Debugging Electronic Device via Shared Power-Signal Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing debugging methods for electronic devices require reserved testing/correcting interfaces, which occupy interface resources, increase costs, and hinder miniaturization, and can be interfered by external circuits, affecting the electronic device's performance.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a power-supply interface and signal processing circuit that integrates the power-supply and signal interfaces, allowing for debugging through a master device that outputs access signals and detects action signals, enabling efficient debugging without additional external interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reserved testing/correcting interfaces are added to the electronic device, then debugging functionality is improved, but interface resources are occupied and product area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging functionalityVSAvoidproduct area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the testing/correcting interface functionality with the existing power supply interface. The power supply interface is designed to serve dual purposes: providing power to the electronic device and enabling debugging communication. This is achieved by incorporating a signal processing circuit that can interpret debugging signals while the device is powered, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing interfaces and thus saving product area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply interface is transformed into a multi-functional interface that simultaneously performs power delivery and debugging communication functions. The interface can dynamically switch between or combine these functions based on the connected device's needs, making the interface universal rather than dedicated to a single purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If reserved testing/correcting interfaces are shared with other I/O interfaces, then interface resource utilization is improved, but external circuit interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface resource utilizationVSAvoidexternal circuit interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a signal processing circuit as an intermediary between the shared I/O interface and the debugging functionality. This intermediary circuit selectively processes debugging signals while filtering out or isolating interference from other I/O operations. The signal processing circuit acts as a mediator that enables shared interface usage without allowing harmful interference to propagate to the debugging functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If reserved testing/correcting interfaces are added, then debugging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines debugging functionality with existing device components, specifically the power supply interface and signal processing circuitry. Rather than adding separate dedicated debugging hardware, the solution integrates debugging capabilities into the power management infrastructure, thereby improving debugging capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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 solution reduces the need for additional interfaces, facilitating miniaturization and improving the quality of electronic products by allowing for effective debugging and parameter correction while minimizing external interference.

Implementation Method 1

the rectifying unit includes a positive half-wave/negative half-wave/full-wave rectifying circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

the voltage division circuit includes a pull-up/pull-down resistor and a series resistor/diode connected in series thereto; the pull-up/pull-down resistor and the series resistor/diode output signals to the input circuit after voltage division

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage division: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11531055B2Facilitating debugging electronic device, system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 CHONG TIT TSANG

AI summary

Disclosed are an facilitating debugging electronic device, system and method, reasonably integrates the power-supply interface and the signal interface of the electronic device, matches the conventional output end of the electronic device with the master device, realizes the debugging of electronic devices including semi-finished products of PACKAGE (SMD)/PCBA/COB modules and electronic products, partly overcomes the technical problem of the increase of product volume and cost, which caused by setting different interfaces on electronic devices for various testing, burning and correcting purposes. The present disclosure also partly realizes the debugging of electronic devices with fewer external interfaces, which contributes to the miniaturization of electronic devices such as semi-finished products of PACKAGE (SMD)/PCBA/COB modules and electronic products, and guarantees the quality of electronic products by implementing the waterproof, dustproof and pleasing design of the housing structure of devices and achieves economic and social benefits.