@All - thanks for the input.
I did some more research and found a BOSCH Instruction document for German vocational school / apprentice training which shows more than is available elsewhere.
The BOSCH Motorsport catalogue lists the sensors and some nice gadgets - but there is no data sheet or detailed functional description.
Given the wide distribution of the DF11 sensors and their aftermarket availability for many automotive brands (Renault, Dacia, Ford, BMW , Mercedes etc) I am puzzled that hardly no detail information is avalailable - other than possibly confidential OEM / Tier1 documentation.
At any rate:as the document is in German I have translated the document and will provide it here.
I assume that the information is not confidential as it is vocational school teaching material.
If there are any doubts about copyright violation , please let me know and the documentation will be removed.
If there is a need for the German laguage version this can be supplied as well.
Taking the information about the sensor and putting it into context will also allow to get better insight into the signal processing / input circuitry of the ABS system.
The core information I took from this document is that we are not dealing with voltage related signallling but we have a current loop system which is much more EMI resilient.
Measurement and test methods are thus different from voltage level based systems.
I will look into this and see if I can develop a simple standalone test method for the DF11 sensor, if at all possible.
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Active wheel speed sensors from BOSCH
Introduction
The wheel speed sensor (DS) was originally developed for use in anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
As the safety systems evolved, the wheel speed sensor has become increasingly important.
The future active generation DF 11 provides additional information which can not be provided by conventional inductive (passive) measuring principles.
The wheel speed information can now also be used by transmission- , engine- , navigation- and suspension control systems.
picture 1: Sample DF11 Sensor
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Mode of operation and measuring principle
A sensor is called active,
if supply voltage is necessary for its function.
The DF11 is an active speed sensor.
It must be connected to a voltage source for operation.
It provides a signal with constant speed independent of the speed and uses the Hall effect when detecting the speed signal.
See picture 2: signal conditioning curcuit and principle
Example for sensor without additional signals.
The speed sensor can detect the speed signal from ferromagnetic gears, stamping plates or wheels with applied multipoles.
When using gears or stamping plates, a working magnet is inserted behind the measuring element.
The application of this measuring principle allows a speed measurement (distance measurement) up to near v = 0 km / h.
This also covers the stricter vmin-conditions for navigation systems, roll-back barriers, parking systems, etc.
Signal processing
For the signal transmission, a two-wire current interface is used.
The sensor is supplied by the vehicle electrical system voltage.
Reverse polarity protection diode and backup capacitor are provided in the control unit.
The sensor will provide a current signal.
The low current is interpreted as a low signal.
== ILow = residual current consumption of the active element
The high current is interpreted as a high signal.
IHigh = ILow + Delta I;
Delta I = additional current through a path parallel to the active element
In the control unit, the current coming from the sensor at a measuring resistor RM is converted into a voltage signal.
The evaluation circuit detects from the magnitude of the voltage whether a high or low signal is present, see Figure 3.
Signal level
Signal current:
Low = 7mA +/- 20%
High = 14mA +/- 20%
Duty cycle
TV = t high / T period
0.3 <TV <0.7
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In addition to the mechanical differences such as design and cable outlet axial, radial or integrated connector
there are two main variants, each with two sub-variants
DF11s / DF11sM
Data Protocol:
Square wave signal as speed signal
functionality:
Speed signal (DZ) - frequency signal to the wheel speed
***
Intelligent sensors DF11 (i) variant
DF11i / DF11iM
Data Protocol:
Square-wave signal with additional information, which is transmitted in the pulse width modulation (PWM) process.
The width of the rectangular pulse contains the additional information,
while the distance between a pulse and the next but one pulse represents the speed information.
Functionality:
Speed signal (DZ) - a frequency signal proportional to the wheel speed.
Standstill detection (STOP) - the vehicle is stationary for longer than about 1 second or
if the power supply is switched on, the speed sensor sends a standstill pulse about every second.
This pulse can be used to monitor the proper condition of the speed sensor at standstill.
Direction of rotation detection (DR) - indicates the direction of rotation (right / left) of the wheel relative to the sensor mounting position.
Air gap reserve (LR) - indicates whether the magnetic field strength change is below a value necessary for proper operation.
Mounting position detection (EL) - indicates whether the magnetic field strength change is sufficient to ensure operation with great certainty.
The mounting position signal bit is output only up to approx. 20km / h.
Pulse wheel:
For DF11i - magnetic multipole wheel.
For DF11iM - gears or stamping plates
Note:
The abbreviation M stands for built-in magnet and i means intelligent.
The DF11i consists of 2 DF11s plus additional evaluation electronics.
Output Description
DF11s / DF11sM
Speed sensor output signal with rotating pulse wheel.
The signal is a square wave signal with constant amplitude, and the frequency is proportional to the wheel speed, see picture.
picture 2: showing
symmetrical square wave signal T HI = T LO
DF 11i / DF11iM
Speed sensor output signal with rotating pulse wheel.
The signal is coded as PWM signal with different pulse legths which provide additional information.
picture 4: PWM signals , interpretation
1 sensor-oriented speed signal
2 signal clockwise rotation and installation position insufficient
==> Pre bit-LOW
3 signal anti-clockwise rotation and mounting position insufficient
4 signal clockwise rotation
5 signal anticlockwise
6 Signal air gap reserve too low