Multi-Turn Encoder Power-On Threshold Switching for Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor devices powered by environmental energy harvesting, the variability in capacitance values affects the input voltage and energy supply, making it challenging to ensure appropriate power-on in conformity with different power generation capabilities of environmental power generation devices.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a voltage comparison circuit, internal circuit, and setting change circuit is used, where the voltage comparison circuit detects when the power generation voltage meets or exceeds a power-on criterion voltage, and the setting change circuit adjusts this criterion voltage based on external settings to match the power generation capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capacitance value of the capacitor is increased to ensure sufficient energy storage, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the time required for the input voltage to rise to the operating level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power-on criterion voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The setting change circuit allows the power-on criterion voltage to be modified based on the actual capacitance value, enabling the system to adapt to different energy storage conditions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing fast power-on (higher voltage threshold) when capacitance is large and reliable power-on (lower voltage threshold) when capacitance is small.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of power-on criterion voltage to resolve the contradiction. By allowing this voltage threshold to be adjusted according to the capacitance value, the system can optimize the balance between power supply reliability and power-on speed. The setting change circuit implements this parameter change, enabling the semiconductor device to accommodate different capacitor configurations.
2Speed
If the capacitance value of the capacitor is decreased to reduce power-on time, then the speed of power-on is improved, but the input voltage may exceed the maximum operating voltage or the energy storage becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by making the power-on criterion voltage adjustable based on capacitance value. When capacitance is small, the system can set a lower power-on criterion voltage to ensure sufficient energy storage while still achieving fast power-on. When capacitance is large, a higher voltage threshold can be set to prevent overvoltage issues. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power-on criterion voltage parameter to accommodate different capacitance values. The setting change circuit enables this parameter adjustment, allowing the system to optimize both power-on speed and power supply stability by matching the voltage threshold to the actual energy storage capacity.
3Device complexity
If the power-on criterion voltage is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different power generation capabilities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing an adjustable power-on criterion voltage through the setting change circuit. This allows the semiconductor device to adapt to different power generation capabilities and capacitor configurations without requiring complete redesign. The dynamic voltage threshold provides versatility while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing the setting change circuit that can accommodate multiple power generation devices with different characteristics. The adjustable power-on criterion voltage allows the same semiconductor device to work reliably with various environmental power generation devices, enhancing its multi-functionality and adaptability.
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 solution allows for appropriate power-on of the semiconductor device, ensuring it operates effectively with varying power generation capabilities, thereby enabling a batteryless multi-turn encoder application.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage comparison circuit (20) which outputs a voltage detection signal when a power generation voltage VPWR equal to or higher than a power-on criterion voltage Vdet is inputted
Implementation Method 2
electric power generated from rotational energy from a motor rotation shaft
Implementation Method 3
electric power is supplied through a capacitor where generated charges are accumulated
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental power generation device outputs power generation charges to a power supply line to which a capacitor is connected. When a power generation voltage corresponding to a charging voltage for the capacitor is equal to or higher than an power-on criterion voltage, a voltage comparison circuit outputs a voltage detection signal. An internal circuit of a semiconductor device is powered on in response to the voltage detection signal. A setting change circuit switches the power-on criterion voltage in accordance with a setting input.