element. The second pair of sensing elements communicatively coupled to first pair of sensing elements. The second pair of sensing elements define a first divider. The pair of measurement signals are input into the respective second sensing element of the second pair of sensing elements. The first divider is configured to output a first output signal to the processor. The first output signal is a first differential signal of the first pair of sensing elements.

Abstract: A duty cycle is used in conjunction with a powered oscillator to electronically reduce the current draw by reducing the average current and thus reducing the sensor radiated emissions without altering an inductive position sensor. The duty cycle and the switching of the oscillation drive enable an on and an off cycling of the inductive position sensor such that an oversampling may occur without altering the hardware, but providing the improvements. As such, the inductive position sensor may only have an oscillation signal long enough to capture a stable sample and remain off for the duration of the sampling period. As such, a reduction in radiated emissions is achieved.

Abstract: The present current steering bridge may be used as a sensor for detecting a level of fluid within a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs. The sensor is a modified LC oscillator with a four-megahertz exciting signal creating a low impedance output and has ratio-metric processing capabilities. Because of the low impedance output, a high signal to noise ratio is achievable. This high signal to noise ratio enables accurate measurement of small changes of liquid level. Further, ratio-metric processing permits the analysis of the ratio of current reference to signal output. As such, this arrangement provides an output that is independent of temperature, EMC, aging and other environmental noises. Further, the sensor references the existing environment, and is fluid independent within a specified range of dielectric constant. As such, feedback can compensate for dielectric constant changes of the liquid, allowing the same sensor to work in different liquids.

Abstract: A duty cycle is used in conjunction with a powered oscillator to electronically reduce the current draw by reducing the average tail current and thus reducing the sensor radiated emissions without altering an inductive position sensor. The duty cycle enables an on and an off cycling without altering the hardware but providing the improvements.

Abstract: An inductive sensor includes a sensor package and a coupler package. The sensor package includes a signal processor, an integrated capacitor, a ferrite layer, a transmitter coil, a two part receiving coil, and a plurality of discrete components. The coupler package includes an integrated capacitor, a ferrite layer, and a coupler coil. The transmitter coil in the sensor package is energized by an external power source which in turn energizes the coupler coil in the coupler package. The sensor then measures the rotational position of the coupler package relative to the sensor package by detecting and measuring, with the two part receiving coil, the signal returned by the coupler coil. The signal processor calculates the position of the coupler package relative to the sensor package by comparing the coupling factors between the coupler package and the sensor package.

Abstract: A duty cycle is used in conjunction with a powered oscillator to electronically reduce the current draw by reducing the average current and thus reducing the sensor radiated emissions without altering an inductive position sensor. The duty cycle and the switching of the oscillation drive enable an on and an off cycling of the inductive position sensor such that an oversampling may occur without altering the hardware, but providing the improvements. As such, the inductive position sensor may only have an oscillation signal long enough to capture a stable sample and remain off for the duration of the sampling period. As such, a reduction in radiated emissions is achieved.

Abstract: An inductor sensor assembly for determining to position of object includes a layer of ferrite overlaying exciting and receiving coils formed on a substrate. A magnet attached to the target produces a virtual coupler in an area of ferrite overlaying the coils. An application for a shock absorber includes a sensor module mounted in a recess in a dust cover and a magnet mounted to a cylinder tube of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A high speed sensor system including coupler, a sensor, a memory module, and a processor module is provided. The sensor includes a transmitter coil adapted to be energized by a high frequency current source and at least two receiving coils. One of the receiver coils generates a sine-like function output signal and the other generates a cosine-like function output signal upon rotation of the coupler. The memory module is operable to compensate for non-sinusoidal output signals caused by the high speed sensor system and the gap between the coupler and the at least two receiving coils. The processor module is communicatively coupled to the memory module. The processor module is configured to process the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, determine the offset error, and generate a corrected output signal representative of the rotational position of the coupler.

Abstract: A system including a non-circular coupler, a sensor, a memory module, and a processor module is provided. The sensor includes a transmitter coil adapted to be energized by a high frequency current source and at least two receiving coils. One of the receiver coils generate a sine-like function output signal and the other generates a cosine-like function output signal upon rotation of the coupler. The memory module is operable to compensate for non-sinusoidal output signals caused by a plurality of geometric errors and a gap between the coupler and the at least two receiving coils. The processor module configured to process the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, determine an error in the non-sinusoidal output signals from both the first and second receiver coils, mathematically compensate the assembly to eliminate the error and generates an output signal representative of the rotational position of the coupler.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a novel inductive rotational position sensor that includes a sensor module having transmitting and receiving coils formed on a printed circuit board with a signal processor located in a center area enclosed by the transmitting and receiving coils. This arrangement permits a more compact sensor module. The entire sensor module can be positioned inside a cavity, which has a diameter generally the same as the diameter of the rotational element whose position is being sensed. The arrangement also permits a coupler to be formed on the end of the target. The sensor is concentric with the transfer case shaft and an annulus bore of a transfer case. The sensor is non-contacting and has no movable parts.

Abstract: A duty cycle is used in conjunction with a powered oscillator to electronically reduce the current draw by reducing the average tail current and thus reducing the sensor radiated emissions without altering an inductive position sensor. The duty cycle enables an on and an off cycling without altering the hardware but providing the improvements.