Over Current Protection Circuit With Segmented ESD Discharge Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over current protection systems fail to effectively stabilize voltages and protect electronic components from abnormal electrostatic discharge, which can lead to damage or destruction due to ungrounded discharges.
Innovation Solution
An over current protection system comprising resistors and an electrostatic discharge circuit that generates two current paths for discharging abnormal energy, maintaining the output voltage within a normal range and limiting current through the discharge circuit to increase operational endurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrostatic discharge path is provided, then the circuit can discharge abnormal energy, but the current through the discharge circuit is too high causing damage and reducing operational endurance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single discharge path into two parallel discharge paths by adding a third resistor connected to the electrostatic discharge protection circuit. This segmentation reduces the current through each individual path, preventing damage to the discharge circuit while maintaining effective ESD protection capability.
2Reliability
If the electrostatic discharge circuit is directly connected without current limiting, then the discharge path is low impedance, but the current becomes uncontrolled and damages the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third resistor as an intermediary element between the electrostatic discharge protection circuit and the discharge path. This resistor limits the current flowing through the discharge circuit, preventing damage while maintaining the protective function. The resistor acts as a mediator that controls the harmful current without completely blocking the discharge path.
3Reliability
If multiple discharge paths are added, then the current is limited and operational endurance increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements current limiting by segmenting the discharge path into two parallel paths, which can be achieved by adding only one additional resistor (the third resistor). This minimal segmentation approach effectively limits current while adding the least possible complexity to the 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
The system effectively stabilizes voltages and protects electronic components by generating two current paths for discharging abnormal energy, maintaining the output voltage within a safe range and enhancing the durability of the electrostatic discharge protection circuit.
Implementation Method 1
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a physical phenomenon of charge transfer caused by objects with different electrostatic potentials approaching or directly contacting each other
Implementation Method 2
The third resistor comprises a first terminal, and a second terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second resistor... a current passing through the electrostatic discharge protection circuit can be limited
Data Source
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AI summary
An over current protection system (100) includes a first resistor (R1), a second resistor (R2), a third resistor (R3), a fourth resistor (R4), and an electrostatic discharge circuit (10). The first resistor (R1) includes a first terminal configured to receive an input voltage (Vin), and a second terminal. The second resistor (R2) includes a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first resistor (R1), and a second terminal coupled to a ground terminal (GND). The third resistor (R3) includes a first terminal, and a second terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second resistor (R2). The fourth resistor (R4) includes a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the third resistor (R3), and a second terminal configured to generate an output voltage (Vout). The electrostatic discharge circuit (10) is coupled to the first terminal of the third resistor (R3).