Leakage Current Detection Circuit with Mirror-Oscillation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face operational issues and increased power consumption due to leakage currents, necessitating an efficient and accurate detection method.
Innovation Solution
A leakage current detection circuit comprising a mirror circuit to copy the leakage current, an oscillation circuit to generate an oscillation signal based on the copy current, and a calculation circuit to determine the leakage current amount from the oscillation signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If leakage current is detected using conventional methods, then detection capability is provided, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mirror circuit to create a copy of the leakage current flowing through the node. The mirror circuit includes transistors configured to replicate the leakage current characteristics and transfer them to a detection node, where the copied current can be measured without directly interfering with the original circuit operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional direct measurement methods with an oscillation-based detection mechanism. The oscillation circuit converts the copied leakage current into an oscillation signal, which is then processed to determine leakage current presence and magnitude, substituting direct electrical measurement with a signal transformation approach.
2Reliability
If conventional leakage current detection methods are used, then detection is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an oscillation circuit that generates periodic oscillation signals based on the copied leakage current. This periodic action allows the detection circuit to operate in a time-efficient manner, where the oscillation frequency and duration can be controlled to minimize power consumption while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By copying the leakage current through the mirror circuit rather than directly measuring it in the original path, the detection circuit can operate with lower power requirements. The copied current signal is sufficient for detection purposes and allows the use of lower-power oscillation and processing circuits.
3Reliability
If leakage current detection is implemented, then operational reliability improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror circuit serves multiple functions: it copies the leakage current signal, provides signal isolation between the detection circuit and the monitored node, and enables the oscillation circuit to generate detectable oscillation signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror circuit acts as an intermediary between the monitored node and the oscillation circuit. It transfers the leakage current information to the detection side without requiring direct connection or modification of the original circuit, simplifying the overall detection architecture while maintaining reliability.
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 proposed circuit effectively detects and calculates leakage currents, improving device operation and reducing power consumption by accurately identifying and addressing leakage current issues.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillation circuit including a charge storage unit, the oscillation circuit being connected to the copy node, charged with the copy current, and configured to generate an oscillation signal by charging and discharging the charge storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
A leakage current detection circuit includes: a mirror circuit configured to copy a leakage current flowing through a node and generate a copy current in a copy node; an oscillation circuit including a charge storage unit, the oscillation circuit being connected to the copy node, charged with the copy current, and configured to generate an oscillation signal by charging and discharging the charge storage unit; and a calculation circuit configured to calculate an amount of the leakage current based on the oscillation signal.