Hardware Signal-Switching Circuit for Reliable Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic systems with switching circuits controlled by software face challenges in switching between operation modes due to potential hardware or software malfunctions, making it difficult to determine the source of issues during the design phase.

Innovation Solution

A signal-switching circuit that includes a control circuit and a switch circuit, capable of switching between multiple operation modes using a single trigger signal, eliminating the need for software control by generating a mode signal to electrically connect transmission signals from hardware circuits to a transmission interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software is used to control the switching circuit, then the switching control is flexible and programmable, but the system reliability decreases and troubleshooting difficulty increases when malfunctions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching control flexibilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated hardware control circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the trigger circuit and switch circuit, specifically designed to generate control signals for mode switching. This specialized hardware component ensures reliable operation while maintaining switching flexibility, resolving the contradiction between software programmability and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the software-based control system with a hardware-based control circuit that uses electrical signals and logic gates to achieve mode switching. This substitution eliminates software-related reliability issues while maintaining the ability to control the switch circuit, trading programmability for enhanced reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If software control is used for mode switching, then the control logic is flexible, but the time to diagnose hardware vs software problems increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic flexibilityVSAvoidtroubleshooting difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a trigger circuit that generates trigger signals, a control circuit that processes these signals and generates control signals, and a switch circuit that executes switching based on control signals. This segmentation allows independent testing and troubleshooting of each module, significantly reducing diagnostic difficulty while maintaining control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit automatically generates appropriate control signals in response to trigger signals without requiring external software intervention. The system self-regulates mode switching through hardware logic, eliminating the need for software debugging and making it easier to identify whether issues originate from hardware components or signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single trigger signal controls mode switching, then the system complexity is reduced, but the number of controllable modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal complexityVSAvoidnumber of operation modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple trigger signals are merged into a single composite control signal through the control circuit, which processes sequential trigger signals to generate corresponding control signals for multiple modes. This merging approach maintains simple interface requirements while enabling control of multiple operation modes through a unified control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit responds to periodic or sequential trigger signals by generating corresponding control signals for different modes. Each trigger signal event advances the system to the next mode, allowing a single trigger input to control multiple operation modes through repeated activation, thus maintaining simplicity while expanding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10340896B1Electronic system and signal switching circuit

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 WIWYNN CORP

AI summary

A signal-switching circuit for use in an electronic system is provided. The electronic system includes a plurality of hardware circuits. The signal-switching circuit includes a control circuit and a switch circuit. The control circuit is arranged to receive a trigger signal generated by a trigger circuit of the electronic system, and change a mode signal generated by the control circuit according to the trigger signal. The switch circuit is arranged to electrically connect transmission signals from one of the hardware circuits to a transmission interface of the electronic system according to the mode signal.