Floating Ground IC Absolute Signal Conversion Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Floating grounded integrated circuits (ICs) cannot handle absolute signals or voltage levels, which are essential for controlling and transmitting information, due to their design that reduces voltage differences between operation and ground levels.

Innovation Solution

A circuit and method that convert absolute information sense signals into internal reference signals, allowing the IC to recognize and process absolute information without requiring complex circuits or processing steps, using transistors and internal reference signal generation circuits to relate the internal reference signals to the floating ground level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a floating grounded IC design is used to reduce voltage difference between operation level and ground level, then the voltage difference is reduced, but the IC cannot handle absolute signals or voltage levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage differenceVSAvoidability to handle absolute signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary circuit that converts absolute signals (referenced to external ground) into floating-ground-referenced signals that the IC can process. This intermediary translation layer allows the IC to indirectly access absolute information without requiring direct absolute ground connections, thus maintaining the low voltage difference benefit while gaining signal handling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reference parameter from absolute ground to floating ground by introducing a voltage offset mechanism. The IC operates with its ground referenced to a floating potential that is offset from absolute ground, allowing it to process absolute signals through differential measurement while maintaining reduced voltage stress across internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a floating grounded IC design is used, then internal devices do not require high specification, but the IC cannot recognize absolute information from control signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice specification requirementVSAvoidabsolute information recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an intermediary signal conversion circuit that translates absolute control signals into forms recognizable by the floating-grounded IC. This intermediary preserves the simplicity of internal devices while recovering absolute information through differential signaling and voltage offset techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes direct absolute ground connection (mechanical/electrical connection) with a signal processing approach using voltage offsets and differential measurements. This substitution maintains device simplicity while enabling absolute information recognition through electrical signal manipulation rather than physical ground connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the floating grounded IC to perform functions like dimming control, waveform reproduction, TRIAC dimming, under voltage lockout, power factor correction, and boundary conduction control by providing absolute information, enhancing its operational capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a transistor (131) converting the absolute information sense signal to a current signal, the transistor having a current inflow end, a current outflow end and a control end, one of the current inflow end and the current outflow end receiving the absolute information sense signal carrying absolute information related to an absolute level, the control end receiving a control voltage, so as to generate a current signal at the current inflow end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8659239B2Circuit and method for providing absolute information for floating grounded integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 RICHTEK TECH

AI summary

The present invention discloses a circuit and a method for providing absolute information for floating grounded integrated circuit. The method includes: receiving an absolute information sense signal carrying absolute information; converting the absolute information sense signal to a current signal; and generating an internal reference signal according to the current signal, wherein the internal reference signal or a relationship between the internal reference signal and a floating ground level is related to the absolute information.