FET UART Interface for Symmetric Multi-Voltage Processor Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication circuits in electronic devices, such as air conditioners and washers, face issues with asymmetrical design, high standby power consumption, and inability to communicate between processors with different voltage levels, especially when using UART communication methods with circuits composed only of resistance and capacitors or transistors.

Innovation Solution

The use of field effect transistors (FETs) in both transmission and reception circuits allows for a symmetrical design, reduces standby power consumption, and enables communication between processors with different voltage levels by employing FETs to generate and transmit signals effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transmission circuit and reception circuit are designed with asymmetrical structure using traditional circuits (resistance, capacitor, or transistor), then the circuit design is simpler, but the likelihood of error increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it deliberately creates symmetrical circuit structures where traditionally asymmetrical designs were used. By making both transmission and reception circuits symmetrical using FETs, the patent reduces design errors and improves reliability while maintaining functional differences through controlled asymmetry in signal levels and control voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the circuit by replacing traditional components (resistance, capacitor, transistor) with FETs. This parameter change enables symmetrical design while maintaining communication functionality, as FETs can operate effectively in both transmission and reception modes with appropriate control voltages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional circuits (resistance, capacitor, or transistor) are used for communication, then the circuit configuration is fixed, but the ability to communicate between processors with different voltage levels is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the FET-based circuit universal by enabling it to function in both transmission and reception modes. The same symmetrical circuit structure can communicate with processors at different voltage levels by adjusting control voltages, eliminating the need for different circuit configurations for different communication scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If traditional transistor circuits are used, then the circuit can be designed, but standby power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoidcircuit implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes traditional transistor-based switching mechanisms with FET-based control. FETs exhibit lower leakage current and lower standby power consumption due to their field-effect operation mechanism, which controls current flow through electric fields rather than direct carrier injection, thereby reducing parasitic power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If communication speed needs to be varied, then the circuit configuration must be changed, but this increases design complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcircuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities by using adjustable control voltages on the FET gates. Communication speed can be varied by changing these control voltages without modifying the physical circuit configuration, enabling dynamic adaptation to different communication requirements while maintaining a fixed, simple circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables reliable and efficient communication between processors with different voltage levels, reduces the likelihood of errors in circuit design, and allows for adjustable communication speeds without changing the circuit configuration.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission circuit configured to generate a transmission signal by using a signal input from a first control circuit and a first field effect transistor (FET), and transmit the transmission signal to a second control circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation:

Data Source

PatentUS11502689B2Communication device, and electronic device comprising same

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A communication device is disclosed. The disclosed communication device comprises: a transmission circuit for generating a transmission signal by using a first field effect transistor (FET) and a signal inputted from a first control circuit, and transmitting the transmission signal to a second control circuit; and a reception circuit for generating a reception signal by using a second field effect transistor (FET) and a signal received from the second control circuit, and outputting the reception signal to the first control circuit.