Dual-Threshold Reset Circuit for Backup Capacitor Power Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reset circuits for electronic circuits with power backup capacitors face challenges in minimizing malfunctions during power resumption, as they struggle to stabilize voltage fluctuations and determine the optimal low reset voltage, leading to potential malfunctions and reduced backup operation time.
Innovation Solution
A reset circuit comprising a first detector for a predetermined first voltage and a second detector for a lower second voltage, with a controller that outputs a reset request signal when the first voltage is detected after the second voltage has been detected, allowing for controlled reset signal management and reduced consumption current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the low reset voltage is lowered to extend backup operation time, then the backup operation time is improved, but the risk of malfunction during voltage fluctuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage detection function into two separate detectors: a first detector for detecting when voltage exceeds the low reset voltage (Vth1), and a second detector for detecting when voltage exceeds a higher stable operation voltage (Vth2). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between temporary voltage fluctuations and stable voltage recovery, enabling the low reset voltage to be set lower for extended backup time while preventing malfunctions during unstable voltage transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that receives detection results from both detectors and determines reset signal generation based on the combination of signals. The controller mediates between the voltage detection events and the reset circuit activation, ensuring that the reset is only released when both conditions are met: voltage has exceeded the low reset threshold and subsequently stabilized above the higher threshold, thereby preventing premature reset release during voltage fluctuations.
2Reliability
If the low reset voltage is raised to prevent malfunction during voltage fluctuation, then the reliability is improved, but the backup operation time becomes shorter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage threshold detection into two distinct levels: Vth1 (low reset voltage) and Vth2 (higher stable voltage). This allows the system to use a lower Vth1 for extended backup operation time while introducing Vth2 as an additional safety checkpoint to ensure voltage stability before releasing the reset, thus maintaining reliability without sacrificing backup duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary voltage stability check by requiring the voltage to exceed both Vth1 and then Vth2 before releasing the reset signal. This preliminary action of dual-threshold verification ensures that the voltage has stabilized properly before allowing operation resumption, preventing malfunctions during voltage fluctuations while maintaining the lower reset voltage setting for extended backup time.
3Device complexity
If a single detector is used for reset voltage detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control reset timing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voltage detection task into two specialized detectors with different threshold levels (Vth1 and Vth2). Each detector is optimized for its specific detection purpose, enabling precise control over reset timing by requiring sequential triggering of both detectors. This segmented approach provides superior timing precision compared to a single detector, while the overall complexity remains manageable through the use of standard detection circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by setting two distinct voltage threshold parameters (Vth1 and Vth2) that can be independently adjusted. This allows precise control over the reset timing characteristics by tuning the threshold values according to specific application requirements, achieving high precision in reset timing control while maintaining flexibility in device design and configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a reset circuit for an electronic circuit equipped with a backup power capacitor includes a first detector arranged to detect a predetermined first voltage of the backup capacitor, a second detector arranged to detect a predetermined second voltage of the backup capacitor, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage, and a controller arranged to control an output of a reset request signal based on detection results of the first detector and the second detector. The controller is configured to output the reset request signal when the first detector detects the first voltage after the second detector detected the second detector.