Display Interface Circuit Leakage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing digital visual interface (DVI) systems face issues with electrical leakage from the display device to the motherboard, leading to boot failures, and power wastage due to uncontrolled power flow, with conventional diodes causing voltage drops and potential damage during short circuits.

Innovation Solution

A display interface circuit utilizing a series connection of transistors with body diodes and control circuits to manage power flow, preventing leakage and saving power by selectively enabling or disabling the current flow based on the power states of the motherboard and display device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a diode is used to block electrical leakage from display device to motherboard, then electrical leakage is prevented, but voltage drop increases due to forward voltage of the diode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of electrical leakageVSAvoidvoltage drop
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single diode into two separate transistors with body diodes connected in series. Each transistor's body diode blocks current in one direction, and together they provide bidirectional blocking capability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same leakage prevention function while eliminating the voltage drop issue of a single diode, since the transistors can be controlled to have minimal voltage drop when conducting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static diode into dynamic transistors that can be controlled through gate signals. The transistors can be turned on or off based on power state detection, allowing the system to adaptively control current flow. This dynamic control enables the transistors to operate in optimal states, minimizing voltage drop when current needs to pass while providing blocking capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a diode is used to prevent electrical leakage, then leakage is blocked, but the diode may be damaged during short circuit before fuse response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against short circuitVSAvoiddiode damage during short circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protection by using transistors that can be proactively controlled based on power state detection. When a short circuit condition is detected or anticipated, the control circuit can turn off the transistors before excessive current damages them. This preliminary action prevents the diode damage issue seen in conventional designs, as the transistors can be dynamically protected through gate control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the protection elements from fixed (diode) to controllable (transistor). By controlling the gate voltage of the transistors, the system can dynamically adjust the on-resistance and current carrying capacity. This parameter control allows the transistors to withstand short circuit conditions better than fixed diodes, as they can be turned off or operated in safe zones through gate signal control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If motherboard provides power to display device via DVI when display device is powered down, then power is supplied, but power is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidpower wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by detecting the power state of the display device and using this information to control the transistors. The control circuit monitors whether the display device is powered on or off and adjusts the transistor states accordingly. When the display device is powered down, the feedback signal causes the transistors to block current flow, preventing power wastage. When the display device is powered on, the transistors are enabled to allow normal power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10438530B2Computer system and display interface circuit and display interface method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 WISTRON CORP
  • US10438530B2 patent drawing
  • US10438530B2 patent drawing
  • US10438530B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display interface circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor electrically connecting in series between a first motherboard power and a display power. A first body diode of the first transistor has a current direction opposite a second body diode of the second transistor. When a display device powers up but a motherboard powers downs, a first control circuit turns on the first transistor and a second control circuit turns off the second transistor such that a current does not leak from the display power toward the first motherboard power due to the second body diode. When the display device powers down but the motherboard powers up, the first control circuit turns off the first transistor and the second control circuit turns off the second transistor such that the first motherboard power is not outputted to a video display interface due to the first body diode.