Hybrid Output Buffer for Swappable 1-Wire Interface Pins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 1-Wire communications bus systems lack flexibility in pin configurations, requiring separate 'left-handed' and 'right-handed' versions of components to optimize PCB layout and limiting device ID differentiation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a swappable I/O and CAP pin configuration in 1-Wire peripherals, with a hybrid buffer circuit and pin detection mechanism to determine pin roles, and a hybrid output buffer for efficient charging and signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate left-handed and right-handed versions of components are used to optimize PCB layout, then PCB layout flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal peripheral device that can function as both left-handed and right-handed versions through swappable pin configurations. The I/O pin and CAP pin can exchange roles, allowing a single device design to adapt to different PCB layouts without requiring separate component versions, thereby resolving the contradiction between layout flexibility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic pin configuration where the functional roles of pins can be swapped based on detection algorithms. The system dynamically determines which pin is connected to the I/O line and which is connected to the CAP line, enabling the device to adapt its configuration in real-time rather than being fixed during manufacturing, thus achieving layout flexibility without increasing device complexity
2Reliability
If conventional output buffers are used for each pin, then signaling capability is maintained, but IC area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output buffer functionality into a shared resource that can serve either pin A or pin B, rather than having separate buffers for each pin. This is achieved through pin role detection and controlled switching, allowing a single buffer to handle signaling for both pins depending on their current functional assignment, thereby reducing IC area while maintaining full signaling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service mechanisms where the peripheral automatically detects pin configurations and manages buffer allocation without external intervention. The detection algorithm identifies which pin is connected to the I/O line and configures the shared buffer accordingly, enabling the device to autonomously optimize its resource usage and reduce hardware requirements
3Reliability
If conventional output buffers are used for each pin, then signaling capability is maintained, but leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the output buffer into a shared resource that serves either pin A or pin B based on detected configuration, the patent eliminates the need for multiple simultaneously active buffers. This reduces total leakage current while preserving signaling capability, as only one buffer needs to be operational at any given time depending on which pin is actively driving signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the output buffer functionality from being a fixed per-pin resource and transforms it into a dynamic shared resource. By taking out the buffer from static allocation and making it configurable based on pin roles, the system reduces unnecessary buffer instances that would contribute to leakage, while maintaining signaling capability through intelligent resource allocation
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed pin configurations are used, then device manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pin configuration detection that occurs after manufacturing, allowing the device to determine its actual pin connections (I/O line vs. CAP line) through electrical characteristics analysis. This dynamic adaptation capability enables a single fixed manufacturing process to produce devices that can subsequently adapt to different configurations, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of pin configurations during initialization, identifying which pins are connected to the I/O line and which to the CAP line before normal operation begins. This preliminary action allows the device to pre-configure its internal resources and buffer assignments, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring complex manufacturing processes
Data Source
AI summary
Circuits and methods for determining the characteristics of swappable pins in a peripheral in a 1-Wire or similar single-conductor system, thereby allowing each one of two pins to be either an I/O pin (connected to an I/O line) or a CAP pin (connected to a storage capacitor). Embodiments may utilize a hybrid buffer circuit that utilizes an effectively bi-directional PFET pull-up device coupled between the swappable pins A and B. Two open-drain NFETs pull-down devices are used, one on either side of the PFET and coupled to a respective pin (A or B), but with only one NFET being selected to be operable based on pin-determination flag signals from the pin detection circuitry. Such a hybrid buffer circuit would consume significantly less IC area than two complete conventional buffers, resulting in less leakage and less yield loss.