Compensation Circuit for Reference Signal Transient Suppression

Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits face disturbances in reference signals due to fast transient perturbations in supply voltage, which can cause malfunctions, especially in automotive applications where external capacitors or transient voltage suppressors are large and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A compensation circuit integrated within the integrated circuit, comprising a transient converter and an adder, converts transient perturbations into compensation signals with opposite polarity to reduce disturbances in the reference signal, eliminating the need for external components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external capacitors or transient voltage suppressors are used to suppress electrical fast transients, then the reference signal disturbance is reduced, but the device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference signal stabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transient suppression function with the reference circuit by integrating a compensation circuit directly into the reference circuit block. The transient converter and adder are merged with the reference signal generation circuitry, allowing the reference circuit to simultaneously generate the reference signal and suppress transients without requiring separate external suppression components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a compensation circuit as an intermediary between the power supply and the reference circuit. This compensation circuit, consisting of a transient converter and adder, acts as a mediator that processes the supply voltage and reference signal to cancel out transient disturbances before they affect the reference output, thereby protecting the reference signal without needing large external capacitors or TVS devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If external capacitors or transient voltage suppressors are used to suppress electrical fast transients, then the reference signal disturbance is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference signal stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transient suppression function with the reference circuit by integrating a compensation circuit directly into the reference circuit block. The transient converter and adder are merged with the reference signal generation circuitry, allowing the reference circuit to simultaneously generate the reference signal and suppress transients without requiring separate external suppression components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a compensation circuit as an intermediary between the power supply and the reference circuit. This compensation circuit, consisting of a transient converter and adder, acts as a mediator that processes the supply voltage and reference signal to cancel out transient disturbances before they affect the reference output, thereby protecting the reference signal without needing large external capacitors or TVS devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the reference circuit is designed to withstand fast transient perturbations, then the reference signal stability improves, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransient perturbation resistanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic compensation mechanism where the transient converter and adder are activated only when transient perturbations are detected. The compensation circuit dynamically adjusts its operation based on the presence and magnitude of transients, converting supply voltage variations into compensating signals that are added to the reference signal only when needed, thereby maintaining low power consumption during normal operation while providing protection during transient events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the transient converter monitors the supply voltage and generates compensating signals based on detected transients. The adder combines these compensating signals with the reference signal in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that automatically responds to transient perturbations and maintains reference signal stability without requiring continuous high power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3246784B1A compensation circuit

Publication Date: 2020.01.01 NXP USA INC

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AI summary

A compensation circuit configured for coupling to a voltage source and a reference circuit. The voltage source is configured for supplying a supply voltage to the compensation circuit and the reference circuit. The reference circuit includes a first circuit node and a reference output electrically coupled to the first circuit node for outputting a reference signal having a constant reference amplitude. The compensation circuit includes a transient converter for converting a first transient perturbation of the supply voltage into a first compensation electrical signal proportional to said first transient perturbation, and an adder coupled to the transient converter for adding the first compensation electrical signal to an electrical signal at the first circuit node with a first polarity opposite to a disturbance polarity of a disturbance of the electrical signal in response to the first transient perturbation.