Electronic device, main substrate, option substrate, option substrate discrimination method, and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic device which can contribute to discriminating a type of an option substrate and a type of a supply voltage to the option substrate by one signal line.SOLUTION: A microcomputer for discrimination of a main substrate outputs an output voltage signal to one end of a fixed resistance of the main substrate, and an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistance of the main substrate is inputted to the microcomputer. A voltage value at the time when a voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a period from a change start time to a saturation time of the voltage of the input voltage signal are measured by changing the output voltage signal from a Low voltage to a High voltage, and a type of an option substrate is discriminated on the basis of the measured voltage value, and a type of a supply voltage to the option substrate is discriminated on the basis of the measured period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a main board, an option board, an option board identification method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] One method for identifying an option board connected to a main board is to identify the type of option board based on a first voltage value at an input port of a control circuit in a management device (corresponding to a main board) when a predetermined potential is sent from the output port of the control circuit, and a second voltage value at the input port when a GND potential is sent from the output port (see Patent Document 1). According to this method, it is said that the type of option board connected to the management device can be identified by a single signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2008-108094 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The following analysis is provided by the present inventors.

[0005] However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, although the management device can identify the type of option board, it cannot identify the type of voltage supplied from the management device to the option board. Therefore, in the method described in Patent Document 1, if a signal other than the signal used to identify the type of option board is used to identify the type of voltage supplied from the management device to the option board, the connection interface between the management device and the option board becomes large.

[0006] The main objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, a main board, an option board, an option board identification method, and a program that can contribute to identifying the type of option board and the type of voltage supplied to the option board using a single signal line. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device according to a first aspect is an electronic device comprising a main board and an option board electrically connected to the main board, wherein the main board comprises a fixed resistor and an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board, and the option board comprises a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground, and one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board. and a fixed capacitor connected electrically to the input terminal of the main board, wherein the identification microcomputer is configured to output an output voltage signal toward the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board, receive an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board, and change the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated and a time period from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it becomes saturated, identify the type of the option board based on the measured voltage value, and identify the type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time.

[0008] A main board according to a second aspect is a main board configured to be electrically connectable to an option board, and includes a fixed resistor having the other end electrically connected to the option board when the main board and the option board are electrically connected, and an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor, wherein the identification microcomputer is configured to output an output voltage signal toward the one end of the fixed resistor, receive an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor, and change the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated and a time period from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it becomes saturated, identify the type of the option board based on the measured voltage value, and identify the type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time.

[0009] An option board according to a third aspect is an option board configured to be electrically connectable to a main board, and includes a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor, wherein the one end of the fixed resistor is configured to be electrically connected to the main board when the main board and the option board are electrically connected, and the fixed resistor and the fixed capacitor are used on the main board to identify the type of the option board and the type of voltage supplied from the main board to the option board.

[0010] An option board identification method according to a fourth aspect is an option board identification method in which a main board identifies an option board when the option board is electrically connected to the main board, the main board comprising a fixed resistor and an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board, the option board comprising a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground, and a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board. The option board identification method includes the steps of: the identification microcomputer outputting an output voltage signal toward one end of the fixed resistor of the main board; the identification microcomputer receiving an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; the identification microcomputer changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring the voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated and the time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change to when it becomes saturated; identifying the type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; and identifying the type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time.

[0011] A program according to a fifth aspect is a program for executing a process of identifying an option board when the option board is electrically connected to a main board, the main board comprising a fixed resistor and an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board, the option board comprising a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground, and a microcomputer having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board. and a fixed capacitor connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board, and the identification microcomputer executes the following processes: outputting an output voltage signal toward the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board; inputting an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated and a time period from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it becomes saturated by changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage; identifying the type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; and identifying the type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time.

[0012] The program can be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. In the present disclosure, the program can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program is input to the computer device from an input device or an external device via a communication interface, stored in a storage device, drives the processor according to a predetermined step or process, and can display the processing result, including an intermediate state, at each stage via a display device as necessary, or can communicate with the outside via the communication interface. For example, a computer device for this purpose typically includes a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary, which are connectable to each other via a bus. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The first to fifth aspects can contribute to identifying the type of option board and the type of voltage supplied to the option board with a single signal line. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of a configuration of an electronic device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an identification microcomputer in a main board of an electronic device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 5 is a graph showing an example of a change over time in an output voltage signal and an input voltage signal of an identification microcomputer in a main board of an electronic device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of an identification microcomputer in a main board of an electronic device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of the configuration of an electronic device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware resources. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this application, when reference symbols are given to the drawings, they are intended to aid in understanding and are not intended to limit the embodiments shown in the drawings. The embodiments below are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The connection lines between blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional. One-way arrows are used to diagrammatically indicate the flow of a main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Furthermore, although not explicitly shown in the circuit diagrams, block diagrams, internal configuration diagrams, connection diagrams, and the like shown in the present disclosure, input ports and output ports exist at the input and output ends of each connection line. The same is true for input / output interfaces. The program is executed via a computer device, which includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary, and the computer device is configured to be able to communicate with devices (including computers) inside or outside the device via the communication interface, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.

[0016] [Form 1] The electronic device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic example of the configuration of the electronic device according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic example of the configuration of an identification microcomputer in a main board of the electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0017] The electronic device 1 is a device for electronically achieving a predetermined purpose (see FIG. 1). As the electronic device, an electronic device capable of supplementing or expanding the main function of the main board 10 by adding an option board 20 can be used, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The electronic device 1 includes the main board 10 and the option board 20.

[0018] The main board 10 is a board used as the main board in the electronic device 1 (see FIG. 1). The main board 10 is used to achieve the main purpose of the electronic device 1. The main board 10 is configured to have various electronic components (not shown) on a board (not shown). The main board 10 is mounted on the electronic device 1. For example, a motherboard in a personal computer, a board for performing signal processing in a smartphone or a tablet terminal, etc. can be used as the main board 10. The main board 10 is electrically connected to the option board 20 via a connection interface (not shown; for example, a connector, a slot, etc.). The main board 10 includes an identification microcomputer 11, a fixed resistor 12, a power supply circuit 13, an output control circuit 14, and a communication circuit 15.

[0019] The identification microcomputer 11 is a microcomputer configured to identify the type of the option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied to the option board 20 (see FIG. 1). The identification microcomputer 11 controls the communication circuit 15 according to the identified type of the option board 20. The identification microcomputer 11 controls the power supply circuit 13 according to the identified type of voltage supplied to the option board 20. For example, an electronic component (microcomputer) having a computer function can be used as the identification microcomputer 11. The identification microcomputer 11 has an identification output port 11a, an identification input port 11b, and a power supply circuit input port 11c. The identification output port 11a is electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor 12. The identification input port 11b is electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor 12 and the option board 20 (one end of the fixed resistor 21 and one end of the fixed capacitor 22). The power supply circuit input port 11c is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 13 and the output control circuit 14. The identification microcomputer 11 identifies the type of option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied to the option board 20 based on the output voltage signal output from the identification output port 11a and the input voltage signal input to the identification input port 11b. The identification microcomputer 11 detects that the option board 20 is not present (the option board 20 is not connected to the main board 10) when the voltage of the input voltage signal input to the identification input port 11b is the same as the voltage of the output voltage signal output from the identification output port 11a. The identification microcomputer 11 detects that the voltage value input to the power supply circuit input port 11c corresponds to the type of voltage supplied to the identified option board 20. By executing a predetermined program, the identification microcomputer 11 can virtually be configured to include a voltage output unit 11d, analog-digital conversion units 11e and 11f, a voltage measurement unit 11g, a time measurement unit 11h, and a control unit 11i (see FIG. 2).

[0020] The voltage output unit 11d is a functional unit that outputs an output voltage signal to the identification output port 11a (see FIG. 2). The voltage output unit 11d is controlled by the control unit 11i. The voltage of the output voltage signal is controlled by the control unit 11i to be either a low voltage or a high voltage.

[0021] The analog-to-digital converter 11e is a functional unit that performs analog-to-digital conversion of an input voltage signal input to the identification input port 11b (see FIG. 2) The analog-to-digital converter 11e is controlled by the controller 11i.

[0022] The analog-to-digital conversion unit 11f is a functional unit that performs analog-to-digital conversion on the voltage input to the power supply circuit input port 11c (see FIG. 2). The analog-to-digital conversion unit 11f is controlled by the control unit 11i.

[0023] The voltage measuring unit 11g is a functional unit that measures the voltage of the input voltage signal that has been analog-to-digital converted by the analog-to-digital conversion unit 11e (see FIG. 2). The voltage measuring unit 11g is controlled by the control unit 11i.

[0024] The time measurement unit 11h is a functional unit that measures the time from when the output voltage signal output from the voltage output unit 11d changes from a low voltage to a high voltage (from when the voltage of the input voltage signal changes) until the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated (see FIG. 2). The time measurement unit 11h is controlled by the control unit 11i.

[0025] The control unit 11i is a functional unit that controls the voltage output unit 11d, the analog-digital conversion units 11e and 11f, the voltage measurement unit 11g, the time measurement unit 11h, the power supply circuit 13, and the communication circuit 15 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 11i is initialized when the option board 20 is removed from the main board 10 (when the main board 10 and the option board 20 are electrically disconnected). The control unit 11i is also initialized when the main board 10 is powered on. During initialization, the control unit 11i controls the voltage output unit 11d to set the output voltage signal to the identification output port 11a to a low voltage (0 V in this case), controls the power supply circuit 13 to turn it off, and controls the output control circuit 14 to turn off the power supply to the option board 20.

[0026] In order to identify the type of option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied to option board 20, control unit 11i changes the voltage of the output voltage signal output from identification output port 11a from a low voltage to a high voltage using voltage output unit 11d, and starts counting the time at the timing when the voltage is changed from low to high voltage (the timing when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change) using time measurement unit 11h. Control unit 11i performs analog-to-digital conversion of the input voltage signal input to identification input port 11b at a predetermined timing set in advance, and measures the voltage value, using voltage measurement unit 11g and analog-to-digital conversion unit 11e.

[0027] The control unit 11i judges whether the voltage of the measured input voltage signal is saturated or not. The judgment of whether the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated or not can be performed, for example, by judging whether the voltage value of the latest measured input voltage signal is equal (within a predetermined error range) to the voltage value of the input voltage signal measured immediately before (0V if the voltage was not measured immediately before). If the voltage of the input voltage signal is not saturated, the control unit 11i uses the voltage measurement unit 11g to perform analog-to-digital conversion of the input voltage signal input to the identification input port 11b at a predetermined timing set in advance and measures the voltage value, and if the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated, the control unit 11i uses the time measurement unit 11h to measure the time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it becomes saturated.

[0028] Control unit 11i identifies the type of voltage supplied to option board 20 according to the measured time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change to when it becomes saturated, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the identified type of voltage supplied to option board 20 to power supply circuit 13. Control unit 11i identifies the type of option board 20 according to the measured voltage value of the input voltage signal when it becomes saturated, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the identified type of option board 20 to communication circuit 15.

[0029] The fixed resistor 12 is a resistor with a fixed resistance value (see FIG. 1). One end of the fixed resistor 12 is electrically connected to the identification output port 11a of the identification microcomputer 11, and the other end is electrically connected to the option board 20 (one end of the fixed resistor 21 and one end of the fixed capacitor 22) and the identification input port 11b of the identification microcomputer 11.

[0030] The power supply circuit 13 is a circuit that supplies power to the option board 20 (see FIG. 1). Under the control of the control unit 11i of the identification microcomputer 11, the power supply circuit 13 adjusts the output toward the output control circuit 14 to a voltage that corresponds to the type of voltage supplied to the option board 20 identified by the identification microcomputer 11. The power supply circuit 13 outputs power of the adjusted voltage toward the output control circuit 14. The power output from the power supply circuit 13 toward the output control circuit 14 is input to the power supply circuit input port 11c of the identification microcomputer 11.

[0031] The output control circuit 14 is a circuit that performs ON / OFF control of the power output from the power supply circuit 13 to the power supply circuit 23 of the option board 20 (see FIG. 1). The input side of the output control circuit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 13 and the power supply circuit input port 11c of the identification microcomputer 11. The output side of the output control circuit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 23 of the option board 20. The ON / OFF control of the output control circuit 14 is controlled by the identification microcomputer 11.

[0032] The communication circuit 15 is a circuit that communicates with the communication circuit 24 of the option board 20 (see FIG. 1). The communication circuit 15 is controlled by the control unit 11i of the identification microcomputer 11. The communication circuit 15 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 13. The communication circuit 15 is electrically connected (capable of wired communication) to the communication circuit 24.

[0033] The option board 20 is a board (sub-board) used as an option (sub) of the main board 10 (see FIG. 1). The option board 20 is configured to have various electronic components (not shown) on a board (not shown). The option board 20 is mounted on the electronic device 1. The option board 20 can be a board for supplementing or expanding the main board 10, and examples of the option board 20 include a graphic board, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) board, a LAN (Local Area Network) board, a sound board, a TV capture board, and an expansion memory board. The option board 20 is electrically connected to the main board 10 via a connection interface (not shown; for example, a connector, a slot, etc.). The option board 20 includes a fixed resistor 21, a fixed capacitor 22, a power supply circuit 23, and a communication circuit 24.

[0034] The fixed resistor 21 is a resistor with a fixed resistance value (see FIG. 1). The fixed resistor 21 is used to identify the type of the option board 20. One end of the fixed resistor 21 is electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor 12 of the main board 10, the identification input port 11b of the identification microcomputer 11 of the main board 10, and one end of the fixed capacitor 22, and the other end is electrically connected to the ground (GND) and the other end of the fixed capacitor 22. That is, the fixed resistor 21 and the fixed capacitor 22 are connected in parallel between the main board 10 and the ground (GND). The resistance value of the fixed resistor 21 is set according to the type of the option board 20. The ground (GND) can be a ground common to the option board 20 and the main board 10.

[0035] The fixed capacitor 22 is a capacitor with a fixed capacitance (see FIG. 1). The fixed capacitor 22 is used to identify the type of voltage supplied to the option board 20. One end of the fixed capacitor 22 is electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor 21 and the identification microcomputer 11 (the other end of the fixed resistor 12, the identification input port 11b), and the other end is electrically connected to the ground (GND) and the other end of the fixed resistor 21. The capacitance of the fixed capacitor 22 is set according to the type of voltage supplied to the option board 20.

[0036] Power supply circuit 23 is a circuit that serves as the power source for option board 20 (see FIG. 1). Power supply circuit 23 supplies power to communication circuit 24. Power (power with a voltage corresponding to the type of voltage supplied to option board 20) is supplied to power supply circuit 23 from output control circuit 14 of main board 10.

[0037] The communication circuit 24 is a circuit that communicates with the communication circuit 15 of the main board 10 (see FIG. 1). Power is supplied to the communication circuit 24 from the power supply circuit 23. The communication circuit 24 is electrically connected to the communication circuit 15 (capable of wired communication).

[0038] The operation of the control unit of the identification microcomputer in the main board of the electronic device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the identification microcomputer in the main board of the electronic device according to the present disclosure. Please refer to Figs. 1 and 2 for the configuration of the electronic device 1.

[0039] First, the control unit 11i of the identification microcomputer 11 is initialized when the power supply to the main board 10 is turned on (step A1).

[0040] Here, during initialization, the control unit 11i controls the voltage output unit 11d to set the output voltage signal to the identification output port 11a to a low voltage (here, 0V), controls the power supply circuit 13 to turn it off, and controls the output control circuit 14 to turn off the power supply to the option board 20.

[0041] Next, when the option board 20 is electrically connected to the main board 10 (for example, when a change in voltage due to the connection is detected), the control unit 11i of the identification microcomputer 11 changes the voltage of the output voltage signal output from the identification output port 11a using the voltage output unit 11d from a low voltage to a high voltage, and starts counting the time at the timing of the change from the low voltage to the high voltage using the time measurement unit 11h, in order to identify the type of the option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied to the option board 20 (step A2). At this time, an input voltage signal that is divided by the fixed resistor 12 built into the main board 10 and the fixed resistor 21 and fixed capacitor 22 built into the option board 20, that is, divided by the fixed resistors 12 and 21 and changes like the dashed curve in FIG. 3 according to the capacitance of the fixed capacitor 22, is input to the identification input port 11b of the identification microcomputer 11.

[0042] After step A2, or if the voltages are not equivalent (NO in step A4), the control unit 11i of the identification microcontroller 11 uses the analog-to-digital conversion unit 11e and the voltage measurement unit 11g to analog-to-digital convert the input voltage signal input to the identification input port 11b at a predetermined timing and measure the voltage (step A3).

[0043] Here, in step A3, as shown in FIG. 3, at timings A to H in the process in which electric charge is accumulated in fixed capacitor 22, the input voltage signal input to identification input port 11b is analog-to-digital converted and the voltage is measured.

[0044] Next, the control unit 11i of the identification microcomputer 11 judges whether the voltage of the measured input voltage signal is saturated or not (step A4). Whether the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated or not can be judged, for example, by judging whether the voltage of the latest measured input voltage signal is equal (within a predetermined error range) to the voltage of the input voltage signal measured immediately before (0V if no voltage was measured immediately before). If the voltage of the input voltage signal is not saturated (NO in step A4), the process returns to step A3.

[0045] In the dashed curve in FIG. 3, from time A to time F, the voltage of the latest measured input voltage signal can be detected as being higher than the voltage of the input voltage signal measured immediately before. For example, the voltage of the input voltage signal at time B is higher than the voltage of the input voltage signal at time A. Also, the voltage of the input voltage signal at time F is higher than the voltage of the input voltage signal at time E. Meanwhile, at times F, G, and H, the voltages of the input voltage signal are equivalent, so that accumulation of charge in fixed capacitor 22 built into option board 20 is completed and a constant voltage is maintained (saturated). At this time, the length of time from time A to time F can be used to identify the type of voltage supplied to option board 20, and the constant voltage maintained from time F onwards can be used to identify the type of option board 20.

[0046] If the voltages are equal (YES in step A3), the control unit 11i of the identification microcomputer 11 measures the time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it saturates (until the capacitance of the fixed capacitor 22 saturates) using the time measurement unit 11h (step A5). Note that the time measurement unit 11h of the identification microcomputer 11 may stop outputting the output voltage signal of High voltage from the identification output port 11a after measuring the time.

[0047] Next, control unit 11i of identification microcomputer 11 identifies the type of voltage supplied to option board 20 based on the measured time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change to when it becomes saturated, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the identified type of voltage supplied to option board 20 to power supply circuit 13 (step A6). As a result, power supply circuit 13 outputs a voltage corresponding to the type of voltage supplied to option board 20 to power supply circuit 23 of option board 20 via output control circuit 14.

[0048] Next, control unit 11i of identification microcomputer 11 identifies the type of option board 20 based on the measured voltage value of the input voltage signal when saturated, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the identified type of option board 20 to communication circuit 15 (step A7), and then ends the process. As a result, communication circuit 15 begins to communicate with communication circuit 24 of option board 20.

[0049] According to the first aspect, a configuration is used in which fixed resistor 12 built into main board 10 is connected to fixed resistor 21 and fixed capacitor 22 built into option board 20 in parallel connection, and the voltage of the output voltage signal output toward fixed resistor 12 is changed from a low voltage to a high voltage to measure the time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal between fixed resistor 12 and fixed resistor 21 starts to change until it becomes saturated, and the voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated, so that a single signal line can contribute to identifying the type of option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied from main board 10 to option board 20. In other words, by changing and setting the resistance value of fixed resistor 21 built into option board 20 and the capacitance value of fixed capacitor 22 according to option board 20, the number of types of option boards 20 and the types of voltage supplied from main board 10 to option boards 20 that can be identified by a single signal line can be increased.

[0050] Furthermore, since a single signal line can identify the type of option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied from main board 10 to option board 20, the number of terminals of the connector that physically connects main board 10 and option board 20 can be reduced.

[0051] Conventionally, the type of option board was identified by allocating one signal line to each option board. Conventionally, the type of option board was also identified by coding the signal to reduce the number of signal lines. In these methods of identifying the type of option board, if it is also desired to identify the type of voltage supplied from the main board to the option board, a signal line separate from the signal line for identifying the type of option board is required. This poses a problem in that the connection interface connecting the main board and the option board becomes large. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, the type of option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied from the main board 10 to the option board 20 can be identified with one signal line, so the connection interface does not become large.

[0052] [Form 2] The electronic device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second example of the electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0053] The electronic device 1 includes a main board 10 and an option board 20 electrically connected to the main board 10. The main board 10 includes a fixed resistor 12 and an identification microcomputer 11 electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor 12 and to the other end of the fixed resistor 12. The option board 20 includes a fixed resistor 21 having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor 12 and the other end electrically connected to ground (GND), and a fixed capacitor 22 having one end electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor 21 and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor 21.

[0054] The identification microcomputer 11 outputs an output voltage signal to one end of the fixed resistor 12, and receives an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor. The identification microcomputer 11 changes the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring the voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and the time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated. The identification microcomputer 11 identifies the type of option board 20 based on the measured voltage value. The identification microcomputer 11 identifies the type of voltage supplied to the option board 20 based on the measured time.

[0055] According to form 2, a configuration is used in which fixed resistor 12 built into main board 10 is connected to fixed resistor 21 and fixed capacitor 22 built into option board 20 in a parallel connection, and the voltage of the output voltage signal output toward fixed resistor 12 is changed from a low voltage to a high voltage, and the time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal between fixed resistor 12 and fixed resistor 21 starts to change until it becomes saturated, and the voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated are measured, so that a single signal line can contribute to identifying the type of option board 20 and the type of voltage supplied from main board 10 to option board 20.

[0056] The identification microcomputer according to the first and second aspects can be configured by so-called hardware resources (information processing device, computer), and can have the configuration shown in Fig. 6. For example, the hardware resource 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a network interface 103, etc., which are connected to each other by an internal bus 104.

[0057] Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 6 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the hardware resource 100. The hardware resource 100 may include hardware (e.g., an input / output interface) that is not shown. Furthermore, the number of units such as the processor 101 included in the device is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 6, and for example, multiple processors 101 may be included in the hardware resource 100. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. can be used as the processor 101.

[0058] The memory 102 may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like.

[0059] The network interface 103 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a network adapter, a network interface card, or the like.

[0060] The functions of the hardware resource 100 are realized by the above-mentioned processing module. The processing module is realized, for example, by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102. The program can be updated by downloading it via a network or by using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip. That is, it is sufficient that the functions performed by the processing module are realized by executing software on some kind of hardware.

[0061] Some or all of the above aspects may be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0062] [Appendix 1] An electronic device comprising a main board and an option board electrically connected to the main board, The main board includes: A fixed resistor, an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; Equipped with The option board includes: a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board; Equipped with The identification microcomputer is An output voltage signal is output to the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board, An input voltage signal is input from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board, changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated; Identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; It is configured as follows: electronic equipment. [Appendix 2] The main board includes: a power supply circuit configured to supply power of a voltage corresponding to the option board to the option board based on the type of the supply voltage to the option board identified by the identification microcomputer; a communication circuit configured to perform communication corresponding to the option board based on the type of the option board identified by the identification microcomputer; Equipped 2. The electronic device of claim 1. [Appendix 3] The option board includes: a power supply circuit configured to receive the power from the power supply circuit of the main board; a communication circuit configured to communicate with the communication circuit of the main board; Equipped with 3. The electronic device of claim 2. [Appendix 4] the main board includes an output control circuit configured to perform ON / OFF control of power output from the power supply circuit of the main board to the option board under the control of the identification microcomputer; 4. The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3. [Appendix 5] The identification microcomputer is a voltage output unit configured to output the output voltage signal of the low voltage or the high voltage; An analog-to-digital conversion unit configured to perform analog-to-digital conversion of the input voltage signal; A voltage measurement unit configured to measure a voltage of the input voltage signal that has been analog-to-digital converted; a time measurement unit configured to measure a time during which the output voltage signal output from the voltage output unit is at the high voltage; a control unit configured to control the voltage output unit, the analog-to-digital conversion unit, the voltage measurement unit, and the time measurement unit; The control unit is changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage using the voltage output unit, thereby measuring, using the voltage measurement unit and the time measurement unit, a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it becomes saturated; Identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; It is configured as follows: 5. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Appendix 6] the power supply circuit is configured to supply, to the option board, the power of a voltage corresponding to the option board, based on the type of the supply voltage to the option board identified by the control unit; the communication circuit is configured to perform communication corresponding to the option board based on the type of the option board identified by the control unit. 6. The electronic device of claim 5. [Appendix 7] the identification microcomputer includes another analog-to-digital conversion unit configured to perform analog-to-digital conversion of the voltage of the power supplied from the power supply circuit of the main board to the output control circuit, the other analog-to-digital conversion unit being separate from the analog-to-digital conversion unit; The control unit is configured to monitor the voltage of the analog-to-digital converted power. 7. The electronic device according to claim 5 or 6. [Appendix 8] A main board configured to be electrically connectable to an option board, a fixed resistor having the other end electrically connected to the option board when the main board and the option board are electrically connected to each other; an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor; Equipped with The identification microcomputer is outputting an output voltage signal toward the one end of the fixed resistor; an input voltage signal is input from the other end of the fixed resistor; changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated; Identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; It is configured as follows: Main circuit board. [Appendix 9] An option board configured to be electrically connectable to a main board, a fixed resistor having the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor; Equipped with the one end of the fixed resistor is configured to be electrically connected to the main board when the main board and the option board are electrically connected to each other; the fixed resistor and the fixed capacitor are used on the main board when identifying the type of the option board and the type of voltage supplied from the main board to the option board. Optional board. [Appendix 10] 1. A method for identifying an option board, in which a main board identifies an option board when the option board is electrically connected to the main board, comprising the steps of: The main board includes: A fixed resistor, an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; Equipped with The option board includes: a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board; Equipped with The option board identification method includes: a step of outputting an output voltage signal from the identification microcomputer to the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board; an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board is input to the identification microcomputer; a step in which the identification microcomputer changes the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time period from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated; identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; Including, How to identify optional boards. [Appendix 11] A program for executing a process for identifying an option board when the option board is electrically connected to a main board, The main board includes: A fixed resistor, an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; Equipped with The option board includes: a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board; Equipped with outputting an output voltage signal toward the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board; A process of inputting an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; a process of measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated by changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage; A process of identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; A process of identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; The identification microcomputer is caused to execute the above steps. program.

[0063] The disclosures of the above patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention as necessary. Within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and drawings), modifications and adjustments of the forms and embodiments are possible based on the basic technical ideas. Furthermore, within the framework of the entire disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (or non-selection as necessary) of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each form or embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and corrections that a person skilled in the art would be able to make in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims and drawings, and the technical ideas. Furthermore, with regard to the numerical values ​​and numerical ranges described in this application, any intermediate value, lower numerical value, and small range are considered to be described even if not specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above cited documents may be used in part or in whole in combination with the descriptions in this document as part of the disclosure of the present invention in accordance with the spirit of the present invention as necessary, and are considered to be included (belong) to the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Electronic equipment 10 Main Board 11 Identification microcomputer 11a Identification output port 11b Identification input port 11c Power supply circuit input port 11d Voltage output section 11e, 11f Analog-to-digital conversion section 11g Voltage measurement section 11h Time measurement section 11i Control Unit 12 Fixed resistance 13 Power circuit 14 Output control circuit 15 Communication Circuits 20 Option board 21 Fixed resistance 22 Fixed Capacitor 23 Power circuit 24 Communication Circuits 100 Hardware Resources 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Network Interface 104 Internal Bus

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising a main board and an option board electrically connected to the main board, The main board includes: A fixed resistor, an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; Equipped with The option board includes: a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board; Equipped with The identification microcomputer is An output voltage signal is output to the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board, An input voltage signal is input from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board, changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated; Identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; It is configured as follows: electronic equipment.

2. The main board includes: a power supply circuit configured to supply power of a voltage corresponding to the option board to the option board based on the type of the supply voltage to the option board identified by the identification microcomputer; a communication circuit configured to perform communication corresponding to the option board based on the type of the option board identified by the identification microcomputer; Equipped 2. The electronic device of claim 1.

3. The option board includes: a power supply circuit configured to receive the power from the power supply circuit of the main board; a communication circuit configured to communicate with the communication circuit of the main board; Equipped with 3. The electronic device of claim 2.

4. the main board includes an output control circuit configured to control ON / OFF of power output from the power supply circuit of the main board to the option board under the control of the identification microcomputer; 3. The electronic device of claim 2.

5. The identification microcomputer is a voltage output unit configured to output the output voltage signal of the low voltage or the high voltage; An analog-to-digital conversion unit configured to perform analog-to-digital conversion of the input voltage signal; A voltage measurement unit configured to measure a voltage of the input voltage signal that has been analog-to-digital converted; a time measurement unit configured to measure a time during which the output voltage signal output from the voltage output unit is at the high voltage; a control unit configured to control the voltage output unit, the analog-to-digital conversion unit, the voltage measurement unit, and the time measurement unit; The control unit is changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage using the voltage output unit, thereby measuring, using the voltage measurement unit and the time measurement unit, a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it becomes saturated; Identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; It is configured as follows:

2. The electronic device of claim 1.

6. The identification microcomputer is a voltage output unit configured to output the output voltage signal of the low voltage or the high voltage; An analog-to-digital conversion unit configured to perform analog-to-digital conversion of the input voltage signal; A voltage measurement unit configured to measure a voltage of the input voltage signal that has been analog-to-digital converted; a time measurement unit configured to measure a time during which the output voltage signal output from the voltage output unit is at the high voltage; a control unit configured to control the voltage output unit, the analog-to-digital conversion unit, the voltage measurement unit, and the time measurement unit; The control unit is changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage using the voltage output unit, thereby measuring, using the voltage measurement unit and the time measurement unit, a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal becomes saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it becomes saturated; Identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; It is configured as follows: the power supply circuit is configured to supply, to the option board, the power of a voltage corresponding to the option board, based on the type of the supply voltage to the option board identified by the control unit; the communication circuit is configured to perform communication corresponding to the option board based on the type of the option board identified by the control unit.

3. The electronic device of claim 2.

7. A main board configured to be electrically connectable to an option board, a fixed resistor having the other end electrically connected to the option board when the main board and the option board are electrically connected to each other; an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor; Equipped with The identification microcomputer is outputting an output voltage signal toward the one end of the fixed resistor; an input voltage signal is input from the other end of the fixed resistor; changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated; Identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; It is configured as follows: Main circuit board.

8. An option board configured to be electrically connectable to a main board, a fixed resistor having the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor; Equipped with the one end of the fixed resistor is configured to be electrically connected to the main board when the main board and the option board are electrically connected to each other; the fixed resistor and the fixed capacitor are used on the main board when identifying the type of the option board and the type of voltage supplied from the main board to the option board. Optional board.

9. 1. A method for identifying an option board, in which a main board identifies an option board when the option board is electrically connected to the main board, comprising the steps of: The main board includes: A fixed resistor, an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; Equipped with The option board includes: a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board; Equipped with The option board identification method includes: a step of outputting an output voltage signal from the identification microcomputer to the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board; an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board is input to the identification microcomputer; a step in which the identification microcomputer changes the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage, thereby measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time period from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated; identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; Including, How to identify optional boards.

10. A program for executing a process for identifying an option board when the option board is electrically connected to a main board, The main board includes: A fixed resistor, an identification microcomputer electrically connected to one end of the fixed resistor of the main board and electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; Equipped with The option board includes: a fixed resistor having one end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board and the other end electrically connected to ground; a fixed capacitor having one end electrically connected to the one end of the fixed resistor of the option board and the other end electrically connected to the other end of the fixed resistor of the option board; Equipped with outputting an output voltage signal toward the one end of the fixed resistor of the main board; A process of inputting an input voltage signal from the other end of the fixed resistor of the main board; a process of measuring a voltage value when the voltage of the input voltage signal is saturated and a time from when the voltage of the input voltage signal starts to change until it is saturated by changing the output voltage signal from a low voltage to a high voltage; A process of identifying a type of the option board based on the measured voltage value; A process of identifying a type of voltage supplied to the option board based on the measured time; The identification microcomputer is caused to execute the above steps. program.

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