Control Chip Pin Reduction via Merged Switching Element Identification

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and cost of chip design due to the rise in input/output pins and chip area, which complicates chip fabrication and testing, necessitate a reduction in the number of input/output terminals to lower costs.

Innovation Solution

A control module with switching elements coupled to a single terminal through resistors of unique resistances, where an identification unit within the control chip converts input current into voltage and digital values, using a lookup table to determine operating conditions, allowing logic operations without individual connections to input/output terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple input/output terminals are used to connect each switching element individually, then the operating conditions of switching elements can be accurately identified, but the chip area and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracy of switching element operating conditionsVSAvoidchip area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple input terminals are merged into a single input terminal. The patent connects multiple switching elements (first switching element, second switching element, third switching element) to a single input terminal through resistors with different resistance values. This combining approach reduces the number of input terminals from multiple to one, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining the ability to identify operating conditions of individual switching elements through current magnitude analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple input/output terminals are used to connect each switching element individually, then the operating conditions of switching elements can be accurately identified, but the fabrication and testing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracy of switching element operating conditionsVSAvoidchip fabrication and testing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple input terminals are merged into a single input terminal. The patent connects multiple switching elements (first switching element, second switching element, third switching element) to a single input terminal through resistors with different resistance values. This combining approach reduces the number of input terminals from multiple to one, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining the ability to identify operating conditions of individual switching elements through current magnitude analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple input/output terminals are used to connect each switching element individually, then the operating conditions of switching elements can be accurately identified, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracy of switching element operating conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple input terminals are merged into a single input terminal. The patent connects multiple switching elements (first switching element, second switching element, third switching element) to a single input terminal through resistors with different resistance values. This combining approach reduces the number of input terminals from multiple to one, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining the ability to identify operating conditions of individual switching elements through current magnitude analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces the number of pins and chip area required, lowering costs while effectively identifying operating conditions of switching elements, enabling efficient logic operations.

Implementation Method 1

a current-to-voltage conversion unit generating a corresponding voltage according to the input current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

Each switching element is coupled to a power terminal through a corresponding resistor, wherein the resistances of the corresponding resistors or an equivalent resistance of a combination thereof are different

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS7274318B2Control module, related control chip and identifying method thereof

Publication Date: 2007.09.25 VIA TECH INC

AI summary

A control module includes a plurality of switching elements, a control chip, and an identification unit. The switching elements are connected to a power terminal through a corresponding resistor each, wherein the resistances of corresponding resistors or equivalent resistance of combination thereof are different. The switching elements generate an input current according to operating conditions thereof. The input current is sent to the control chip through an input/output terminal and is transformed to a digital value. The identification unit identifies the operating conditions of the switching elements according to a lookup table and the digital value, such that the control chip executes a corresponding logic operation.