Comparator Bias Isolation for Supply Voltage Glitch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comparator systems are vulnerable to supply voltage glitches, leading to bias current fluctuations and potential failure, which compromises their reliable and accurate operation.
Innovation Solution
A system employing cascaded Switched-Capacitor (SC) filters is used to maintain a constant bias current during supply voltage glitches, incorporating an input reference and replica generation unit to generate average and instantaneous voltages, and a comparison unit to monitor and isolate the comparator from such glitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a comparator is designed to detect narrow supply glitches with high sensitivity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bias current adjustment by detecting supply voltage glitches and automatically modifying the bias current level. The system transitions from a static high-power design to a dynamic system that adapts power consumption based on glitch conditions, achieving high detection precision only when necessary while reducing power during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bias current parameter dynamically in response to detected supply glitches. By monitoring supply voltage and adjusting the bias current accordingly, the comparator achieves optimal detection precision during glitch events while maintaining lower power consumption during stable operation, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and power usage.
2Speed
If the bias current is increased to improve comparator sensitivity and speed, then the speed is improved, but the heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic bias current control that adjusts the current level based on operational requirements. During normal operation, a lower bias current reduces heat generation. When supply glitches are detected or high-speed operation is required, the bias current is temporarily increased to improve switching speed, thus dynamically balancing speed performance with thermal management.
3Reliability
If RC filters are used to protect against supply glitches, then the reliability is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and addresses the glitch protection function through active monitoring and dynamic bias adjustment rather than passive RC filtering. By using a glitch detection circuit that monitors supply voltage and dynamically adjusts bias current, the system achieves reliable protection against supply glitches without requiring large-area RC filter components, thus reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the bias current is made independent of supply voltage to prevent glitch impact, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where supply voltage is monitored and the bias current is automatically adjusted in response to detected glitches. This closed-loop approach ensures bias current stability by compensating for supply voltage variations dynamically, achieving independent bias operation without requiring complex isolation circuits or additional stability-enhancing components.
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 system ensures stable bias current and reliable comparator performance by isolating it from supply glitches, enhancing power efficiency, accuracy, and reducing the overall footprint while effectively detecting narrow supply glitches.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more cascaded Switched-Capacitor (SC) filters may include a first switch, a second switch, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A system to detect and monitor a supply voltage glitch includes a bias current generation unit configured to supply a constant bias current to a comparator even during a glitch in a supply voltage by using one or more cascaded Switched-Capacitor filters. The system includes an input reference and replica generation unit configured to generate one or more average input voltages and an instantaneous replica voltage applied to the corresponding a comparison unit by using one or more SC filters and to generate Direct Current biasing for the instantaneous replica voltage. Additionally, the system includes the comparison unit that is configured to generate an output voltage upon receiving the one or more input voltages from the input reference and replica generation unit.