Adaptive Comparator Biasing for Fast Power Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bandgap voltage comparators in input devices require a relatively large bias current, leading to significant power consumption during the 'always on' idle state, which can result in memory corruption and other malfunctions due to voltage fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
An adaptively biased power event detection comparator system with an adaptive bias circuit that adjusts the bias current based on the voltage level, increasing it only when the power supply is close to a reference voltage to ensure fast response times while maintaining low power consumption during steady-state conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a bandgap voltage comparator is used to detect power events, then the response time to power events is fast, but the bias current consumption is relatively large leading to significant power consumption during idle state
Solution Approach 1:
The bias current of the comparator is made dynamic rather than static. The adaptive bias circuit adjusts the bias current level based on the operating state: providing higher bias current during active operation for fast response, and reducing bias current during idle state to minimize power consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fast response time and low idle power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias current parameter is changed adaptively based on system state. The adaptive bias circuit monitors operation conditions and modifies the bias current parameter accordingly - increasing it when power events need to be detected and decreasing it during idle periods. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both fast response when needed and low power consumption during idle state.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the bias current is reduced to minimize power consumption during idle state, then power savings are achieved, but the response time to power events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low power mode and fast response mode. During idle state, the comparator operates with reduced bias current for minimal power consumption. Upon detection of active conditions or power events, the adaptive bias circuit quickly increases the bias current to restore fast response capability. This dynamic switching resolves the trade-off between power savings and response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive bias circuit prepares the comparator for fast response by maintaining the capability to quickly increase bias current when needed. The circuit continuously monitors system state and is ready to switch from low-power mode to high-performance mode instantaneously upon detecting conditions that require fast power event detection, thus preventing response delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a power supply; an adaptively biased power event detection comparator; and an adaptive bias circuit for the adaptively biased power event detection comparator. The adaptively biased power event detection comparator is configured to compare a first input corresponding to a voltage level of the power supply with a second input corresponding to a reference voltage. The adaptive bias circuit is configured to increase a bias current for the adaptively biased power event detection comparator based on the voltage level of the power supply decreasing to be closer to the reference voltage.