Contactless encoder
A contactless encoder is disclosed. The encoder comprises a selector configured to select one of a plurality of states associated with the encoder. The encoder furthermore comprises an integrated circuit comprising a finite state machine configured to detect a currently selected state by the selector and generate an output signal corresponding to the detected currently selected state, wherein the currently selected state is detected based on a capacitive coupling between the selector and a portion of the encoder associated with the currently selected state.
1. An encoder, comprising:
a selector configured to select one of a plurality of states associated with the encoder; and
an integrated circuit comprising a finite state machine configured to detect a currently selected state by the selector and generate an output signal corresponding to the detected currently selected state;
wherein the currently selected state is detected based on a capacitive coupling between the selector and a portion of the encoder associated with the currently selected state and wherein the integrated circuit outputs an evaluation signal that initiates detection of encoder state at a prescribed sampling rate and that resets the finite state machine with each detection iteration.
2. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the integrated circuit operates independently of the selector.
3. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the integrated circuit operates on its own according to the prescribed sampling rate and independently of the currently selected state.
4. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the prescribed sampling rate is based at least in part on a clock signal.
5. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the prescribed sampling rate is based at least in part on an oscillator output.
6. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the encoder continues to operate if the capacitive coupling degrades to a direct connection.
7. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the integrated circuit comprises input pins configured to receive input signals associated with the plurality of states of the encoder.
8. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein to detect comprises to detect which integrated circuit input signal rising edge arrives first.
9. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the output signal corresponding to the detected currently selected state is latched.
10. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein portions of the encoder associated with the plurality of states have the same geometry.
11. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the selector and portions of the encoder associated with the plurality of states comprise a conductive material.
12. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the selector and portions of the encoder associated with the plurality of states are not in direct contact.
13. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the encoder is contactless.
14. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the encoder comprises a linear encoder.
15. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the encoder comprises a rotary encoder.
16. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the encoder comprises a switch.
17. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of states associated with the encoder comprises switch positions or settings.
18. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the finite state machine comprises an asynchronous state machine.
19. The encoder of claim 1 , wherein the encoder comprises a mechanical encoder.
20. A method, comprising:
configuring a selector to select one of a plurality of states associated with an encoder; and
configuring an integrated circuit comprising a finite state machine to detect a currently selected state by the selector and generate an output signal corresponding to the detected currently selected state;
wherein the currently selected state is detected based on a capacitive coupling between the selector and a portion of the encoder associated with the currently selected state and wherein the integrated circuit outputs an evaluation signal that initiates detection of encoder state at a prescribed sampling rate and that resets the finite state machine with each detection iteration.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the integrated circuit operates independently of the selector.
22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the integrated circuit operates on its own according to the prescribed sampling rate and independently of the currently selected state.
23. The method of claim 20 , wherein the prescribed sampling rate is based at least in part on a clock signal.
24. The method of claim 20 , wherein the prescribed sampling rate is based at least in part on an oscillator output.
25. The method of claim 20 , wherein the encoder continues to operate if the capacitive coupling degrades to a direct connection.
26. The method of claim 20 , wherein the integrated circuit comprises input pins configured to receive input signals associated with the plurality of states of the encoder.
27. The method of claim 20 , wherein to detect comprises which integrated circuit input signal rising edge arrives first.
28. The method of claim 20 , wherein the output signal corresponding to the detected currently selected state is latched.
29. The method of claim 20 , wherein portions of the encoder associated with the plurality of states have the same geometry.
30. The method of claim 20 , wherein the selector and portions of the encoder associated with the plurality of states comprise a conductive material.
31. The method of claim 20 , wherein the selector and portions of the encoder associated with the plurality of states are not in direct contact.
32. The method of claim 20 , wherein the encoder is contactless.
33. The method of claim 20 , wherein the encoder comprises a linear encoder.
34. The method of claim 20 , wherein the encoder comprises a rotary encoder.
35. The method of claim 20 , wherein the encoder comprises a switch.
36. The method of claim 20 , wherein the plurality of states associates with the encoder comprises switch positions or settings.
37. The method of claim 20 , wherein the finite state machine comprises an asynchronous state machine.
38. The method of claim 20 , wherein the encoder comprises a mechanical encoder.