Hysteresis Comparator Circuit for Low-Power Cyclic Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic circuits that activate functions cyclically face significant power consumption issues due to the need for continuous power supply for both the activation signal generator and the function itself, leading to non-negligible energy expenditure.

Innovation Solution

A circuit utilizing a hysteresis comparator to control the charging of a capacitive element, which powers the function, allowing for cyclic activation by generating a voltage ramp through the charge and discharge of the capacitor, thereby modifying the powering duty cycle and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If continuous power supply is provided to the function and activation signal generator, then the function can be cyclically activated, but power consumption remains non-negligible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcyclic activation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using a capacitive element that is periodically charged and discharged to power the function cyclically. The activation signal generator also operates periodically, generating activation signals only when needed rather than continuously. This periodic operation mode significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining reliable cyclic activation of the function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power supply function from the continuous power domain and places it in the periodic operation domain. By separating the power supply for the activation signal generator from the power supply of the function itself, and making both operate periodically rather than continuously, the system achieves significant power savings while maintaining activation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a capacitive element is used to store and deliver power, then power consumption during non-activation periods decreases, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive element serves multiple functions: it acts as an energy storage device to power the function during activation periods, and simultaneously serves as part of the control mechanism for cyclic operation. The activation signal generator also performs multiple roles by controlling both the charging of the capacitor and the activation of the function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly decreases power consumption during non-activation periods by using a capacitive element to store and deliver power, with only essential components needing permanent power, resulting in reduced overall power usage and circuit size.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitive element powering the function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a hysteresis comparator controlling the charge of a capacitive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentUS11838024B2Circuit and method for cyclic activation of an electronic function
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
  • US11838024B2 patent drawing
  • US11838024B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment provides a circuit of cyclic activation of an electronic function including a hysteresis comparator controlling the charge of a capacitive element powering the function.