Multi-Mode Input Pad for Single-Pin Address Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices, managing unique addresses for multiple identical secondary or slave components is complex and costly, often requiring multiple pins or pads, which complicates communication between a master component and secondary components.
Innovation Solution
A circuit component that assigns one of three unique addresses based on a single external voltage level, using a voltage divider circuit and comparators to determine the address, allowing communication via a serial bus protocol with a master circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pins or pads are used to specify addresses for secondary components, then unique address identification is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple address specification functions into a single pin or pad. Instead of requiring separate pins for each address bit, the invention uses a single pin that can represent multiple address states through different voltage levels, thereby reducing the total number of pins needed while maintaining unique address identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for address specification from discrete digital states (0 or 1) to continuous analog voltage levels. By applying different voltage levels (e.g., 0V, 1.8V, 3.6V) to a single pin, the system can encode multiple address values, effectively increasing the information capacity of a single pin without adding more pins
2Reliability
If multiple pins or pads are used for address specification, then address uniqueness is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple address specification functions into a single pin or pad. Instead of requiring separate pins for each address bit, the system uses voltage level encoding on a single pin to represent multiple address states, reducing the bill of materials and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single pin serves multiple functions: it can represent multiple address values through different voltage levels, and the same pin can be used across different secondary components to specify their unique addresses. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and manufacturing complexity
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
Simplifies address management by using a single electrical contact to assign unique addresses, reducing complexity and cost while enabling efficient communication between the master and secondary components.
Implementation Method 1
The floating voltage level may be determined by a voltage divider circuit connected between a first terminal configured to receive the first voltage level and a second terminal configured to receive the second voltage level. The voltage divider circuit may be internal to the circuit component. The voltage divider circuit may be external to the circuit component.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit component has an address determined from a voltage level applied to a single electrical contact of the circuit component. The circuit component is configured to be assigned one of at least three unique addresses and to select from among the at least three unique addresses based on the voltage level.