Charge Pump Buffer Capacitor for Sensor Micro-Break Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-break protection methods for sensors, such as using buffer capacitors and synchronization pulses, are inadequate in maintaining sufficient voltage during interruptions, especially with newer protocols that apply negative synchronization pulses, leading to insufficient charging of capacitors.
Innovation Solution
An interruption protection circuit comprising a charge pump and buffer capacitor, where the charge pump increases the voltage stored in the capacitor beyond the operating voltage, and a controller manages the supply path to ensure a stable output voltage during micro-breaks by selectively using the buffer capacitor's energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buffer capacitors are charged to operating voltage during normal operation, then the capacitors can provide backup energy during micro-breaks, but the amount of charge available is reduced due to lower operating voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit pre-charges the buffer capacitor to a voltage higher than the normal operating voltage before micro-break events occur. This preliminary action ensures that sufficient charge is stored in advance to maintain the sensor output voltage during voltage interruptions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and charge availability.
2Reliability
If synchronization pulses are used to provide increased charging voltage to the buffer capacitor, then the capacitor can store greater charge, but newer protocols applying negative synchronization pulses fail to provide necessary charging voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit acts as an intermediary between the synchronization pulse and the buffer capacitor. It converts various input signal types (including negative synchronization pulses from newer protocols) into the required positive charging voltage for the capacitor, ensuring both reliability and adaptability across different communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge pump circuit changes the voltage parameter of the input signal, converting negative synchronization pulses or low-voltage signals into the required positive charging voltage. This parameter transformation enables compatibility with newer protocols while maintaining the buffer capacitor's charging capability.
3Reliability
If the buffer capacitor is used to maintain supply voltage during micro-breaks, then the sensor output voltage is maintained, but the capacitor voltage must be higher than the operating voltage to provide sufficient energy
Solution Approach 1:
The charge pump circuit serves as a compact intermediary device that efficiently generates the required high voltage for the buffer capacitor. By integrating the charge pump functionality into the existing sensor interface circuitry, the solution maintains output voltage stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 maintains a high supply voltage during micro-breaks and interruptions, preventing resets and ensuring continuous sensor functionality by providing a supplementary energy source when the input voltage falls below a critical threshold.
Implementation Method 1
a charge pump electrically coupled to the capacitor to charge the capacitor to a buffer voltage
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor configured to provide buffer energy
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to circuits, systems and methods for providing interruption protection for sensors and other devices. One example embodiment includes an interruption protection circuit comprising at least one charge pump and at least one buffer capacitor configured to maintain and/or provide sufficient voltage for output signals of sensors or other devices during micro-breaks or other interruptions.