Circuit Board Power-Up Identification via Underdamped Transient Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit boards with different hardware configurations require distinct control software versions and power-up sequences, but existing identification methods are inefficient, often leading to malfunctions or damage due to incorrect software loading, and require additional pins and traces for increased identifiers, which complicates the circuit board footprint.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a second-order circuit to generate an underdamped transient response, processed by a comparator and electronic processor, to determine power-up parameters through a single general purpose input/output pin, allowing identification of circuit boards and selection of appropriate software versions and power-up sequences without additional pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins and traces are added to increase identification capability, then the ability to identify different circuit board versions is improved, but the circuit board footprint and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the identification approach from spatial (multiple pins) to temporal (response time characteristics). By measuring the time it takes for different circuit board versions to respond to a power-up signal, the system can distinguish between versions without adding physical identification components. This parameter change from spatial to temporal domain resolves the contradiction between identification capability and hardware complexity.
2Reliability
If incorrect control software or power-up sequences are loaded, then the circuit board may malfunction or be damaged, but using multiple identification methods increases hardware complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board itself provides identification information through its inherent power-up response characteristics. Different versions of the circuit board have different response times and behaviors during power-up, which naturally encode their identity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external identification hardware while ensuring reliable version detection and correct software loading.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient identification of circuit boards using a single pin, reducing the circuit board footprint and preventing malfunctions by accurately determining power-up parameters and selecting the correct software and sequences, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing hardware complexity.
Implementation Method 1
electrically exciting a second-order circuit to generate an underdamped transient response
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to determine a power-up parameter for a circuit board. The method includes electrically exciting a second-order circuit to generate an underdamped transient response. The method includes receiving, at a comparator coupled to the second-order circuit, the underdamped transient response. The method includes generating, in response to the underdamped transient response received at the comparator, a plurality of edges. The method includes receiving, at a single general purpose input/output pin of the electronic processor, the plurality of edges. The method includes determining a first response parameter based on a plurality of edges. The method includes determining a second response parameter based on the plurality of edges. The method includes determining the power-up parameter based on the first response parameter and the second response parameter.