Digital Overvoltage Protection Circuit with Multi-Node Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overvoltage protection circuits are inadequate in addressing both externally and internally induced overvoltage events, often causing signal non-linearity, failing to sense overvoltage at multiple nodes, and lacking programmability and status reporting features.
Innovation Solution
A digitally controlled overvoltage protection system that monitors multiple nodes, responds quickly, and reports status, using a protection switch to decouple the circuit from external media, enabling low-power operation and improved linearity with thin-oxide transistors, and incorporating digital circuitry for flexibility and quick response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-parallel diodes are used for overvoltage protection, then protection against overvoltage events is provided, but signal non-linearity is introduced in the signal path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing circuit that detects overvoltage conditions and triggers a protection switch, rather than using diodes directly in the signal path. This mediator approach allows protection functionality to be achieved without the signal path being directly affected by non-linear protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection function is segmented into separate components: a sensing circuit that monitors voltage levels, a control logic that determines when protection is needed, and a protection switch that actually blocks the overvoltage. This segmentation allows the signal path to remain linear while protection is achieved through coordinated action of separate elements.
2Reliability
If existing overvoltage protection schemes are used, then protection at a single node is provided, but protection against overvoltage at other nodes is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit is designed with universal sensing capabilities that can monitor multiple nodes through a shared sensing network. The same basic sensing and control architecture can detect overvoltage conditions at different locations, making the protection system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Power
If programmable gain stages are used to increase gain, then signal amplification is improved, but internally-induced overvoltage events may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the output of programmable gain stages and provide feedback control. When overvoltage conditions are detected from internal gain stages, the feedback loop triggers protection actions to prevent damage, allowing high gain operation while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If existing protection circuits are used, then basic protection is provided, but status reporting and programmability features are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit is designed with dynamic characteristics, including programmable threshold levels, adjustable response times, and configurable status reporting options. These dynamic features allow the protection system to adapt to different application requirements while maintaining core protection functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for digitally protecting against an overvoltage event may include a front-end circuit, an overvoltage protection circuit, and a protection switch. The protection switch may be coupled to the overvoltage protection circuit and may be configured to decouple the front-end circuit from an external medium, in response to a clamp signal. The overvoltage protection circuit may be configured to detect the overvoltage event at one or more nodes of a circuit. In response to the detection of the overvoltage event, the overvoltage protection circuit may generate the clamp signal to activate the protection switch.