Description
The Sensor is a base class for sensor components that can be attached to objects in the simulation. A sensor measures or detects data but does not take action on that data. Derived sensor classes implement specific measurement types such as gyroscopes, star trackers, or GPS receivers.
Example Use Cases
- Sensor Framework: Provides the foundation for all specialized sensor implementations.
- Signal-Triggered Sensing: Enable sensor activation based on external clock or trigger signals.
- Fault Injection: Simulate sensor fault conditions for failure mode testing.
Module Implementation
The sensor base class manages transform references, fault states, and optional signal triggering.
Transform Reference
The sensor automatically connects to the root object’s transform message to obtain position and rotation data. This connection is maintained when the sensor is reparented within the object hierarchy.
Fault States
The sensor supports configurable fault states through the Fault State property that define how output data behaves during simulated failures. This allows testing of fault detection and isolation algorithms.
Operation State
The sensor tracks its current operational state, which can be one of the following:
- Operational: The sensor is active and producing measurements.
- Standby: The sensor is waiting for a trigger signal.
- Shutdown: The sensor is disabled via the device status message.
The operation state is determined each update based on the attached Signal Trigger model and the optional device status message input.
Signal Triggering
When a Signal Trigger model is attached to the sensor, measurements can be synchronized to external signals such as clock edges. If the trigger condition is not met, the sensor enters standby mode. If no trigger model is present, the sensor operates continuously.
Assumptions/Limitations
- This is a base class and cannot be instantiated directly; use a derived sensor class.
- The sensor does not implement any specific measurement logic; derived classes provide measurement functionality.
- Fault behavior depends on the implementation in derived sensor classes.
- If the optional device status message indicates the sensor is inactive, it will enter shutdown state regardless of trigger conditions.