Dual-Function IC Using Orientation-Based Terminal Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of integrated circuits leads to increased package size due to connection elements and the need for additional terminals to select functions, resulting in space inefficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A packaged electronic circuit with two functions that activates a single function based on package orientation, using symmetrical power supply terminals and a MOS transistor selector to determine function activation without requiring external terminals for selection, and utilizing multiplexers to connect terminals to functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional external terminals are added to select functions, then function selection capability is improved, but package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing external terminals are designed to serve dual purposes: both providing power supply voltage and indicating package orientation for function selection. The power supply terminals can be connected in different orientations to activate different functions, eliminating the need for separate selection terminals and reducing package size while maintaining multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply function and function selection function into a single set of terminals. The same terminals that provide power also serve as orientation indicators, merging two functions into one component to avoid additional terminals and reduce package area.
2Area of stationary object
If package size is reduced through miniaturization, then space efficiency is improved, but connection element spacing and insulation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By making terminals serve dual purposes (power supply and orientation indication), the patent reduces the total number of terminals required, thereby reducing package size while maintaining adequate spacing and insulation between remaining connection elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual-function circuits are implemented with external selection terminals, then function versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply and function selection into a single terminal configuration approach. This eliminates the need for additional selection terminals and associated routing, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing complexity while maintaining dual-function capability through orientation-based selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminals are designed to perform multiple functions (power supply and orientation indication), reducing the total component count and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining dual-function versatility.
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
Enables compact design without additional terminals, reducing package size and manufacturing costs by allowing dual-function operation based on orientation, thus optimizing space usage and logistics.
Implementation Method 1
each first terminal is connected to one of said internal power supply terminals by a single MOS transistor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit in a package, including two functions, the package orientation activating a single one of the two functions.