Fan Chip Signal Transmission Delay Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Signal transmission delays between an external control unit and a fan chip in electronic devices can lead to errors in fan control, affecting the normal operation of other circuits due to the presence of circuit wiring and electronic components on the circuit board.

Innovation Solution

A detection system and method that generates a specific pulse signal to determine the signal transmission delay between the control unit and the fan chip, allowing for accurate calculation and processing of this delay to ensure the fan operates at the correct speed, comprising a circuit board, a fan chip with input and output pins, and a control unit that records and calculates the time difference between sent and received pulse signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signal transmission is performed through circuit wiring and electronic components on the circuit board, then the fan chip can be controlled by the external control unit, but signal transmission delay occurs between the control unit and the fan chip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan control accuracyVSAvoidsignal transmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the signal transmission delay in advance through a detection process before the fan control operation begins. The delay time is measured by sending a detection pulse signal and recording the time difference between transmission and reception. This pre-measured delay value is then stored and compensated for during actual fan control operations, ensuring accurate timing control despite the inherent transmission delay caused by circuit wiring and components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the signal transmission delay is not detected and processed, then the system structure remains simple, but errors occur in the fan control and affect the normal operation of other circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol operation accuracyVSAvoiddetection and processing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the fan chip to autonomously perform the delay detection and compensation functions. The fan chip includes a detection unit that generates detection pulse signals, measures the transmission delay, and stores the delay value in its own storage unit. During control operations, the fan chip automatically retrieves and applies the stored delay value for compensation. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for external detection equipment or complex processing mechanisms, maintaining system simplicity while ensuring control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a detection process is implemented to measure signal transmission delay, then the fan can operate at rated speed at predetermined time, but additional detection mechanisms and processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan operation precisionVSAvoiddetection system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the delay detection and compensation functions directly into the fan chip's existing control structure. The detection unit, storage unit, and compensation mechanism are combined within the fan chip itself, merging multiple functions (pulse generation, delay measurement, value storage, and compensation application) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate detection equipment and reduces overall system complexity while achieving precise fan operation at predetermined times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10440857B2Detection system and method of signal transmission delay for fan chip
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 SENTELIC TECH CO LTD
  • US10440857B2 patent drawing
  • US10440857B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a detection system and method of signal transmission delay for fan chip. The detection system comprises a circuit board, a fan chip and a control unit. The control unit generates a first pulse signal having a specific pulse pattern, and send the first pulse signal to the fan chip. When the fan chip is operating in a detection mode of signal transmission delay according to the first pulse signal, the fan chip copies the specific pulse pattern of the first pulse signal to generate a second pulse signal having the specific pulse pattern, and send the second pulse signal to the control unit. The control unit calculates a time difference between a time that sends the first pulse signal and a time that receives the second pulse signal, so as to obtain a delay time of signal transmission between the control unit and the fan chip.