Configurable Diode Package for Digital Connection Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle electronic computers require complex and space-consuming printed circuits with multiple electrical components and routing for digital connection modules, necessitating two locations for input resistors to configure 'pull up' or 'pull down' modes, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle engine control electronic computer with a digital connection module that uses a single location for the input resistor and a configurable diode package to allow 'pull up' or 'pull down' mode configuration, reducing the need for double routing and minimizing spatial requirements on the printed circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two locations for input resistors are provided to configure pull up or pull down modes, then the digital connection module can be configured for different connection types, but the printed circuit complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration function into a single location by combining the input resistor with the diode package. The diode package serves dual purposes: it provides the configuration mechanism and hosts the input resistor, eliminating the need for separate locations and reducing circuit complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The diode package is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables configuration of pull-up or pull-down modes through its inherent diode structure and simultaneously provides the mounting location for the input resistor. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count and simplifies the printed circuit layout.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two locations for input resistors are provided to configure pull up or pull down modes, then the digital connection module can be configured for different connection types, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the input resistor location with the diode package into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the total number of components and assembly steps. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by reducing component count, simplifying assembly procedures, and minimizing the required printed circuit board real estate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If double routing is implemented for configuring digital connection modules, then pull up or pull down modes can be configured, but the spatial requirements on the printed circuit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the routing requirements by integrating the input resistor directly into the diode package location. This eliminates the need for separate routing paths to different locations, reducing the trace length and freeing up printed circuit board space while maintaining full configuration capability.
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
This solution simplifies the configuration of digital connection modules, reduces the complexity and cost of the printed circuit, and allows for efficient management of various electrical equipment connections by minimizing the space required for digital connection modules.
Implementation Method 1
a diode package, connected firstly to the battery voltage of the vehicle and secondly to the ground, comprising two diodes linked to each other at a midpoint and being configurable to operate with a common anode or with a common cathode to allow the microcontroller to detect the connection of the electrical equipment to the battery voltage of the vehicle or to the ground
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the present invention is a motor vehicle engine control electronic computer including an electric circuit (1B) for managing at least one piece of electrical equipment (2) of the vehicle. The electric circuit includes at least one module (20B) for digital connection to a piece of electrical equipment of the vehicle and a microcontroller (10) including at least one digital input port (110). The digital connection module includes a connector (210) for linking to the electrical equipment, a link (220) for connecting to the digital input port of the microcontroller and a diode package (230B1), connected firstly to the battery (B) voltage of the vehicle and secondly to the ground (M), including two diodes (231B-1, 231B-2) linked to each other at a midpoint (232) and being configurable to operate with a common anode or with a common cathode.