Bus Driver Circuit Symmetry Control via RC Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus driver circuits face challenges in achieving high symmetry between bus signal lines for reduced electromagnetic radiation emission, while also requiring current mode output for immunity and low power consumption, especially in applications with varying slope requirements.

Innovation Solution

A bus driver circuit design that utilizes a capacitor and RC networks to pre-shape the gate voltage drive, allowing for adjustable waveform characteristics through independently switchable resistors and capacitors, enabling flexible adjustment of slope and delay to achieve symmetry and immunity, and incorporating charging and discharging accelerating circuits for precise signal control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a symmetrical output voltage is used to reduce electromagnetic radiation emission, then electromagnetic radiation emission is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic radiation emissionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the output voltage symmetry through complementarily driven first and second switches that selectively connect or disconnect capacitors based on the data signal state. This dynamic switching allows the circuit to adapt between symmetrical and asymmetrical output configurations, optimizing the balance between electromagnetic radiation reduction and power consumption based on transmission requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage levels, capacitance connections) dynamically through the switch control mechanism. By varying the capacitance connections in response to data signal transitions, the circuit adjusts its output characteristics to achieve low electromagnetic radiation only when needed, while consuming less power during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If RC networks with multiple resistors and capacitors are used to pre-shape gate voltage drive, then waveform precision and symmetry are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the capacitance into multiple discrete capacitor elements (first capacitor, second capacitor, third capacitor) that can be independently connected or disconnected through switches. This segmentation allows precise control over the RC time constants and waveform shaping while maintaining modularity, making the complex function manageable and adjustable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-shapes the gate voltage drive waveform by pre-charging capacitors through controlled RC networks before the actual switching event. This preliminary action ensures that when the main switching occurs, the voltage transitions are already optimized for symmetry and precision, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If complementarily driven switches are used to control capacitor connections, then signal symmetry and immunity are improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal immunityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs complementarily driven switches where the control signals are inherently linked through feedback mechanisms. When one switch closes, the other opens, creating a self-regulating system that maintains proper voltage levels and capacitance connections automatically, reducing the operational burden while ensuring signal immunity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution effectively reduces electromagnetic radiation emission, enhances signal immunity, and minimizes power consumption by allowing for precise adjustment of bus signal characteristics, suitable for both high and low slope applications, and can be calibrated post-production without requiring new masks.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor connected to the gate of the first transistor for driving the voltage at the gate of the first transistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a first RC network comprising at least one resistor and at least one capacitor; and a second switch connecting/disconnecting the first capacitor to a predetermined fixed potential for discharging the first capacitor via a second RC network comprising at least one resistor and at least one capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2335385B1Bus driver circuit
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 NXP BV
  • EP2335385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2335385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2335385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bus driver circuit for driving a bus voltage is provided. The bus driver circuit comprises: a bus line output (CANL) the bus voltage of which is driven by the bus driver circuit; a first transistor (M1) having a gate, the voltage at the gate of the first transistor (M1) determining the bus voltage at the bus line output (CANL); a first capacitor (C1) connected to the gate of the first transistor (Ml) for driving the voltage at the gate of the first transistor (M1); a first switch (S1) connecting/disconnecting the first capacitor (C1) to a first voltage source (Vgm) via a first RC network comprising at least one resistor and at least one capacitor; and a second switch (S2) connecting/disconnecting the first capacitor (C1) to a predetermined fixed potential (GND 2) for discharging the first capacitor (C1) via a second RC network comprising at least one resistor and at least one capacitor. The first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) are complementarily driven by a signal (TxD) on a data line.