Abstract: A method of magnetic sensing uses at least two magnetic sensing elements including a first and a second magnetic sensor element. The method includes: a) measuring in a first configuration a combination of the first and second signal obtained from both sensors; b) measuring in a second configuration an individual signal obtained from the first sensor only; c) testing a consistency of the combined signal and the individual signal, or testing a consistency of signals derived therefrom, in order to detect an error. A sensor device is configured for performing this method. A sensor system includes the sensor device and optionally a second processor connected thereto.

Abstract: A sensor including at least one sensor element configured for measuring an external parameter and outputting one or more results representative for the external parameter, an output buffer configured for receiving the one or more results or a processed version thereof and for applying an analog signal representative for the result or a time multiplexed sequence of analog signals representative for the results on a sensor terminal, and a control circuit configured for obtaining an ID of the sensor, and for receiving a trigger signal, and for determining whether the trigger signal matches the ID of the sensor, and for enabling the output buffer during a predefined period when the trigger signal matches the ID of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of magnetic sensing uses at least two magnetic sensing elements including a first and a second magnetic sensor element. The method includes: a) measuring in a first configuration a combination of the first and second signal obtained from both sensors; b) measuring in a second configuration an individual signal obtained from the first sensor only; c) testing a consistency of the combined signal and the individual signal, or testing a consistency of signals derived therefrom, in order to detect an error. A sensor device is configured for performing this method. A sensor system includes the sensor device and optionally a second processor connected thereto.

Abstract: A communication system comprising: a digital serial bus, and a master device and at least one slave device connected to the bus. The master and the slave(s) are adapted to communicate according to a predefined communication protocol. The master is adapted for transmitting a continuous bitstream in the form of a plurality of frames, such that each frame comprises one or more words. Each word has a constant time duration, with the first word of each frame being a unique word transmitted by the master for indicating the start of a frame. One or more bits each word is transmitted by the master as a dominant bit; a non-dominant bit, for allowing the at least one slave to overwrite. The at least one slave is adapted for overwriting in the continuous bitstream some non-dominant bits to transmit data in a quasi-synchronous manner.

Abstract: A sensor device comprises a sensor unit for generating a signal indicative of a physical quantity. The device comprises a processing unit for receiving the signal, in which the processing unit comprises a storage memory for storing data derived from the signal as provided by the sensor unit at at least two points in time. The device comprises a bus interface for communicating with an electronic control unit via a digital communication bus. When a read command is received from the electronic control unit, an estimate of the physical quantity is sent in response to the electronic control unit. The processing unit comprises an estimator for calculating the estimate at a reference point in time based on the data stored in the storage memory, in which the reference point in time differs from the point in time at which the read command is received by substantially a predetermined offset.

Abstract: A sensor device comprises a sensor unit for generating a signal indicative of a physical quantity. The device comprises a processing unit for receiving the signal, in which the processing unit comprises a storage memory for storing data derived from the signal as provided by the sensor unit at at least two points in time. The device comprises a bus interface for communicating with an electronic control unit via a digital communication bus. When a read command is received from the electronic control unit, an estimate of the physical quantity is sent in response to the electronic control unit. The processing unit comprises an estimator for calculating the estimate at a reference point in time based on the data stored in the storage memory, in which the reference point in time differs from the point in time at which the read command is received by substantially a predetermined offset.

Abstract: A communication system comprising: a digital serial bus, and a master device and at least one slave device connected to the bus. The master and the slave(s) are adapted to communicate according to a predefined communication protocol. The master is adapted for transmitting a continuous bitstream in the form of a plurality of frames, such that each frame comprises one or more words. Each word has a constant time duration, with the first word of each frame being a unique word transmitted by the master for indicating the start of a frame. One or more bits each word is transmitted by the master as a dominant bit; a non-dominant bit, for allowing the at least one slave to overwrite. The at least one slave is adapted for overwriting in the continuous bitstream some non-dominant bits to transmit data in a quasi-synchronous manner.

Abstract: A method of determining an intrusion into a monitored area comprises the evaluation of images of specific optical pattern (40) arranged behind said monitored area. The system comprises at least two imaging devices (20) spaced from the plane of said monitored area; a predetermined optical pattern (40) positioned outside and behind said monitored area; at least two mirror (30) directing the images of said optical patterns (40) to said imaging devices (20); a processor receiving and processing image data provided by said at least two imaging devices (20) to detect any optical change and to determine the position of an intrusion causing optical change within said predetermined area; an output signal generator for generating an output signal depending on the relative position of said intrusion.