Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Spot mode functionality for power saving in a sensor system

Abstract:

The invention relates to a sensor system, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of processing a sensing signal from a sensor to generate amplitude and phase controls for driving this sensor in a controlled manner and enabling synchronized operation of the sensor system. A signal processor in the sensor system comprises a sensor readout circuit, an amplitude controller and a phase controller. A subset of functional blocks in the signal processor may alternate between active and inactive power saving durations. During the active power saving durations, the subset of functional blocks are powered off or functionally disabled to conserve power consumption. The amplitude and phase controls are latched for the purposes of properly maintaining the driving signal and the system clock. During the subsequent inactive power saving durations, the subset of functional blocks return to normal operation to refresh the amplitude and phase controls.