Control Pin Powered Analog Switch Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog switches in electronic devices require a dedicated power connection, which increases their size and cost, limiting their miniaturization and functionality in modern electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a switch circuit that receives power exclusively through a control connection, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated power connection, and optionally includes a pass gate, buffer circuit, and hysteresis to ensure signal transmission and noise reduction, packaged in a smaller four-connector configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate dedicated power connection is used for the switch circuit, then the switch circuit can be reliably powered, but the size and complexity of the integrated circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and control signal function into a single control connection. The control connection serves dual purposes: it provides the control signal to activate/deactivate the switch and simultaneously provides power to the switch circuit. This merging eliminates the need for separate power and control connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control connection is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a control signal line and a power supply line. By making the control connection universal, the patent reduces the total number of connections required, thereby simplifying the device structure without compromising the reliability of power supply to the switch circuit.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the analog switch is reduced, then more functionality can be integrated into electronic devices, but the need for separate power connections becomes more problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and control signaling into a single connection, which is particularly beneficial for miniaturization. By eliminating separate power pins, the switch occupies less space on the integrated circuit, enabling higher integration density while avoiding the complexity of additional power distribution infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control connection serves itself by simultaneously providing both control signals and power to the switch circuit. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external power connections, allowing the switch to be smaller and more easily integrated into compact electronic devices without requiring complex external power routing.
3Device complexity
If power is provided exclusively via the control connection, then the number of connections is reduced, but the control signal must carry both power and control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and control signaling into a single control connection, reducing the total number of connections required. The control connection is designed to handle both functions simultaneously, with the switch circuit configured to derive both power and control signals from this single connection, thereby simplifying the interface while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control connection operates with varying voltage levels to distinguish between power delivery and control signaling functions. By changing voltage parameters dynamically, the single connection can adapt to different operational modes, providing both power and control functions without requiring separate dedicated lines for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises at least one input connection, at least one output connection, and at least one control connection, and at least one switch circuit coupled to the input, the output, and the control connections. The switch circuit passes a signal received at the input to the output when the switch circuit is activated by a control signal received at the control connection. Power to the switch circuit is provided via the control connection.