Differential Reference Voltage Distribution for Local Ground Accuracy

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in accurately distributing a central master reference voltage to local circuits due to voltage errors and stray voltages, which are not effectively addressed by conventional techniques.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing spatially parallel master reference voltage lines and local reference voltage generators, with a central master reference voltage source configured to provide a differential reference voltage, accurately distributes the voltage using branch conductors and resistive networks, ensuring local reference voltages are proportional to the differential reference voltage and referenced to local ground or power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single central reference voltage source is used to save area and power, then area and power consumption are reduced, but voltage distribution accuracy deteriorates due to ground and supply voltage differences and stray voltages

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveareaVSAvoidvoltage distribution accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the reference voltage distribution into hierarchical levels: a central master reference voltage source generates a master reference voltage, which is then distributed to multiple local reference voltage generators. Each local generator creates local reference voltages from the master reference, segmenting the distribution function to maintain accuracy while using a single central source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces differential signaling as an intermediary mechanism. The master reference voltage is distributed differentially through first and second reference voltage lines, and local generators use differential amplifiers to reconstruct the reference voltage locally. This differential intermediary protects against ground potential differences and stray voltages during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional voltage distribution techniques are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but voltage distribution accuracy deteriorates due to unaddressed ground and supply voltage differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidvoltage distribution accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces differential signaling as an intermediary mechanism. The master reference voltage is distributed differentially through first and second reference voltage lines, and local generators use differential amplifiers to reconstruct the reference voltage locally. This differential intermediary protects against ground potential differences and stray voltages during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the signaling parameter from single-ended voltage to differential voltage. By transmitting the master reference voltage as a differential signal and using differential amplifiers at local generators, the system transforms how the voltage is transmitted and received, making it immune to common-mode noise and ground potential differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If reference voltage is distributed over large distances, then centralization is achieved, but stray voltages are coupled inductively and capacitively to the conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecentralizationVSAvoidstray voltage coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces differential signaling as an intermediary mechanism. The master reference voltage is distributed differentially through first and second reference voltage lines, and local generators use differential amplifiers to reconstruct the reference voltage locally. This differential intermediary protects against ground potential differences and stray voltages during transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses differential amplifiers at local reference voltage generators that reject common-mode voltages. By measuring the difference between two lines rather than absolute voltage to ground, the system achieves equipotential immunity to ground potential variations and stray voltage coupling along the distribution conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS9111602B2Accurate global reference voltage distribution system with local reference voltages referred to local ground and locally supplied voltage

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

A system and method for accurately distributing a master reference voltage to a plurality of local circuits within a system. A central master reference voltage is distributed to a plurality of local circuits as a difference in the voltage of a pair of conductors oriented substantially spatially parallel. Local reference voltages are generated based on the master reference voltage and a local voltage source.