Clock Generator Monitoring via External PWM Fault Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring clock generator modules in electronic circuits are inadequate, particularly in diagnosing malfunctions, as they rely solely on internal clock signals, which limits fault diagnosis capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an external monitoring clock signal independent of the internal circuit clock signal to alternately select and measure clock signals, generating PWM signals, and comparing measurement results with expected values to detect malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal clock signals are used for monitoring, then the monitoring is integrated within the circuit, but the fault diagnosis capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
An external monitoring device is introduced as an intermediary to monitor the clock generator module. This external device receives PWM signals from the circuit and performs measurement and comparison operations outside the original circuit, thereby improving fault diagnosis capability without complicating the internal circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is implemented by creating a separate external monitoring system that copies the essential monitoring operations (signal selection, PWM generation, measurement, and comparison) outside the original circuit. This allows the original circuit to remain simple while the external copy performs comprehensive fault diagnosis.
2Reliability
If multiple clock signals are monitored simultaneously, then the coverage of fault detection is improved, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring of multiple clock signals is achieved by segmenting the measurement process in time. The external monitoring device sequentially selects different clock signals using a selection signal, generates corresponding PWM signals for each, and performs measurements at different time intervals. This allows comprehensive monitoring of multiple signals without requiring simultaneous complex measurement of all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system employs periodic action by cyclically selecting different clock signals at regular intervals. The selection signal alternates between different clock signals in a periodic manner, enabling the external monitoring device to systematically monitor multiple clock signals over time while maintaining a relatively simple measurement structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring a clock generator module of an electronic circuit which is configured to generate a plurality of clock signals for the electronic circuit. A monitoring module external to the circuit alternately causes the selection of one of the clock signals in the circuit as a selection signal; wherein based on the selection signal a PWM signal, whose period duration and holding time are predetermined, is generated and output; wherein the PWM signal is received from the electronic circuit by the monitoring module and measured using a monitoring clock signal to determine at least one measurement result, the at least one measurement result is compared with at least one comparison result or comparison result range, and a malfunction of the clock generator module is determined if the at least one measurement result does not match the at least one comparison result or comparison result range.