Clock-Switched Voltage Level Detection for Regulator Self-Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage level detectors struggle to accurately determine the state of a voltage regulator, making it difficult to identify abnormal operations, which can lead to undetected breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A voltage level detector system that includes a voltage divider generating division voltages, comparators, and switches controlled by a clock signal to compare these voltages with a reference voltage, using logic circuits to determine the normal state of the voltage level detector and regulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a voltage level detector is used to monitor voltage regulator operation, then the ability to detect voltage abnormalities is improved, but the ability to directly determine the detector's own operational state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into two independent paths: one path monitors voltage regulator output using comparators to detect voltage abnormalities, while the other path monitors the detector's own operational state using separate test comparators and reference voltages. This segmentation allows both detection functions to operate independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between detecting external voltage abnormalities and maintaining awareness of internal detector state.
2Reliability
If the voltage level detector monitors voltage regulator output, then voltage regulation monitoring is improved, but the complexity of determining detector malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary self-test mechanism that uses test comparators and reference voltage sources to mediate the detection of detector malfunctions. Instead of directly analyzing complex output signals to determine detector state, the system uses these intermediary test components to create simplified test conditions that directly reveal detector operational status, thereby reducing determination complexity while maintaining monitoring reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the voltage level detector uses comparators and voltage dividers to monitor voltage, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the self-test circuitry with the main detection circuitry by using the same comparator structures and voltage divider networks for both voltage monitoring and self-diagnostics. The test comparators share the same operational architecture as the monitoring comparators, and reference voltage sources are integrated into the existing voltage division network. This merging approach maintains measurement accuracy while avoiding the need for completely separate test equipment, thereby controlling 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
Enables direct determination of the normal state of the voltage level detector and regulator, preventing undetected abnormal states and latent faults by monitoring the output voltage within specified ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage divider configured to generate a first division voltage and a second division voltage based on a first voltage
Implementation Method 2
A first comparator compares any one of the first and second division voltages with a reference voltage. A second comparator compares the other of the first and second division voltages with the reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage level detector includes a voltage divider that generates a first division voltage and a second division voltage. A first comparator compares any one of the first and second division voltages with a reference. A second comparator compares the other of the first and second division voltages with the reference. A first switch converts a connection path between the first and second division voltages and the first and second comparators based on a clock signal. A determination circuit determines, based on a first comparison signal and a second comparison signal, whether the voltage level detector is normal. A second switch converts a connection path between the first and second comparison signals and input terminals of the determination circuit based on the clock signal.