Position Sensors with Inherent Quantitative Self-Validation

Abstract:
Position sensors are used in countless automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. One of their drawbacks is the sensitivity to short and long-term deteriorations leading to inaccuracies in the position detection. In this paper we present a novel method for the Calibration and Operation Based on ROtational Symmetry (COBROS), i.e., a method to determine the position and to detect its inaccuracies, whereby the error indicator is quantitative. Therefore our method provides the position information alongside with its error. This self-monitoring and self-validation of position sensors is particularly valuable for safety-relevant applications. Additionally, the method is easy to implement into existing position sensor solutions. In fact, all major magnetic, inductive, electro-static, and optical position sensors, as well as resolvers, and encoders are ready to use COBROS.