Capacitor-Powered Cyclic IC Control With Hysteresis Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits with cyclically activated hardware functions face significant power consumption issues due to the need for continuous power supply for state machines and activation signals, which is inefficient and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A circuit utilizing a hysteresis comparator to control the charging of a capacitive element, generating a voltage ramp for cyclic activation and deactivation of the function, with a switch and current source, allowing the function to be powered independently from the main power supply, reducing power consumption and circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power supply is provided to state machines and activation signals for cyclic functions, then reliable cyclic activation is achieved, but power consumption increases and circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a capacitor that is charged and discharged in cycles to generate activation signals. The capacitor charges when voltage exceeds a threshold and discharges when it falls below a threshold, creating periodic activation without requiring continuous power supply to state machines. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable cyclic activation through the natural charge-discharge cycles of the capacitor while eliminating continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs self-service by using the output signal of the cyclic function itself to control the activation signal generation. The function output feeds back to the activation circuit, which controls the capacitor charging/discharging. This eliminates the need for external state machines and continuous control signals, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable cyclic operation through self-regulation.
2Reliability
If continuous power supply is provided to state machines and activation signals for cyclic functions, then reliable cyclic activation is achieved, but circuit size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the state machine component from the cyclic activation system. Instead of using a complex state machine to generate periodic signals, the invention uses a simple capacitor-based circuit with voltage threshold comparison. This extraction of the state machine reduces circuit complexity and size while maintaining reliable cyclic activation through the capacitor's natural oscillation behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor serves as an intermediary element between the power supply and the cyclic function. Rather than directly connecting state machines to control the function, the capacitor mediates by storing and releasing energy in periodic cycles. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall circuit architecture by replacing complex state machine logic with a passive energy storage element, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If capacitive element is used to store and deliver power cyclically, then power consumption decreases, but voltage stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the capacitor voltage itself as the activation signal for the cyclic function. The voltage across the capacitor is continuously monitored, and when it exceeds a threshold, the function activates and the capacitor begins to discharge. When voltage drops below the threshold, the function deactivates and the capacitor recharges. This feedback mechanism ensures voltage stability by automatically regulating the charge-discharge cycles based on the actual voltage level, preventing excessive voltage fluctuations while maintaining low power consumption.
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 significantly decreases power consumption during non-activation periods and reduces the bulkiness of the circuit by only requiring the comparator and current source to be permanently powered, while the capacitive element stores and delivers power efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a hysteresis comparator controlling the charge of a capacitive element powering said function
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive element powering said function
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a circuit of cyclic activation of an electronic function comprising a hysteresis comparator controlling the charge of a capacitive element powering the function.