IC Pin Connection Condition Detection via PWM Signal Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the condition of pin connections in integrated circuits is challenging due to their complex positioning and small size, making it difficult to diagnose issues without damaging the electronic device, especially when connections are obscured by flexible printed circuits.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit design incorporating sensing output and input terminals that transmit and receive Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals, allowing for comparison with a clock signal to determine pin connection conditions without physically opening the device, using external circuits and sensors to assess resistance without damaging the mechanical design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the mechanism is opened to measure resistance with a measurement device, then the condition of pin connection can be determined, but the mechanical design may be damaged and requires further recovery process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin connection condition determinationVSAvoiddamage to mechanical design

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit uses its own output terminal and internal circuits to generate test signals and measure resistance, eliminating the need for external measurement devices and opening the mechanism. The circuit serves itself for diagnostic purposes by utilizing existing components like the driver, sensor, and external circuits already present in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sensing test signal as an intermediary to indirectly measure resistance. Instead of directly connecting measurement devices to pins, the system uses the output terminal to transmit test signals through external circuits to sensing input terminals, and the sensor converts resistance information into measurable voltage or current changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the integrated circuit is small in size and positioned in a complicated location, then the electronic device can be compact, but it becomes difficult to measure resistance with a measurement device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated circuit sizeVSAvoidresistance measurement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit performs self-diagnosis by using its own output terminal to generate test signals and its own sensing input terminals to receive them. This eliminates the need for external measurement devices that would be difficult to position in compact or complicated locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The output terminal serves dual purposes: it functions as a normal output terminal for circuit operation and as a test signal transmission terminal for resistance measurement. This multi-functionality allows the same terminal to be used for both operational and diagnostic purposes without adding extra components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If pins are coupled through flexible printed circuit, then the integrated circuit can be positioned flexibly, but the condition of pin connection cannot be observed by appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin connection flexibilityVSAvoidpin connection condition observation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sensing test signals and sensors as intermediaries to detect pin connection conditions. The test signals pass through the flexible printed circuit connections, and the sensor measures the resulting voltage or current changes to determine connection status, making invisible connections detectable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces visual/mechanical inspection of pin connections with electrical measurement. Instead of physically examining connections through opened mechanisms, the system uses electrical test signals and sensor measurements to detect connection conditions, substituting mechanical observation with electrical detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9857420B2Method for determining a condition of pin connection of the integrated circuit and integrated circuit thereof

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

An integrated circuit includes a sensing output terminal, a driver, a first sensing input terminal, a second sensing input terminal and a sensor. The driver is used to transmit a sensing test signal through the sensing output terminal. The first sensing input terminal is coupled to the sensing output terminal through a first external circuit for receiving the sensing test signal. The second sensing input terminal is coupled to the sensing output terminal through a second external circuit for receiving the sensing test signal. The sensor is used to compare the sensing test signals received by the first sensing input terminal and the second sensing input terminal with a clock signal respectively to generate a first comparison result and a second comparison result.