Differential Amplifier Failure Detection for Reliable Signal Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit devices fail to detect failures in differential-signal processing circuits individually, leading to reliability issues as failures in these circuits can go unnoticed, even when the differential component is properly amplified, resulting in deterioration in overall circuit reliability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a differential input-to-single-ended output amplifier configuration with a failure detection circuit that compares the output signals of two amplifiers to detect failures, allowing for individual failure detection of the differential-signal processing circuit, even when configured as a fully differential amplifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a differential-signal processing circuit is configured as a fully differential amplifier, then the differential component is properly amplified, but individual failure detection of the differential-signal processing circuit cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fully differential amplifier into two separate differential input-to-single-ended output amplifiers. Each amplifier processes one side of the differential signal independently, allowing individual failure detection while maintaining differential signal processing functionality. This segmentation enables the failure detection circuit to monitor each amplifier's output separately, resolving the contradiction between maintaining amplification performance and enabling failure detection.
2Reliability
If failure detection of the entire detection circuit is performed, then overall system failures can be detected, but individual failure of the differential-signal processing circuit cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a failure detection circuit as an intermediary component that specifically monitors the outputs of the two differential input-to-single-ended output amplifiers. This intermediary detection mechanism provides precise failure detection for the differential-signal processing circuit without interfering with the normal signal processing function, thereby improving both overall reliability and failure detection precision simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If the differential-signal processing circuit operates without individual failure detection, then the circuit structure remains simple, but reliability deteriorates over time due to undetected failures
Solution Approach 1:
The failure detection circuit provides self-service monitoring for the differential-signal processing circuit. By continuously comparing the outputs of the two differential input-to-single-ended output amplifiers, the system automatically detects failures without requiring external intervention or complex additional testing equipment, thereby improving reliability with minimal increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit device includes a differential input-to-single-ended output first amplifier, to an inversion input terminal of which, of first and second signals forming differential signals, the first signal is input and to a non-inversion input terminal of which the second signal is input, a differential input-to-single-ended output second amplifier, to a non-inversion input terminal of which the first signal is input and to an inversion input terminal of which the second signal is input, and a failure detection circuit that performs failure detection on the basis of an output signal of the first amplifier and an output signal of the second amplifier.