Sensor systems, switched-mode power supply, and electronic devices

A sensor system is provided. The sensor system includes a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity. Further, the sensor system includes a capacitive device for storing electrical energy. The capacitive device is coupled to the sensor. Additionally, the sensor system includes a power supply input for connecting the sensor system to a switched-mode power supply, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power supply input. The sensor system includes a control circuit configured to control the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power supply input while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device. The control circuit is further configured to control the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power supply input while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor by the capacitive device.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to earlier filed European Patent Application Serial Number EP1919 9538 entitled “SENSOR SYSTEMS, SWITCHED-MODE POWER SUPPLY, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” filed on Sep. 25, 2019, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to smart power supply for sensors. In particular, examples relate to sensor systems, a Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) and electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Modern electronic devices use a variety of sensors for measuring various physical quantities. For example, some electronic devices use a radar sensor for measuring a distance or a velocity. Radar sensors in consumer electronics should be as cheap as possible. However, radar sensors demand for a low noise voltage supply. Furthermore, mobile applications demand for high power efficiency.

Conventional power supplies take the voltage of a SMPS and use a Low-Dropout (LDO) regulator to generate a voltage that has low noise and is decoupled from the noise of the SMPS. On the one hand, an SMPS generates too much noise for common sensors so that it cannot be used for directly powering a sensor. On the other hand, LDO regulators are not power efficient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hence, there may be a demand for an improved power supply for a sensor.

The demand may be satisfied by the subject matter of the appended claims.

An example relates to a sensor system. The sensor system comprises a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity. Further, the sensor system comprises a capacitive device for storing electrical energy. The capacitive device is coupled to the sensor. Additionally, the sensor system comprises a power supply input for connecting the sensor system to a SMPS, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power supply input. The sensor system comprises a control circuit operative to control the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power supply input while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device. The control circuit is further operative to control the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power supply input while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor by the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

Another example relates to a method for operating a sensor system comprising a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, a capacitive device for storing electrical energy that is coupled to the sensor, a power supply input for connecting the sensor system to a SMPS, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power supply input. The method comprises controlling the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power supply input while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device. Additionally, the method comprises controlling the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power supply input while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor by the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

A further example relates to an electronic device comprising a sensor system as described herein, and a SMPS connected to the power supply input of the sensor system.

An example relates to a SMPS for a sensor. The SMPS comprises a power supply output for connecting to the sensor and providing electrical energy to the sensor. Further, the SMPS comprises a capacitive device capable of storing electrical energy. The capacitive device is coupled to the power supply output. Additionally, the SMPS comprises power circuitry including a switching regulator for providing DC power. The SMPS comprises a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power circuitry. In addition, the SMPS comprises a control circuit operative to receive a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring a physical quantity. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity, the control circuit is operative to control the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power circuitry in order to charge the capacitive device. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, the control circuit is operative to control the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power circuitry such that the electrical energy provided by the power supply output to the sensor originates exclusively from the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

Another example relates to a method for operating a SMPS for a sensor, wherein the SMPS comprises a power supply output for connecting to the sensor and providing electrical energy to the sensor, a capacitive device capable of storing electrical energy, the capacitive device being coupled to the power supply output, power circuitry including a switching regulator for providing DC power, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power circuitry. The method comprises receiving a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring a physical quantity. Further, if the status signal indicates that the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity, the method comprises controlling the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power circuitry in order to charge the capacitive device. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, the method comprises controlling the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power circuitry such that electrical energy provided by the power supply output to the sensor originates exclusively from the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

A further example relates to a sensor system comprising a SMPS as described herein, and a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, wherein the sensor is connected to the power supply output.

A still further example relates to an electronic device comprising a SMPS as described herein, and a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, wherein the sensor is connected to the power supply output.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the elements may be directly connected or coupled via one or more intervening elements. If two elements A and B are combined using an “or”, this is to be understood to disclose all possible combinations, i.e. only A, only B as well as A and B, if not explicitly or implicitly defined otherwise. An alternative wording for the same combinations is “at least one of A and B” or “A and/or B”. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, for combinations of more than two Elements.

FIG.1illustrates a sensor system100for measuring (sensing) a physical quantity. The sensor system100comprises a sensor110capable of measuring (sensing) the physical quantity. The physical quantity may be any property of a material (solid, fluid or gaseous) that can be quantified by measurement. For example, the physical quantity also may be a distance, a velocity, a field strength of an electromagnetic field, wireless signal, etc. The sensor110comprises measurement circuitry for measuring the physical quantity.

Further, the sensor system100comprises a capacitive device120for storing electrical energy. The capacitive device120is coupled to the sensor110. The capacitive device120serves as a power supply for the sensor110. The capacitive device120exhibits a capacitance Cbuffer. As indicated inFIG.1, the capacitive device120may comprise a single capacitor121for storing electrical energy. However, it is to be noted that the capacitive device120is not limited thereto. In general, the capacitive device120may comprises any number N (with N≥1) of capacitive elements for storing electrical energy. The one or more capacitive elements of the capacitive device120may be coupled in parallel and/or in series in order to provide the desired (target) capacitance Cbuffer.

Additionally, the sensor system100comprises a power supply input130for connecting the sensor system100to a SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply). As indicated inFIG.1, the power supply input130may comprises two nodes (terminals)131and132for connecting to corresponding nodes (terminals) of the SMPS providing a respective power supply input voltage to the power supply input130and the capacitor121when the switch141is closed (short circuit or ON). However, it is to be noted that the power supply input130is not limited thereto. In general, the power supply input130may comprises any number M (with M≥1) of nodes for connecting to the SMPS. When the sensor system100is connected to the SMPS, the SMPS may provide electrical energy (power) for the sensor system100, i.e. the SMPS is capable of supplying electrical energy to the power supply input130of the sensor circuit100.

A switch circuit140is coupled between the capacitive device120and the power supply input130. The switch circuit140is capable of selectively connecting and disconnecting the capacitive device120to/from the power supply input130. In the example ofFIG.1, the switch circuit140comprises a single switch141for selectively connecting and disconnecting the capacitive device120to/from the power supply input130. However, it is to be noted that the switch circuit140is not limited thereto. In general, the switch circuit140may comprise any number K (with K≥1) of switches for connecting and disconnecting the capacitive device120to/from the power supply input130. In some examples, some or all switches of the switch circuit140may be a respective semiconductor switch such as a transistor (e.g. a Field-Effect Transistor, FET; a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor, MOSFET; etc.), a bidirectional triode thyristor (also known as TRIAC; e.g. for high voltage applications), a relay or a solid-state relay (e.g. for low frequency duty-cycling).

As can be seem fromFIG.1, the sensor110is disconnected (decoupled) from the SMPS/power supply input130when the capacitive device120is disconnected (decoupled) from the SMPS/power supply input130by the switch circuit140.

Operation of the switch circuit140is controlled by a control circuit150. For example, the control circuit150may be a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or a plurality of individual processors, some of which or all of which may be shared, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) hardware, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The control circuit150may optionally be coupled to, e.g., Read Only Memory (ROM) for storing software (e.g. control software for the control circuit150), Random Access Memory (RAM) and/or non-volatile memory.

The control circuit150is operative to control the switch circuit140to connect (couple) the capacitive device120to the power supply input130while the sensor110is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device120with electrical energy provided by the SMPS. Furthermore, the control circuit150is operative to control the switch circuit140to disconnect (decouple) the capacitive device120from the power supply input130while the sensor120is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor110by electrical energy stored in the capacitive device120while the sensor110is measuring the physical quantity.

That is, the sensor110is only connected to the SMPS while the sensor110is not measuring the physical quantity. In other words, the sensor110is disconnected from the SMPS while the sensor110is measuring the physical quantity. Since the sensor110is exclusively powered by the electrical energy stored in the capacitive device120while the sensor110is measuring the physical quantity, the noise of the SMPS does not affect the sensor110. The sensor circuit100is substantially noiseless while the sensor110is measuring the physical quantity. Therefore, the sensor circuit100may exhibit a high Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) while the sensor110is measuring the physical quantity. The capacitive device120serves as a power buffer for the sensor110. Compared to conventional approaches, the sensor circuit100may enable using a SMPS for powering a sensor without the need for a LDO regulator. Compared to conventional approaches using a LDO regulator, the sensor circuit100may be more power efficient and, hence, meet the power efficiency requirements for usage in mobile applications (devices).

According to some examples, the control circuit150may be operative to receive a status signal151indicating whether or not the sensor is (currently) measuring the physical quantity. The status signal151may, e.g., be provided by the sensor110itself or by another entity (circuitry) controlling operation of the sensor110. For example, the status signal may exhibit a first logic signal level (e.g. a logic high level or a logic 1) while the sensor110is measuring the physical quantity, and a different second logic signal level (e.g. a logic low level or a logic 0) while the sensor110is not measuring the physical quantity.

The sensor110may, e.g., be duty-cycled. That is, the sensor110may be activated during a fraction of a time period for measuring the physical quantity, and be deactivated for the rest of the time period such that the sensor110is not measuring the physical quantity during the rest of the time period. Accordingly, the status signal151may indicate that the sensor110is measuring the physical quantity while the sensor110is activated, and that the sensor110is not measuring the physical quantity while the sensor110is deactivated.

In some examples, while being activated, the sensor110may only measure the physical quantity from time to time. For example, the sensor110may idle between two consecutive measurements of the physical quantity. Accordingly, the status signal151may indicate that the sensor110is not measuring the physical quantity during a time period between two consecutive measurements of the physical quantity by the sensor110.

The sensor110may, e.g., be a radar sensor capable of performing radar measurements. Radar sensors are very susceptible to noise. The proposed sensor circuit100may allow to shield the radar sensor from the noise of the SMPS such that the radar sensor may be powered by a conventional SMPS without compromising the radar performance of the radar sensor.

For example, in mobile applications, radar sensors are typically duty-cycled. A peak current consumption of the radar sensor may, e.g., be below 200 mA. The radar sensor may, e.g., be activated (operated in the on-mode) for less than 100 μs. When the radar sensor is deactivated (operation in the off-mode), the power consumption of the radar sensor may be assumed to be close to zero.

The capacitive device120according to the proposed technology allows to buffer the electrical energy provided by the SMPS for the radar sensor. For example, the SMPS may charge the capacitive device120during the off-time of the radar sensor since the radar sensor is not susceptible to the noise of the SMPS during the off-time. During the on-time of the radar sensor, the supply of the SMPS is cut by the switch circuit140such that the whole electrical energy required for the operation of the radar sensor is supplied by the capacitive device120. Since there is no connection to the outside of the sensor system100(i.e. to the SMPS) during the on-time of the radar sensor, the proposed circuit is substantially noiseless and shows an extremely high PSRR.

As indicated above in more general words for any sensor, a radar sensor may perform radar measurements only from time to time while being activated. For example, the time periods between consecutive radio frequency emissions (e.g. chirps) in a frame may be long since only low velocities need to be measured. Accordingly, the radar sensor performs only radar measurements during selected fractions of the measurement frame. The energy required for a single radio frequency emission may be buffered by the capacitive device120during the time period between the preceding radio frequency emission and the current radio frequency emission. Accordingly, the switch circuit140may be controlled to connect the capacitive device120to the power supply input130(and, hence, to the SMPS) during the time period between two consecutive radio frequency emissions by the radar sensor, and to disconnect the capacitive device120from the power supply input130during the radio frequency emissions by the radar sensor. For example, the status signal151may indicate that the radar sensor is not performing radar measurements during the time period between two consecutive radio frequency emissions (e.g. chirps) by the radar sensor.

FIG.2further illustrates three exemplary supply voltage drops over time of the electrical energy provided by the capacitive device210for different capacitances Cbufferof the capacitive device120. In the example ofFIG.2, it is assumed that the sensor110demands a supply voltage of 1.8V and is able to operate at a maximum supply voltage of Vmax=1.89 V and a minimum supply voltage of Vmin=1.71 V. Furthermore, it is assumed that the sensor110constantly draws a current of 100 mA.

Curve210represents the supply voltage drop over time for a capacitance Cbuffer=10 μF. Curve220represents the supply voltage drop over time for a capacitance Cbuffer=100 μF. Curve230represents the supply voltage drop over time for a capacitance Cbuffer=1000 μF.

As can be seen fromFIG.2, the supply voltage stays for 18 μs in the required range for the capacitance Cbuffer=10 μF, 180 μs for the capacitance Cbuffer=100 μF, and much longer for the capacitance Cbuffer=1000 μF.

Already a capacitance Cbuffer=100 μF may, hence, be enough to supply typical sensors. However, it is to be noted that also larger capacitances (e.g. about 500 μF) may be used for supplying a sensor110exhibiting a higher current consumption, or for supplying a sensor110for a longer period of time. Similarly, smaller capacitances may be used for less power consuming sensors.

An exemplary electronic device300using the sensor circuit100according to the proposed concept is illustrated inFIG.3. The electronic device300comprises a SMPS320connected to the power supply input130of the sensor system100. The SMPS320receives electrical power from a power source330(e.g. a DC or an AC source) and provides DC power (voltage, or current, etc.) to the power supply input130of the sensor system100. The electronic device300may enable efficient power supply for the sensor110.

The electronic device300may be a stationary device or a mobile device. Similarly, the power source330, may, e.g., be coupled to a power grid or be a battery.

For example, the electronic device300may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or another consumer product. If the sensor110is, e.g., a radar sensor, the proposed technology may enable radar functionalities for the mobile device since the limited energy of the mobile device's battery may be efficiently supplied to the radar sensor without compromising the radar performance.

For further illustrating the power supply technology described above,FIG.4illustrates a flowchart of a method400for operating a sensor system. As described above, the sensor system comprises a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, a capacitive device for storing electrical energy that is coupled to the sensor, a power supply input for connecting the sensor system to a SMPS, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power supply input. Method400comprises controlling402the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power supply input while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device. Additionally, method400comprises controlling404the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power supply input while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor by the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

Method400may allow to disconnect the sensor from the SMPS while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity such that the noise of the SMPS does not affect the sensor.

Similar to what is described above, the switch circuit may be controlled based on a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring the physical quantity. In some examples, method400may, hence, further comprise receiving406the status signal.

More details and aspects of method400are explained in connection with the proposed technique or one or more example embodiments described above (e.g.FIGS.1to3). Method400may comprise one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed technique or one or more examples described above.

In the foregoing examples, a conventional SMPS is used and the switching functionality is implemented external from the SMPS. According to the proposed technology, the switching functionality may alternatively be provided within the SMPS itself as will be described in the following with reference toFIGS.5to7.

FIG.5illustrates an example of a SMPS500for a sensor capable of measuring (sensing) a physical quantity. The SMPS500comprises a power supply output530for connecting to the sensor and for providing electrical energy (power) to the sensor. As indicated inFIG.5, the power supply output530may comprises two nodes (terminals)531and532for connecting to corresponding nodes (terminals) of the sensor. However, it is to be noted that the power supply output530is not limited thereto. In general, the power supply output530may comprises any number R (with R≥1) of nodes for connecting to the sensor.

Further, the SMPS500comprises a capacitive device520for storing electrical energy. The capacitive device520is coupled to the power supply output530. The capacitive device520exhibits a capacitance Cbufferand may be implemented like the capacitive device120described above.

Additionally, the SMPS500comprises power circuitry510for providing DC power (e.g. a DC power signal). The SMPS comprises a power supply input560for connecting to a power source (e.g. a DC or an AC source). The power circuit510is operative to receive via the power supply input560electrical power from the power source and to convert it to DC power exhibiting a desired (target) voltage. The power circuitry510comprises a switching regulator for power conversion and may comprise additional circuitry such as an input rectifier, filters, an output transformer, an output rectifier, etc.

A switch circuit540is coupled between the capacitive device520and the power circuitry510. The switch circuit540is capable of selectively connecting and disconnecting the capacitive device520to/from the power circuitry510. In the example ofFIG.5, the switch circuit540comprises a single switch541for selectively connecting and disconnecting the capacitive device520to/from the power circuitry510. However, it is to be noted that the power switch circuit540is not limited thereto. In general, the switch circuit540may comprise any number T (with T≥1) of switches for connecting and disconnecting the capacitive device520to/from the power circuitry510. The switch circuit540may be implemented like the switch circuit140described above.

As can be seem fromFIG.5, the power supply output530and, hence, the sensor is disconnected (decoupled) from the power circuitry510while the capacitive device520is disconnected (decoupled) from the power circuitry510by the switch circuit540.

Operation of the switch circuit540is controlled by a control circuit550. The control circuit550may be implemented like the control circuit150described above.

The control circuit550receives a status signal551indicating whether the sensor is measuring a physical quantity. Similar to what is described above, the status signal551may, e.g., be provided by the sensor itself or by another entity (circuitry) controlling operation of the sensor.

If the status signal indicates that the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity, the control circuit550is operative to control the switch circuit540to connect the capacitive device520to the power circuitry510in order to charge the capacitive device520with the DC power provided (output) by the power circuitry510. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, the control circuit550is operative to control the switch circuit540to disconnect the capacitive device520from the power circuitry510such that the electrical energy provided by the power supply output530to the sensor originates exclusively from the capacitive device520while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

That is, the sensor is only connected to the power circuitry510while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity. In other words, the sensor is disconnected from the power circuitry510while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity. Since the sensor is exclusively powered by the electrical energy stored in the capacitive device520while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, the noise of the power circuitry510does not affect the sensor. The capacitive device520serves as a power buffer for the sensor. Compared to a conventional SMPS, the SMPS500may be directly coupled to the sensor without the need for an LDO regulator. Hence, a sensor system made up of the SMPS500and the sensor may meet the power efficiency requirements for usage in mobile applications (devices).

An exemplary electronic device600using the SMPS500according to the proposed concept is illustrated inFIG.6. The electronic device600comprises a sensor610connected to the power supply output530of the SMPS500. The sensor610and the SMPS500form a sensor system630.

The power circuitry510of the SMPS500receives electrical power from a power source620(e.g. a DC or an AC source) via the power supply input560and provides the DC power for charging the capacitive device520of the SMPS500. The SMPS500may enable efficient power supply for the sensor610.

The electronic device600may be a stationary device or a mobile device. Similarly, the power source620, may, e.g., be coupled to a power grid or be a battery.

For example, the electronic device600may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or another consumer product. If the sensor610is, e.g., a radar sensor, the proposed technology may enable radar functionalities for the mobile device since the limited energy of the mobile device's battery may be efficiently supplied to the radar sensor without compromising the radar performance.

For further illustrating the SMPS technology described above,FIG.7illustrates a flowchart of a method700for operating a SMPS for a sensor. As described above, the SMPS comprises a power supply output for connecting to the sensor and providing electrical energy to the sensor, a capacitive device capable of storing electrical energy, the capacitive device being coupled to the power supply output, power circuitry including a switching regulator for providing DC power, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power circuitry. Method700comprises receiving702a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring a physical quantity. Further, if the status signal indicates that the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity, method700comprises controlling704the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power circuitry in order to charge the capacitive device. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, method700comprises controlling706the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power circuitry such that electrical energy provided by the power supply output to the sensor originates exclusively from the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

Method700may allow to disconnect the sensor from the power circuitry of the SMPS while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity such that the noise of the power circuitry does not affect the sensor.

More details and aspects of method700are explained in connection with the proposed technique or one or more example embodiments described above (e.g.FIGS.5and6). Method700may comprise one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed technique or one or more examples described above.

The examples as described herein may be summarized as follows:

Some examples relate to a sensor system. The sensor system comprises a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity. Further, the sensor system comprises a capacitive device for storing electrical energy. The capacitive device is coupled to the sensor. Additionally, the sensor system comprises a power supply input for connecting the sensor system to a SMPS, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power supply input. The sensor system comprises a control circuit operative to control the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power supply input while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device. The control circuit is further operative to control the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power supply input while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor by the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

In some examples, the control circuit is operative to receive a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, wherein the control circuit is operative to control the switch circuit based on the status signal.

According to some examples, the sensor is disconnected from the SMPS while the capacitive device is disconnected from the SMPS by the switch circuit.

In some examples, the sensor is a radar sensor capable of performing radar measurements.

According to some examples, the status signal indicates that the radar sensor is not performing radar measurements during a time period between two consecutive radio frequency emissions by the radar sensor.

Other examples relate to a method for operating a sensor system comprising a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, a capacitive device for storing electrical energy that is coupled to the sensor, a power supply input for connecting the sensor system to a SMPS, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power supply input. The method comprises controlling the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power supply input while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device. Additionally, the method comprises controlling the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power supply input while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor by the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

In some examples, the method further comprises receiving a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, and wherein the switch circuit is controlled based on the status signal.

According to some examples, the sensor is disconnected from the SMPS while the capacitive device is disconnected from the SMPS by the switch circuit.

In some examples, the sensor is a radar sensor capable of performing radar measurements.

According to some examples, the status signal indicates that the radar sensor is not performing radar measurements during a time period between two consecutive radio frequency emissions by the radar sensor.

Examples relate to an apparatus for operating a sensor system comprising a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, a capacitive device for storing electrical energy that is coupled to the sensor, a power supply input for connecting the sensor system to a SMPS, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power supply input. The apparatus comprises means for controlling the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power supply input while the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity in order to charge the capacitive device. In addition, the apparatus comprises means for controlling the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power supply input while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity in order to exclusively power the sensor by the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

Other examples relate to an electronic device comprising a sensor system as described herein, and a SMPS connected to the power supply input of the sensor system.

In some examples, the electronic device is a mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises a battery serving as the power source for the SMPS.

Other examples relate to a SMPS for a sensor. The SMPS comprises a power supply output for connecting to the sensor and providing electrical energy to the sensor. Further, the SMPS comprises a capacitive device capable of storing electrical energy. The capacitive device is coupled to the power supply output. Additionally, the SMPS comprises power circuitry including a switching regulator for providing DC power. The SMPS comprises a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power circuitry. In additional, the SMPS comprises a control circuit operative to receive a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring a physical quantity. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity, the control circuit is operative to control the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power circuitry in order to charge the capacitive device. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, the control circuit is operative to control the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power circuitry such that the electrical energy provided by the power supply output to the sensor originates exclusively from the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

According to some examples, the power circuitry is disconnected from the power supply output while the capacitive device is disconnected from the power circuitry by the switch circuit.

Still other examples relate to a method for operating a SMPS for a sensor, wherein the SMPS comprises a power supply output for connecting to the sensor and providing electrical energy to the sensor, a capacitive device capable of storing electrical energy, the capacitive device being coupled to the power supply output, power circuitry including a switching regulator for providing DC power, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power circuitry. The method comprises receiving a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring a physical quantity. Further, if the status signal indicates that the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity, the method comprises controlling the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power circuitry in order to charge the capacitive device. If the status signal indicates that the sensor is measuring the physical quantity, the method comprises controlling the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power circuitry such that electrical energy provided by the power supply output to the sensor originates exclusively from the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

In some examples, the power circuitry is disconnected from the power supply output while the capacitive device is disconnected from the power circuitry by the switch circuit.

Further examples relate to an apparatus for operating a SMPS for a sensor, wherein the SMPS comprises a power supply output for connecting to the sensor and providing electrical energy to the sensor, a capacitive device capable of storing electrical energy, the capacitive device being coupled to the power supply output, power circuitry including a switching regulator for providing DC power, and a switch circuit capable of selectively connecting the capacitive device to the power circuitry. The apparatus comprises means for receiving a status signal indicating whether the sensor is measuring a physical quantity. Further, the apparatus comprises means for controlling the switch circuit to connect the capacitive device to the power circuitry in order to charge the capacitive device if the status signal indicates that the sensor is not measuring the physical quantity. The apparatus additionally comprises means for controlling the switch circuit to disconnect the capacitive device from the power circuitry if the status signal indicates that the sensor is measuring the physical quantity such that electrical energy provided by the power supply output to the sensor originates exclusively from the capacitive device while the sensor is measuring the physical quantity.

Some examples relate to a sensor system comprising a SMPS as described herein, and a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, wherein the sensor is connected to the power supply output of the SMPS.

In some examples, the sensor is a radar sensor capable of performing radar measurements.

Other examples relate to an electronic device comprising a SMPS as described herein, and a sensor capable of measuring a physical quantity, wherein the sensor is connected to the power supply output of the SMPS.

According to some examples, the electronic device is a mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises a battery serving as power source for the SMPS.

In some examples, the sensor is a radar sensor capable of performing radar measurements.

Further examples relate to a non-transitory machine readable medium having stored thereon a program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware.

Still other examples relate to a program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware.

Examples of the present disclosure may provide a smart switched power supply in a radar sensor.

The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for illustrative purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

A functional block denoted as “means for . . . ” performing a certain function may refer to a circuit that is operative to perform a certain function. Hence, a “means for s.th.” may be implemented as a “means configured to or suited for s.th.”, such as a device or a circuit operative to or suited for the respective task.

Functions of various elements shown in the figures, including any functional blocks labeled as “means”, “means for providing a signal”, “means for generating a signal.”, etc., may be implemented in the form of dedicated hardware, such as “a signal provider”, “a signal processing unit”, “a processor”, “a controller”, etc. as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which or all of which may be shared. However, the term “processor” or “controller” is by far not limited to hardware exclusively capable of executing software, but may include DSP hardware, a network processor, an ASIC, a FPGA, ROM for storing software, RAM, and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.