Electronic device with solid-state switch monitoring

Abstract

A solid-state switch (SSS) monitoring system for an electronic device includes an SSS sensing component electrically coupled to the solid-state switch. The SSS sensing component periodically generates clock pulses to poll the solid-state switch. The SSS sensing component determines whether the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch indicate that the solid-state switch is actuated. The SSS sensing component generates a switch status signal for indicating a corresponding status in the actuated state and the non-actuated state of the solid-state switch. A controller is communicatively coupled to the SSS sensing component. The controller restarts the SSS sensing component in response to determining that the SSS sensing component is in a non-operational state.

Description

[0001] Priority Application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 452,053, filed on June 25, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to electronic devices having user input controls and more particularly to electronic devices using solid-state user input keys. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices typically have user control keys or buttons to provide basic activation and mode settings, such as power, volume, etc. Mechanical actuation of the keys turns circuits on or off, thus signaling a change in state. Due to mechanical actuation, analog or digital components respond to the change in state. Although simple to implement, mechanical actuation is associated with reliability limitations. Frequently used keys will eventually fail due to repeated use. Solid-state keys rely on changes in electrical properties such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance based on user actuation. A sensing integrated circuit (IC) detects the change in the electrical property of the solid-state switch to generate a corresponding input state. By eliminating moving parts, solid-state keys can have increased reliability over mechanically actuated keys.

[0005] The power button is an example of a user control key that receives frequent use and whose reliability is necessary for the operation of an electronic device. Such keys are often needed when the controlled components may be in an unpowered, inactive state. Errors that may occur in the sensing IC can render the electronic device inoperable, leaving no way to power on the processor or other critical components. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] The description of illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the drawings. It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure are illustrated and described herein with reference to the figures presented herein, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a mobile electronic device having a solid-state switch (SSS) monitoring system in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0008] Figure 2 depicts a functional block diagram of an example electronic device having an SSS monitoring system that ensures reliable activation from low-power operation in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0009] Figure 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for sensing the actuation state of a solid-state switch by an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0010] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for correcting a non-operational state of an SSS sensing component to restore operation of a solid-state switch according to one or more embodiments; and

[0011] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a distributed method for solid-state switch sensing with supervisory control to mitigate non-operational states according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In accordance with aspects of the present innovation, a solid-state switch (SSS) monitoring system and method for an electronic device are provided to enable reliable use of the solid-state switch. Solid-state switches often do not inherently mechanically wear as quickly as mechanical switches and are not affected by external factors like Hall effect sensors. However, active sensing must also be reliable.

[0013] In one aspect, an SSS sensing component is coupled to a solid-state switch. When other functional components of the electronic device are powered off or in a low-power inactive state, the SSS sensing component polls the solid-state switch, such as a power button. The SSS sensing component periodically generates clock pulses to poll the solid-state switch. The SSS sensing component determines whether the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch indicate that the solid-state switch is actuated. The SSS sensing component generates a switch state signal for indicating the corresponding state in the actuated state and the non-actuated state of the solid-state switch. To mitigate the situation where the SSS sensing component becomes non-operational due to a failure to prevent polling of the solid-state switch, a supervisory controller ("controller") is communicatively coupled to the SSS sensing component. The controller restarts the SSS sensing component in response to determining that the SSS sensing component is in a non-operational state.

[0014] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific exemplary embodiments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and logical, architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. In the description of the different views of the figures, like elements are provided with like names and reference numerals as in the previous figures. The specific numbers assigned to the elements are provided only to assist in the description and are not intended to imply any limitation (structural or functional or otherwise) on the described embodiments. It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements are enlarged relative to other elements.

[0015] It should be understood that the use of specific component, device, and / or parameter names, such as the execution utilities, logic, and / or firmware described herein, is for example only and is not intended to imply any limitation on the described embodiments. Embodiments may thus be described using different nomenclatures and / or terms to those utilized to describe the components, devices, parameters, methods, and / or functions herein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol or proprietary name in the description of one or more elements, features, or concepts of an embodiment are provided only as an example of one implementation, and such references do not limit the scope of the claimed embodiments to embodiments in which different element, feature, protocol, or concept names are utilized. Accordingly, each term utilized herein will be given its broadest interpretation in view of the context in which that term is utilized.

[0016] As described further below, implementations of the functional features of the present disclosure described herein are provided within a processing device and / or structure and can involve the use of a combination of hardware, firmware, and several software-level constructs (e.g., program code and / or program instructions and / or pseudocode) that are executed to provide specific utilities for a device or specific functional logic. The accompanying drawings illustrate both hardware components and software and / or logical components.

[0017] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware components and basic configurations depicted in the drawings may vary. The illustrative components are not intended to be exhaustive but rather representative to highlight the necessary components utilized to implement aspects of the described embodiments. For example, other devices / components may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware and / or firmware depicted. The examples depicted are not intended to imply architectural or other limitations with respect to the presently described embodiments and / or the general invention.

[0018] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the drawings. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein.

[0019] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an example mobile electronic device 100 that illustrates a solid-state switch monitoring system 101 having one or more solid-state switches. In one or more embodiments, the solid-state switch is one selected from the following: (i) a capacitive switch; (ii) a resistive switch; (iii) an inductive switch; (iv) a piezoresistive switch. In a particular embodiment, the solid-state switch is a power switch depicted as power button 102a and volume button 102b, which can be actively monitored when other functional components of the mobile electronic device 100 are inactive.

[0020] The mobile electronic device 100 can be a host of different types of devices including but not limited to mobile cellular phones, satellite phones or smart phones, laptop computers, netbooks, ultrabooks, connected smart watches or connected sports / exercise watches, and / or tablet computing devices or similar devices capable of including wireless communication functionality. As a device supporting wireless communication, the mobile electronic device 100 can be used as and is also referred to as a system, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), mobile device, mobile equipment, remote station, remote terminal, user terminal, terminal, user agent, user equipment, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer workstation, handheld device with wireless connectivity, computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. All of these various devices provide and / or include the necessary hardware and software to support various wireless or wired communication functions as part of a communication system. The mobile electronic device 100 can also be an air interface in a communication system. The mobile electronic device 100 may be intended to be portable, handheld, wearable, detachable, located in a fixed position, or mounted to a movable vehicle. Examples of such air interface communication devices include wireless modems, access points, repeaters, wireless-enabled kiosks or appliances, femtocells, small coverage area nodes, and wireless sensors, etc. The mobile electronic device 100 can have computing functionality for local functionality without wide area communication capabilities.

[0021] Now referring to the specific component makeup and associated functionality of the presented components, the mobile electronic device 100 includes an Over-the-Air (OTA) communication subsystem 104 that communicates with an external OTA communication system 105. The mobile electronic device 100 provides computing and data storage functionality to support OTA communication with the external OTA communication system 105. The mobile electronic device 100 also provides other functions with a host controller 106, a data storage subsystem 107, and an input / output (I / O) subsystem 108 communicatively coupled to each other via a system interconnect 103.

[0022] The OTA communication subsystem 104 includes a communication module 109 that operates in the baseband according to a predetermined communication protocol to encode data for transmission and decode received data. The OTA communication subsystem 104 includes a radio frequency (RF) front end 110 having one or more modems 111. The modem 111 modulates the baseband encoded data from the communication module 109 onto a carrier signal to provide a transmission signal amplified by a transmitter 112. The modem 111 demodulates signals received from a cell 113 or a node 114 detected by an antenna subsystem 115. The received signals are amplified and filtered by a receiver 116, which demodulates the received encoded data according to the received carrier signal. An antenna tuning circuit system 117 adjusts the antenna impedance of the antenna subsystem 115. The antenna tuning circuit system 117 improves the antenna efficiency at the desired transmission or reception frequencies of the transmitter 112 and the receiver 116, respectively, within a transceiver 118. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 is close to or on the body, thereby generating a lossy dielectric effect for the mobile electronic device 100. The antenna tuning circuit system 117 is electrically coupled to the antenna subsystem 115 to compensate for the lossy dielectric effect close to a person 119. The RF front end 110 can include a proximity detection component 120 that monitors capacitive effects on the antenna subsystem 115 for limiting the transmission power set by a transmission power controller 121.

[0023] The host controller 106 controls the OTA communication subsystem 104, the user interface device 122, and other functions and / or operations of the mobile electronic device 100. These functions and / or operations include, but are not limited to, application data processing and / or signal processing. The mobile electronic device 100 can use hardware component equivalents for application data processing and signal processing. For example, the mobile electronic device 100 can use dedicated hardware, a dedicated processor, a general-purpose computer, a microprocessor-based computer, a microcontroller, an optical computer, an analog computer, a dedicated processor, and / or dedicated hardwired logic. As used herein, the term "communicatively coupled" means that information signals can be transmitted through various interconnections between components, including wired and / or wireless links. The interconnection between components can be a direct interconnection including a conductive transmission medium or can be an indirect interconnection including one or more intermediate electrical components. Although certain direct interconnections (interlink 103) are illustrated in Figure 1 it should be understood that there can be more, fewer, or different interconnections in other embodiments.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, host controller 106 performs various types of OTA communications with an external OTA communication system 105 via OTA communication subsystem 104. OTA communication subsystem 104 is capable of communicating with one or more personal area network (PAN) devices within external OTA communication system 105, such as smartwatch 122 and wireless headset 123 reachable via a Bluetooth connection. In one or more embodiments, OTA communication subsystem 104 communicates with one or more local networking devices via a wireless local area network (WLAN) link provided by node 114. Node 114 is in turn connected to a wide area network 124, such as the Internet. In one or more embodiments, OTA communication subsystem 104 communicates with Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites 125 to obtain geospatial location information. In one or more embodiments, OTA communication subsystem 104 communicates with a radio access network (RAN) 126 having a corresponding base station (BS) or cell 113. RAN 126 is part of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) that is connected to wide area network 124 and provides data and voice services. In one or more embodiments, antenna subsystem 115 includes a plurality of antenna elements 127a-n that are individually tuned to selected RF frequency bands to support different RF communication frequency bands and protocols. Antenna elements 127a-n can be used in combination for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation to obtain beam steering and spatial diversity.

[0025] The techniques described herein can be used in a variety of wireless communication networks operating according to any one or more of the following, but not limited to: Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.xx, and WiMAX Forum standards. The terms "network" and "system" are often used interchangeably. Such communication networks can be Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) networks, Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, etc. CDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), CDMA 2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA). CDMA2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. TDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). OFDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA, and GSM are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is the most recent version of UMTS that uses E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS, and LTE are described in documents from the 3GPP organization. CDMA2000 is described in documents from the 3GPP2 organization. These various radio technologies and standards are known in the art. Aspects of this innovation can further be implemented with 5G (an abbreviation for fifth generation), which is a common term for certain advanced wireless systems. The industry association 3GPP defines any system using the "5G NR" (5G New Radio) software as "5G", which is the definition that began to be widely used at the end of 2018. Others may reserve the term for systems that meet the requirements of ITU IMT-2020, which represents more countries. 3GPP will submit their 5G NR to the ITU. 5G follows 2G, 3G, and 4G and their corresponding associated technologies (such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced Pro, etc.).

[0026] The host controller 106 includes a processor subsystem 128 that executes program code to provide functionality of the mobile electronic device 100. The processor subsystem 128 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs) (“data processors”) 129. In one or more embodiments, the processing subsystem 128 includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 130. The host controller 106 includes a system memory 131 that contains program code and data that are actively used. In one or more embodiments, the system memory 131 includes multiple such program codes and modules therein, including an application 132. The system memory 131 may also include an operating system (OS) 133, a firmware interface 134 such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) or a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), and platform firmware 135. These software and / or firmware modules have different functionality when their corresponding program codes are executed by the processor subsystem 128 or an auxiliary processing device within the mobile electronic device 100.

[0027] The data storage subsystem 107 provides non-volatile storage accessible to the host controller 106. For example, the data storage subsystem 107 can provide a large number of other applications 132 that can be loaded into the system memory 131. In one or more embodiments, the local data storage device 137 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), etc. In one or more embodiments, a removable storage device (RSD) 138 housed in an RSD interface 139 is a computer program product or a computer-readable storage device that can be referred to as non-transitory. The RSD 138 can be accessed by the host controller 106 to supply program code to the mobile electronic device 100. When executed by the host controller 106, the program code provides functionality for the mobile electronic device 100 to perform processing, communication, and other tasks.

[0028] The I / O subsystem 108 includes input and output devices. For example, the motion sensor 140 detects the acceleration of the mobile electronic device 100, which can indicate the context of use and intentional gestures. The ambient light sensor 141 detects external light for adjusting the brightness setting and for also indicating context information. The user interface device 122 presents visual or tactile output and receives user input. The haptic / tactile control 142 provides an interface such as for braille reading or manual input. The rangefinder 143 emits waveforms of energy such as acoustic waves, infrared, radio frequency (RF), etc., and the time of flight is used to measure the distance to a reflecting object. The audio speaker 144 provides audio output, including audio playback and alerts. The microphone 145 receives audible input. The ultrasonic proximity sensor 146 detects the proximity of the user's ear to the audio speaker 144, including identifying audio feedback from the ear canal in one or more embodiments. The optical proximity sensor 147 detects the proximity of the user's hand or face to the mobile electronic device 100. An image capture device 148 such as a camera is capable of receiving gesture and other image data. The I / O subsystem 108 can be completely or substantially enclosed by the device housing 149. In one or more embodiments, the I / O controller 150 is connected to one or more peripheral devices 151 that can include additional I / O functionality. The I / O controller 150 can also interface to a wired local area network (LAN) (not shown).

[0029] In one or more embodiments, when other subsystems such as the host controller 106 and the OTA communication subsystem 104 may be inactive to conserve power, power from the battery 152 powers the solid state switch (SSS) monitoring system 101. The SSS sensing component 153 monitors whether the power and volume keys 102a, 102b are actuated. The supervision controller 154 monitors the SSS sensing component 153 and can detect when the SSS sensing component 153 becomes inoperative. The supervision controller 154 restarts the SSS sensing component 153 to return the SSS sensing component 153 to operation.

[0030] Figure 2 An example electronic device 200 is depicted having a solid state switch (SSS) monitoring system 202 that ensures reliable activation from low power operation. The electronic device 200 can be a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a computer workstation, an embedded automotive computing system, or such as the mobile electronic device 100( Figure 1) mobile communication device. One or both of the battery 204 and the electrical socket 206 supply power to the SSS monitoring system 202 and functional components such as the processor 208 of the electronic device 200. The SSS monitoring system 202 includes an SSS sensing component 210 electrically coupled to a solid-state switch 212. The SSS sensing component 210 periodically generates clock pulses 211 that poll the solid-state switch 212. The SSS sensing component 210 determines whether the electrical characteristics of the output 214 of the solid-state switch 212 indicate that the solid-state switch 212 is actuated. The SSS sensing component 210 generates a switch status signal 216 for indicating a corresponding one of the following: (i) the actuated state of the solid-state switch 212; and (ii) the non-actuated state of the solid-state switch 212. For example, functional components such as the processor 208 can respond to the state of the switch status signal 216. For example, the inactive processor 208 is activated in response to receiving the switch status signal 216 indicating the actuated state. The supervision controller (“controller”) 218 monitors whether the SSS sensing component 210 becomes inoperative. When the SSS sensing component 210 is detected as inoperative, the controller 218 restarts the SSS sensing component 210.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the SSS sensing component 210 detects the state of the solid-state switch 212, which can be inductive, resistive, or inductive. In one or more embodiments, the solid-state switch 212 uses only 2. In one or more embodiments, the SSS sensing component 210 triggers the voltage regulator 213 to send high-frequency pulses at a programmable duty cycle to poll the inductive solid-state switch 212 based on the duty cycle clock 214. For example, a 1 ms pulse containing a high signal frequency may be followed by an off period of 12 ms to 1700 ms. The duration of the on period can be based on the SSS monitoring system 202 having sufficient time to measure the output 215 of the solid-state switch 212. The duration of the off period can be made dependent on a design choice that is a trade-off between the power consumption and detection latency of the SSS monitoring system 202. The pulse passes through the inductor coil 220, and when a ferromagnetic material target 222 such as a printed circuit on a flexible substrate is manipulated very close to the inductor coil 220, the inductor coil changes its electrical characteristics. The change in the frequency of the pulse contained in the output 215 is detected by the SSS sensing component 210 as a critical event.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the SSS sensing component 210 is DC-isolated from the controller 218 via a series-coupled capacitor 224. The controller 218 has a peak detector 226 that includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 228, which latches the peak voltage of the output 215 of the solid-state sensor 212 to detect the clock pulse 211 from the SSS sensing system 210. If a clock pulse 211 is detected within a defined time frame, a "true" logic value is set and the timer 230 is reset. If no clock pulse 211 is detected within the defined time frame based on the timer 230, a "false" logic value is set. In one or more embodiments, the defined time frame is 5 s, but the SSS sensing component 210 can use a shorter or longer defined time frame. Resetting the LDO regulator 232 restarts the SSS sensing component 210, thereby clearing latches or other error conditions that cause a non-operational state.

[0033] Figure 3 Depicts a method 300 for sensing the actuation state of a solid-state switch 212 ( Figure 2 ) by an electronic device 200 ( Figure 2 ). In decision block 302, the method 300 includes determining by a solid-state switch (SSS) sensing component 210 ( Figure 2 ) whether a power-on event has occurred for the SSS sensing component. Although not depicted, the SSS sensing component 210 ( Figure 2 ) cannot make this determination until it is actually powered on. The SSS sensing component is determining whether the SSS sensing component is in an uninitialized state immediately after power-on. In response to determining that a power-on event has occurred, the SSS sensing component performs an initialization that clears any latches or error states (block 304). In response to determining that a power-on event has not occurred in decision block 302 or after performing the initialization in block 304, the SSS sensing component periodically polls the solid-state switch of the electronic device with a clock pulse (block 306). In decision block 308, the method 300 includes determining by the SSS sensing component whether the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch indicate that the solid-state switch is actuated. In response to determining that the solid-state switch is actuated, the method 300 includes generating a switch state signal indicating the actuated state of the solid-state switch (block 310). In response to determining that the solid-state switch is not actuated, the method 300 includes generating a switch state signal indicating the non-actuated state of the solid-state switch (block 312). After generating the corresponding switch state signal in block 310 or block 312, the method 300 includes enabling a functional component to respond to the corresponding actuated or non-actuated state of the solid-state switch (block 314). Then the method 300 returns to block 302.

[0034] Figure 4 Depicts a method for monitoring and correcting a non-operational state of an SSS sensing component 210 ( Figure 2 ) to restore a solid-state switch 212 (Figure 2 ) method 400 for the operation of. Method 400 includes receiving, by controller 218( Figure 2 ) the output of the solid-state switch for monitoring its non-existence indicating a non-operating state of the SSS sensing component that generates clock pulses (block 402). In decision block 404, method 400 includes determining by the controller based on a timer whether a predefined time frame has elapsed. In response to determining that the predefined time frame has not elapsed, method 400 includes using the analog-to-digital converter of the controller to detect the peak voltage of the output of the solid-state switch (block 406). The controller compares the peak voltage with a threshold (block 408). A determination is made in decision block 410 as to whether the peak voltage is greater than the threshold. In response to detecting that the peak voltage is greater than the threshold, method 400 includes resetting the timer (block 412). Then method 400 returns to block 402. In response to detecting that the peak voltage is not greater than the threshold, method 400 returns to block 402. In response to determining that the predefined time frame has elapsed, in decision block 404, method 400 includes interrupting the power supply to the SSS sensing component for a period sufficient to turn off and restart the SSS sensing component, which clears any latched or error conditions (block 414). Method 416 includes monitoring for a period sufficient for the SSS sensing component to restart (block 416). Method 400 returns to block 402.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a distributed method 500 that includes method 500a for the SSS sensing component 210 to sense the actuation of the solid-state switch. Method 500 also includes method 500b for the supervisory controller 218 to mitigate the non-operating state of the SSS sensing component 210. The distributed method 500 enables the supervisory controller 218 to determine whether the SSS sensing component 210 is non-operating based on a signal generated by the SSS sensing component 210. The supervisory controller 218 avoids having to generate a test signal to determine whether the SSS sensing component 210 is non-operating. Method 500a includes the SSS sensing component performing a power-on procedure (block 502). The SSS sensing component sets the power supply voltage level V for the voltage regulator DD (block 504). Method 500a includes sending an on-period power pulse from the voltage regulator to the solid-state switch (block 506), which enables the supervisory controller 218 to start method 500b that is executed in parallel with method 500a at line 508.

[0036] Method 500b includes receiving an output from a solid state switch (block 510). In one or more embodiments, an on-cycle power pulse causes an electromagnetic signal to pass through a sensor of the solid state switch, the sensor being affected by the proximity change of a conductive target moving through actuation. The effect can be capacitive, inductive, or resistive. Based on the received output, the SSS sensing assembly determines the actuated or non-actuated state of the solid state switch (block 512). Method 500a includes generating a switch signal indicative of the determined state (block 514). The SSS sensing assembly waits for an off-cycle interval to reduce the power consumption of the solid state switch (block 516). Then method 500a returns to block 506 under normal operation. However, the SSS sensing assembly may become inoperative, as indicated by the dashed line to the inoperative state with no output (block 518).

[0037] Continuing to refer to method 500b, the controller detects a first on-cycle power pulse (block 520). Once the operation of the SSS sensing assembly is enabled by the first power pulse, the controller begins to actively monitor for an inoperative state. Method 500b includes setting a timer (block 522). The duration can be significantly longer than the duty cycle of the SSS sensing assembly such that the duration of elapsed time or expiration of the timer is associated with an inoperative SSS sensing assembly. At decision block 524, a determination is made as to whether the timer has expired. In response to determining that the timer has not expired, a determination is made at decision block 526 as to whether the next pulse has been detected. In response to determining that the next pulse has not been detected, method 500b returns to decision block 524. In response to determining that the next pulse has been detected, method 500b returns to block 522. When the SSS sensing assembly is inoperative (block 518), time will continue to elapse until the timer expires. In response to determining at decision block 524 that the timer has expired, method 500b includes restarting the SSS sensor assembly by the controller (block 528). When the first pulse from the SSS sensing assembly is detected, method 500b returns to block 520 to wait to be enabled to monitor another inoperative state. The SSS sensing assembly is in a power-down state in response to the restart. When power is restored to the SSS sensing assembly, method 500a begins again at block 502.

[0038] In each of the above flowcharts presented herein, certain steps of the method can be combined, performed simultaneously or in a different order, or may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the described innovation. Although the method steps are described and illustrated in a particular order, the use of the particular order of steps is not intended to imply any limitation on the innovation. Changes can be made to the order of the steps without departing from the spirit or scope of this innovation. Accordingly, the use of a particular order should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of this innovation is defined only by the appended claims.

[0039] Aspects of the present innovation have been described above with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present innovation. It should be understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0040] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present innovation can be embodied as a system, apparatus, and / or method. Accordingly, embodiments of the present innovation may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an embodiment combining software and hardware embodiments, which may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit", "module", or "system".

[0041] Although the present innovation has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can replace its elements without departing from the scope of the present innovation. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular system, apparatus, or its components to the teachings of the present innovation without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, the present innovation is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the present innovation, but rather the present innovation will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0042] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present innovation. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0043] All means or steps in the following claims, plus the corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of the functional elements, are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the innovation is presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the form of the innovation disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the innovation. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the innovation and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the innovation for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A solid-state switch monitoring system, comprising: A solid-state switch; A solid-state switch sensing component, the solid-state switch sensing component being electrically coupled to the solid-state switch, and the solid-state switch sensing component: (i) periodically generating clock pulses to poll the solid-state switch; (ii) determining whether the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch indicate that the solid-state switch is actuated; and (iii) generating a switch status signal for indicating the corresponding status in the actuated state and the non-actuated state of the solid-state switch; And A controller, the controller being communicatively coupled to the solid-state switch sensing component and restarting the solid-state switch sensing component in response to determining that the solid-state switch sensing component is in a non-operating state, Wherein: The solid-state switch sensing component includes: A clock, the clock generating the clock pulses; and A sensor, the sensor measuring the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch; and The controller includes: An analog-to-digital converter, the analog-to-digital converter latching the peak voltage of the output of the solid-state switch to detect the clock pulses from the solid-state switch sensing component; and A timer, the timer being reset based on the detection of a peak voltage exceeding a threshold.

2. The solid-state switch monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller: Detects whether the solid-state switch sensing component has polled the solid-state switch within a predefined time frame; and In response to determining that the solid-state switch sensing component has not polled the solid-state switch within the predefined time frame, determines that the solid-state switch sensing component is in the non-operating state.

3. The solid-state switch monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: A voltage regulator communicatively coupled to the controller, and the controller restarts the solid-state switch sensing component by triggering the voltage regulator to interrupt the power supply to the solid-state switch sensing component.

4. The solid-state switch monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The solid-state switch is one selected from the following: (i) a capacitive switch; (ii) a resistive switch; (iii) an inductive switch; and (iv) a piezoresistive switch.

5. The solid-state switch monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein: The solid-state switch is a power switch; and The solid-state switch sensing component generates the switch status signal indicating the actuated state that triggers the activation of the microprocessor of the electronic device.

6. An electronic device, comprising: A solid-state switch monitoring system, the solid-state switch monitoring system including: A solid-state switch; A solid-state switch sensing component, the solid-state switch sensing component being electrically coupled to the solid-state switch, and the solid-state switch sensing component: (i) periodically generating clock pulses to poll the solid-state switch; (ii) determining whether the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch indicate that the solid-state switch is actuated; and (iii) generating a switch status signal for indicating the corresponding status in the actuated state and the non-actuated state of the solid-state switch; and A controller, the controller being communicatively coupled to the solid-state switch sensing component and restarting the solid-state switch sensing component in response to determining that the solid-state switch sensing component is in a non-operating state, Wherein: The solid-state switch sensing component includes: A clock, the clock generating the clock pulses; and A sensor that measures the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch; and The controller includes: An analog-to-digital converter that latches the peak voltage of the output of the solid-state switch to detect the clock pulse from the sensing component of the solid-state switch; and A timer that is reset based on the detection of a peak voltage exceeding a threshold value.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The controller: Detects whether the solid-state switch sensing component has polled the solid-state switch within a predefined time frame; and Responsive to determining that the solid-state switch sensing component has not polled the solid-state switch within the predefined time frame, determines that the solid-state switch sensing component is in the non-operating state.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising: A voltage regulator communicatively coupled to the controller, and the controller restarts the solid-state switch sensing component by triggering the voltage regulator to interrupt the power supply to the solid-state switch sensing component.

9. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The solid-state switch is one selected from the following: (i) a capacitive switch; (ii) a resistive switch; (iii) an inductive switch; and (iv) a piezoresistive switch.

10. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising a microprocessor communicatively coupled to the solid-state switch and activated in response to receiving the switch status signal indicating the actuation state.

11. A method for monitoring a solid-state switch, the method comprising: Periodically polling the solid-state switch with a clock pulse by a solid-state switch sensing component; Determining, by the solid-state switch sensing component, whether the electrical characteristics of the output of the solid-state switch indicate that the solid-state switch is actuated; Generating, by the solid-state switch sensing component, a switch status signal indicating the corresponding state in the actuated state and the non-actuated state of the solid-state switch; and Determining, by the controller, whether the solid-state switch sensing component is in a non-operating state; and Restarting, by the controller, the solid-state switch sensing component in response to determining that the solid-state switch sensing component is in a non-operating state, wherein determining whether the solid-state switch sensing component is in a non-operating state includes the controller detecting whether the solid-state switch sensing component has polled the solid-state switch within a predefined time frame, and wherein detecting whether the solid-state switch sensing component has polled the solid-state switch within the predefined time frame includes: determining whether the predefined time frame has elapsed based on a timer; and Responsive to determining that the predefined time frame has not elapsed: Using the analog-to-digital converter of the controller to detect the peak voltage of the output of the solid-state switch; Comparing the peak voltage with a threshold value; and Resetting the timer in response to detecting that the peak voltage is greater than the threshold value.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Determining, in response to determining that the predefined time frame has elapsed, that the solid-state switch sensing component is in the non-operating state; And Restarting, by the controller, the solid-state switch sensing component by: Interrupting the power supply to the solid-state switch sensing component to turn off the solid-state switch sensing component.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein The solid-state switch is one selected from the following: (i) a capacitive switch; (ii) a resistive switch; (iii) an inductive switch; and (iv) a piezoresistive switch.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: In response to generating the switch status signal indicating the actuation status, activation of a microprocessor of the electronic device is triggered.

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