Optimization of sensor positions in knock detection using relevancy tests of sensor output signals

A method to find optimum sensor positions in an array of sensors for engine knock detection is presented. It is less complex than holographic techniques because only signal processing and statistical tests are used. The method is based on linearly predicting an arbitrary sensory output from the remaining outputs in the sensor group. The relevancy of the sensor is characterized by the closeness to zero of the multiple coherence of the sensor output with the remaining sensor outputs at some frequencies of interest. A suitable statistic is chosen, its distribution is approximated, and a simultaneous test is constructed. It was found in an experiment that a proposed sensor position was not optimum.<>