Dynamic Pull-Up Circuit for Stable Node Potential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pull-up and pull-down circuits at microchip pads experience significant current variations due to manufacturing process variations, temperature, and voltage changes, leading to inefficient current regulation and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a series connection of a controllable transistor path and a resistive element, where the transistor resistance is dynamically adjusted based on the voltage drop across the resistive element, using a control element like a field effect transistor, to maintain a stable node potential and limit current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pull-up or pull-down circuits are used, then the node potential can be maintained at a predetermined value, but significant current variations occur due to manufacturing process variations, temperature, and voltage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the current flowing through the resistive element generates a voltage drop that is fed back to the control element (transistor). This feedback loop automatically adjusts the transistor's resistance to compensate for current variations caused by manufacturing process variations, temperature, and voltage changes, thereby maintaining stable current regulation and resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses the voltage drop across the resistive element itself as the control signal to regulate the transistor's resistance. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control circuits or additional components, allowing the system to automatically compensate for variations and maintain precise current regulation inherent in the circuit's operation.
2Reliability
If conventional pull-up or pull-down circuits are used, then the node potential can be maintained, but power consumption increases due to inefficient current regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic resistance adjustment where the transistor's resistance is continuously adapted based on the voltage drop across the resistive element. This dynamic control allows the circuit to maintain stable node potential only when necessary, reducing unnecessary current flow and power consumption compared to conventional circuits that maintain fixed resistance states.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes the resistance parameter of the transistor dynamically in response to voltage drop variations. By adjusting the resistance parameter based on actual operating conditions rather than maintaining a fixed state, the circuit achieves stable node potential while minimizing power consumption through efficient current regulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a resistive element is added to control current flow, then current limiting is achieved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resistive element directly into the existing pull-up or pull-down circuit path, combining current limiting functionality with the potential maintenance function. This integration approach achieves precise current limiting without adding separate control circuits or increasing overall device complexity, as the resistive element becomes part of the fundamental circuit structure.
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
This approach reduces current variation by a factor of 1.5 across a wide temperature and voltage range, minimizes area usage, and allows for precise current limiting, compared to conventional solutions, while avoiding continuous power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A circuit is provided comprising a controllable first transistor and a resistive element. The resistive element is coupled in series to a controllable conductive path of the first transistor between a potential feed and a node. A control element is configured to control the first transistor to change a resistance of the controllable conductive path, depending on a voltage drop at the resistive element.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention concern a circuit for pulling a potential at a node towards a feed potential which is present at a potential feed. The circuit has a first transistor with a controllable conductive path and in addition a resistive element. The controllable conductive path of the first transistor and the resistive element are coupled in series between the potential feed and the node. Furthermore, the circuit has a control element configured to control the first transistor so that a resistance of the controllable conductive path of the first transistor can be changed depending on a voltage drop at the resistive element. Furthermore, a method for pulling a potential at a node towards a feed potential and an integrated circuit with a pad which is pulled to the feed potential in the absence of an information carrying signal which is received or send by a functional circuitry of the integrated circuit.