Semiconductor device, switching power supply device, composite power supply device, and linear IC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor devices lack versatility and efficiency in function selection and power supply management, particularly in applications requiring adjustable output voltages and currents, often necessitating complex configurations with multiple external components.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor device integrates an internal power supply unit, function selection unit, and control unit, utilizing an external capacitor for stabilized voltage and adjustable reference voltages, allowing for dynamic function selection and power supply operations through switch control and comparator-based signal processing, enabling versatile operation without altering internal configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external components and complex configurations are used to achieve adjustable output voltages and currents, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply unit, function selection unit, and control unit into a single integrated semiconductor device. The external capacitor serves dual purposes: stabilizing the power supply voltage and enabling function selection through charge accumulation. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate external components and complex configurations, achieving adjustable output voltages and currents through a unified internal architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The external capacitor performs multiple functions: it stabilizes the power supply voltage, accumulates charge for function selection, and works with the control unit to generate control signals for different output configurations. The switch element also serves dual purposes by controlling both power distribution and function selection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of external components needed while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If an external capacitor is used for both voltage stabilization and function selection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and control accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the charge accumulation state of the external capacitor and uses this feedback to determine when function selection should occur. The control unit generates control signals based on the capacitor's charge level, ensuring accurate function selection. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision despite the capacitor's dual usage, as the system continuously adjusts based on the capacitor's actual state.
Solution Approach 2:
The function selection is performed in advance through charge accumulation on the capacitor before the actual power supply operation begins. The control unit detects the charge level and pre-selects the desired function, ensuring that the selection is made with sufficient time and accuracy before operation starts. This preliminary action separates the selection process from the operation process, maintaining precision.
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
This configuration simplifies the device structure, reduces external connections, and enhances versatility by allowing adjustable output levels and functions, improving performance in power supply devices such as switching and composite power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
an external capacitor C1 connected to a common terminal 101 outside of the semiconductor device 100, a function selection unit 3 configured to execute a selection operation M2 for outputting a selection signal Sct1 through Sct5 according to an amount of charge accumulated in the external capacitor C1
Implementation Method 2
a control unit 4 configured to execute a supply operation M3 for supplying a supply voltage VREG from the internal power supply unit 1 to the internal circuit 2, in which the external capacitor C1 is electrically connected to a common wire 102, an internal circuit connection wire 103, and an internal power supply unit 1
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a semiconductor device including a common terminal connected to an external capacitor outside of the semiconductor device, a function selection unit configured to execute a selection operation for outputting a selection signal for selecting a designated function according to an amount of charge accumulated in the external capacitor, and an internal power supply unit configured to supply a voltage to an internal circuit provided inside the semiconductor device, in which the external capacitor is electrically connected to the function selection unit when the selection operation is performed, and the external capacitor is electrically connected to the internal power supply unit and the internal circuit when a supply operation for supplying a supply voltage from the internal power supply unit to the internal circuit is performed.