Counting device for counting use of an electronic component, arrangement and method for counting use of an electronic component
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIEMENS AG
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-29
Smart Images
Figure EP2024069479_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] Counting device for counting a use of an electronic component, arrangement and method for counting a use of an electronic component
[0003] The invention relates to a counting device for counting the use of an electronic component having at least one memory device. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement with a counting device and a method for counting the use of an electronic component.
[0004] Due to sustainability requirements, circular business models will increasingly be implemented in the future. One path of these circular business models involves the re-marketing of previously used electronic assemblies and components. In industrial settings, downtimes in production environments and safety requirements play a major role. Therefore, it is of great importance to know the condition and degree of wear / use / aging of electronic components and electronic assemblies and components as precisely as possible before they are reused or sold. Furthermore, history tracking can also be used as an authenticity feature to distinguish counterfeit from genuine products.The manufacturer has precise knowledge of the manufacturing processes or, where applicable, the operation of components, which are stored accordingly, for example, with regard to temperature. This can then be used to verify the authenticity of products and, if necessary, distinguish them from counterfeit products.
[0005] One way to record or save the type and frequency of use is to do so with the help of active electronic components, in particular so-called tachographs. However, this has several disadvantages. Firstly, these components generate additional costs. Secondly, these components have to be equipped with supply voltages and additional circuitry. This requires intervention in existing circuits, however. Thirdly, in some circuits this intervention entails additional safety requirements or is even impossible, for example with power electronics and due to high voltage. Fourthly, subsequent integration into existing circuits is usually not possible.
[0006] The current state of the art has solved this problem by having active electronic components record and store the operating states, similar to an electronic tachograph. A further disadvantage of such components is that long-term memory must also be provided. If this is not guaranteed, the volatile IC memory will forget the stored values in the event of a power failure. An additional problem is that, due to the electrical connection of the "tachograph" to the target circuit, disturbances on the electrical lines, such as overvoltages, can damage the memory components and cause the stored information to be lost.
[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a counting device, an arrangement and a method by means of which the use of an electronic component can be counted in an improved manner.
[0008] This object is achieved by a counting device, an arrangement, and a method according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.
[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a counting device for counting the use of an electronic component, comprising at least one memory device. A passive energy conversion device is provided which, when the electronic component is used, converts energy at the electronic component into electrical energy, and, based on this event, detects use and stores it in the memory device.
[0010] In this way, the use of the electronic component can be recorded passively and, on this basis, the counting device can count the use itself.
[0011] In particular, it is thus provided that a passive energy conversion device can be provided that can store usage data without an external power supply. For this purpose, the passive energy conversion device is used to convert environmental energy into electrical energy, in particular through energy harvesting. This energy is subsequently used to store the information that such an event has occurred in the storage device, which is designed, in particular, as an electronic long-term memory.
[0012] A significant advantage is that the measurement event is simultaneously the energy supplier for storing the data.
[0013] The passive energy conversion device or the sensory or energy-generating element can be accommodated within the same housing as the storage device or can be present as a separate component.
[0014] In particular, this has the advantage that tracking of the type and duration of use can be realized. Furthermore, history tracking can also be provided, particularly as a so-called digital fingerprint for counterfeit protection. There is no interaction with the existing circuit. Furthermore, no additional layout costs and complexity are generated. In particular, this allows a simple and cost-effective design to be realized. Furthermore, the existing energy of the interference pulses can be used directly to store information. Furthermore, an additional security layer can be introduced into the circuit. In particular, the counting device thus goes beyond pure so-called cycle counting, since a much more precise evaluation and tracking of component usage can be realized.Furthermore, quality control can be performed during the production process, for example, at solder temperatures. An original fingerprint of the electronic component can be saved during the production process. Improper use of the device can be detected and also reviewed in the event of a warranty claim. Furthermore, the transport chain can also be checked, for example, to determine whether temperature ranges or mechanical shocks have occurred.
[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the counting device is designed to be glued or soldered to a surface of the electronic component. In other words, the counting device can be applied directly to the electronic component. This makes it possible for the energy to be absorbed directly by the electronic component via the passive energy conversion device. In particular, it can further be provided that the quality can be guaranteed by precisely adjusting the geometric distances between the passive energy conversion device or by appropriate calibration, so that corresponding energy peaks can also be assigned to the damage event that is to be recorded. The use of the electronic component can therefore be recorded in an extremely precise and simple manner.
[0016] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the counting device has a readout device for reading at least one counter reading in the memory device. In particular, the corresponding readout device can be located on the surface of the counting device, with the aid of which the state of the memory can be read out at any later time. This allows the use of the electronic component to be reliably read out and, for example, monitoring of the component to be implemented.
[0017] It is further advantageous if the readout device is designed in the form of at least one test pad. In particular, the readout device is designed in the form of at least two test pads. In particular, the test pads are located, for example, on a surface of the counting device. This makes it possible to read out the memory in a simple manner.
[0018] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the reading device is designed in the form of an RFID chip. In particular, the reading process can thus also be carried out via the housing using appropriate antenna structures, for example, with RFID technology. The chip is then not electrically accessible from the outside, meaning it is better protected mechanically, chemically, and in terms of security. Furthermore, the package is simpler and therefore more cost-effective to manufacture.
[0019] It is also advantageous if the counting device has a temperature sensor, thermal energy being detected by means of the temperature sensor. In particular, the thermal energy can also be transferred to the energy conversion device via the temperature sensor, so that the energy conversion device can convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. It is therefore not necessary for the passive energy conversion device, for example, to be arranged directly on the electronic component. The passive energy conversion device can therefore be designed at a distance from the electronic component. Different structures of the electronic component can therefore be catered for in an improved manner. It has also proven advantageous if the counting device, the electronic component and the temperature sensor are arranged in an organic matrix.Alternatively or additionally, other flexible materials or partially flexible materials can also be used. These organic materials can also have sections with fixed structures. In this case, the fixed structures can comprise semiconductor components or conductor tracks. It is also possible to implement the entire circuit or parts of it as printed electronics. These flexible labels have the advantage that they can also be applied to cables, bus bars, housings or passive circuit elements, such as capacitors and chokes.
[0020] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the counting device is designed to detect an event when a predetermined threshold value for the energy at the component is exceeded. In particular, the threshold value can be predetermined, for example, by the corresponding thermal damage processes that could occur in the electronic component. Thus, the threshold value is predetermined as a measured variable by the corresponding potential damage processes and serves to track or count the number of temperature change processes. This allows reliable counting of usage.
[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the counting device is additionally designed to detect and store the duration of the event. In particular, the event magnitude and duration are thus measured and also stored. In this way, in addition to the pure event, the duration can also be taken into account, which makes it easier to determine whether the electronic component is damaged. It is also advantageous if the storage device is designed as a flash memory. The flash memory is in particular a long-term memory. In particular, a special electronic long-term memory can be designed which can reliably store the events and thus also enables usage to be counted over the long term.
[0022] It has also proven advantageous if the passive energy generation device is designed to convert thermal energy and / or mechanical energy and / or magnetic energy into electrical energy. For example, the so-called Seebeck effect or the Peltier effect can be used to convert thermal energy. In the case of mechanical energy, for example, energy can be converted on the basis of vibrations or movements. In the case of magnetic energy, corresponding magnetic waves can be converted into electrical energy. This makes it possible for the electrical energy to be converted in the passive energy conversion device in different ways.
[0023] A further aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement comprising at least one electronic component and a counting device according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the electronic component is thus provided with the counting device. In particular, the arrangement can then be arranged, for example, on a printed circuit board.
[0024] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for counting the use of an electronic component by means of a counting device according to the preceding aspect. Energy is passively detected at the electronic component by means of the energy conversion device. The detected energy is converted into electrical energy by means of the energy conversion device. The event is detected on the basis of the converted energy by means of the counting device, and the detected event is stored in the storage device.
[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, mechanical energy and / or magnetic energy and / or thermal energy is converted into electrical energy by means of the energy conversion device. This enables different energy conversions and the method can be used in different arrangements or electronic components.
[0026] It is also advantageous if the duration of the detected event is also stored. This allows the duration to be saved in addition to the event itself, which allows reliable conclusions to be drawn, for example, about the health or aging status of the electronic component.
[0027] Advantageous embodiments of the counting device are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the arrangement and the method. The counting device and the arrangement have specific features for carrying out corresponding method steps.
[0028] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is issued and / or a standard setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.
[0029] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.
[0030] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures can be encompassed by the invention not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations. In particular, the invention can also encompass embodiments and combinations of features which do not have all the features of an originally formulated claim. Furthermore, the invention can encompass embodiments and combinations of features which go beyond the combinations of features set out in the references to the claims or deviate from them.
[0031] Showing:
[0032] FIG 1 shows a schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of a counting device;
[0033] FIG 2 shows a schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the method;
[0034] FIG 3 shows a schematic time-temperature or time-energy diagram;
[0035] FIG 4 shows a further schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the method;
[0036] FIG 5 shows a schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of an arrangement;
[0037] FIG 6 shows a further schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of an arrangement; and
[0038] FIG. 7 shows yet another schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of an arrangement. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and associated schematic drawings. In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. The description of identical or functionally equivalent elements may not necessarily be repeated for different figures.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram according to one embodiment of a counting device 10. The counting device 10 is designed to count the use of an electronic component 12 (FIG. 5). The counting device 10 has at least one memory device 14. For example, the memory device 14 can be designed in the form of a flash memory. In particular, the memory device 14 is designed as a so-called electronic long-term memory.
[0040] It is provided that a passive energy conversion device 16 is provided which, when the electronic component 12 is used, converts energy 18 at the electronic component 12 into electrical energy 20, and on the basis of this event 24 (FIG. 2), detects use and stores it in the storage device 14. In particular, it can be provided that, for example, the passive energy conversion device 16 is designed to convert thermal energy 18 and / or mechanical energy 18 and / or magnetic energy 18 into electrical energy 20.
[0041] In particular, FIG. 1 shows that the energy conversion device 16 is provided, which can store usage data without an external energy supply. For this purpose, the energy conversion device 16 is provided, which generates electrical energy 20 from environmental energy. This can also be referred to as so-called energy harvesting. This electrical energy 20 is then used to store the information that such an event has occurred in a special electronic long-term memory, in particular the memory device 14. A significant advantage here is that the measurement event is simultaneously the energy supplier for storing the data.
[0042] FIG 2 shows a schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the method. In a first step S 1 the event 24 is recorded. In a second step S 2 the energy 18 is converted into the electrical energy 20. In a third step S 3 a check is carried out as to whether, for example, a threshold value 22 (FIG 3) has been exceeded. Depending on how high the threshold value 22 is set or which threshold values 22 have been exceeded, it is provided that different events can be detected on the basis of different threshold values 22. In particular, three different events 24a, 24b, 24c are shown. Each event 24a, 24b, 24c can be assigned a different threshold value 22. If, for example, a first threshold value 22 is exceeded, a first event 24a can be entered in the memory device in a fourth step S 4.In a fifth step S5, the counter can then be incremented again. If, for example, a second threshold 22 is exceeded, which is different from the first threshold 22, a second event 24b can be stored. If, for example, a third threshold 22 is exceeded, which is different from the first threshold 22 and the second threshold 22, a third event 24c can be detected and stored.
[0043] In particular, the sensory or energy-generating element, in particular the energy conversion device 16, can be configured within the same housing as the storage device 14 itself or be present as a separate component. A flowchart for the storage process is shown in FIG. 2, particularly using the example of a temperature event. In addition to temperature events, electromagnetic fields or waves or mechanical shock and vibration events are also suitable for energy generation and a subsequent storage process.
[0044] FIG 3 again shows a corresponding diagram for a temperature event. The lower curve describes the heating and cooling process of the electronic component 12. The electronic component 12 can, for example, be provided in the form of a power semiconductor. The electronic component 12 is supplied with electrical power and the temperature T rises to a power- and time-dependent value. The power is then switched off and the semiconductor cools back down to ambient temperature. The event 24 on which this invention is based and the temperature T on which it is based correspond to the AT in this illustration. AT is the decisive measured variable in the area of mechanical damage processes and tracking, or counting the number of temperature changes, is an important feature for quality and service life assessment.For accurate tracking to occur, the AT must exceed a certain minimum value, in particular a threshold value 22. Furthermore, precise adjustment of the geometric distances between the sensor and / or, for example, calibration ensures that the recorded temperature fluctuations and damage events, as they are to be recorded, also correspond to an event 24. The upper part of FIG. 3 then again shows, in particular, the energy generation via the energy conversion device 16.
[0045] FIG 4 shows a further schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the method. In this case, it can additionally be provided that after the second step S2, a sixth step S6 is carried out, which measures a duration of the event 24. After the sixth step S6, the third step S3 follows again, which provides for the checking of the threshold value 22. Then, after the third step S3, a seventh step S7 follows, which also stores the duration of the event 24 in the memory device 14. In particular, FIG 4 therefore shows an extension of the procedure according to FIG 2. There, in addition to the event height, the event duration is also measured and this is also stored.
[0046] Transistors with floating gate structures, as known from flash memory technology, can be used to store information in long-term memory. In these transistors, electrons can be transferred to so-called floating gate structures with the help of quantum mechanical tunneling effects. These structures are located on an insulating material, such as silicon oxide, and store the charge carriers permanently. These charge carriers permanently influence the state of the transistor, and can be read out at a later time. It is also possible, depending on the external interference pulse, to transfer different amounts of charge to the floating gate. This allows the pulse strength to be stored on the transistor in analog code, thus further reducing semiconductor area and complexity.
[0047] FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram according to one embodiment of an arrangement 26. The arrangement 26 comprises at least the electronic component 12 and the counting device 10. In particular, it is shown here that the counting device 10 is, for example, glued or soldered to a surface 28 of the electronic component 12. For this purpose, an adhesive layer 30 can be provided, for example.
[0048] 5 shows that the counting device 10 can again have a readout device 32 for reading out at least the counter reading in the memory device 14. In the present exemplary embodiment, the readout device 32 is designed in particular in the form of at least one test pad, in particular in the form of two test pads. In particular, FIG. 5 therefore shows an exemplary arrangement 26. In particular, the counting device 10 is designed in the form of a chip. The chip is applied or embedded with the aid of an adhesive or a solder onto the circuit or the electronic component 12 to be monitored. Embedding is understood to mean, for example, the insertion of the chip between the sheets of printed circuit boards, but also, for example, injection-molded parts or silicone gels.For example, on an upper side 34 of the counting device 10 there are electrically contactable pads with the aid of which the state of the memory device 14 can be read out at any later time.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a further schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of an arrangement 26. In the present exemplary embodiment, it can be provided, in particular, that the reading device 32 is provided in the form of an antenna device, for example in the form of an RFID chip. This allows the reading process to also be carried out via an antenna structure incorporated into the housing. The chip is then not electrically accessible from the outside, meaning it is better protected mechanically, chemically, and with regard to security. Furthermore, the package is simpler and therefore more cost-effective to manufacture.
[0050] FIG. 7 shows yet another schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of the arrangement 26. In the present embodiment, the electronic component 12 is formed on a circuit board 34. The counting device 10 has a temperature sensor 36. Thermal energy 18 can be detected by means of the temperature sensor 36.
[0051] 7 shows that the counting device 10, the electronic component 12 and the temperature sensor 36 are arranged in an organic matrix 38. In particular, FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the counting device 10 based on organic and partially flexible materials. These organic materials can also have partial areas with fixed structures. These fixed structures can in this case have, for example, semiconductor components or conductor tracks. It is also possible to implement the circuit as a whole or parts thereof as printed electronics. This flexible label has the advantage that it can also be applied to, for example, cables, bus bars, housings or passive circuit elements such as capacitors and chokes.
[0052] Reference symbol list
[0053] 10 counting device
[0054] 12 electronic component
[0055] 14 Storage device
[0056] 16 passive energy conversion device
[0057] 18 Energy
[0058] 20 electrical energy
[0059] 22 Threshold
[0060] 24 Event
[0061] 26 Arrangement
[0062] 28 Surface
[0063] 30 adhesive layer
[0064] 32 reading device
[0065] 34 Top
[0066] 36 temperature sensors
[0067] 38 organic matrix
[0068] 40 Board t Time T Temperature
[0069] P Energy
[0070] SI to S7 steps of the procedure
Claims
Patent claims 1. Counting device (10) for counting the use of an electronic component (12), with at least one storage device (14), characterized in that a passive energy conversion device (16) is provided which, when the electronic component (12) is used, converts energy (18) at the electronic component (12) into electrical energy (20), and on the basis of this event (24) detects use and stores it in the storage device (14), wherein the energy (18) comprises thermal energy (18) and the passive energy conversion device (16) is designed to convert thermal energy (18) into electrical energy (20).
2. Counting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the passive energy conversion device (16) is designed to use the Seebeck effect and / or the Peltier effect.
3. Counting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the counting device (10) is designed to be glued or soldered to a surface (28) of the electronic component (12).
4. Counting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counting device (10) has a read-out device (32) for reading out at least one counter reading in the memory device (14), wherein the read-out device (32) is designed in the form of at least one test pad or in the form of an antenna device, in particular as an RFID chip.
5. Counting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counting device (10) has a temperature sensor (36), wherein thermal energy (18) is detected by means of the temperature sensor (36).
6. Counting device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the counting device (10), the electronic component (12) and the temperature sensor (36) are arranged in an organic matrix (40).
7. Counting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counting device (10) is designed to detect an event (24) when a predetermined threshold value (22) for the energy (18) at the electronic component (12) is exceeded.
8. Counting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counting device (10) is additionally designed to detect and store a duration of the event (24).
9. Counting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the memory device (14) is designed as a flash memory.
10. Counting device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the memory device comprises at least one transistor with a floating gate structure.
11. Counting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passive energy conversion device (16) is designed to convert mechanical energy (18) and / or magnetic energy (18) into electrical energy (20).
12. Arrangement (26) with at least one electronic component (12) and a counting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11.
13. A method for counting the use of an electronic component (12) by means of a counting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps: - Passive detection of energy (18) at the electronic component (12) by means of the energy conversion device (16); - converting the detected energy (18) into electrical energy (20) by means of the energy conversion device (16); - detecting the event (24) on the basis of the converted electrical energy (20) by means of the counting device (10); and - storing the detected event (24) in the storage device (14), wherein the energy (18) comprises thermal energy (18).
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a mechanical energy (18) and / or a magnetic energy (18) is converted into electrical energy (20) by means of the energy conversion device (16).
15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a duration of the detected event (24) is additionally stored.