Slew-Rate Controlled Interface Circuit for High-Speed Low-EMI Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interface circuits face challenges in achieving high-speed data transmission while maintaining low electromagnetic interference (EMI) and optimizing slew rates for varying data transmission requirements.

Innovation Solution

The interface circuit design includes a series connection of switching elements and capacitors, with controlled charging and discharging of capacitors to adjust slew rates and reduce EMI, utilizing different power supply voltages and control signals to manage output signals effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high-speed data transmission is implemented, then data transmission speed is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic slew rate adjustment by controlling the charging and discharging of capacitors connected to the output node. The slew rate of the output signal is dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions to achieve high-speed data transmission when needed while reducing electromagnetic interference during normal operation. This is accomplished through switching elements that control capacitor charging/discharging rates, allowing the circuit to adapt its signal transition characteristics in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the slew rate parameter of the output signal by controlling the charging and discharging of capacitors. By adjusting the slew rate parameter dynamically, the circuit can optimize between high-speed transmission mode (faster slew rate) and low EMI mode (slower slew rate), resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If slew rate is increased for high-speed transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic slew rate adjustment by controlling the charging and discharging of capacitors connected to the output node. The slew rate of the output signal is dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions to achieve high-speed data transmission when needed while maintaining signal integrity through optimized transition rates. This is accomplished through switching elements that control capacitor charging/discharging rates, allowing the circuit to adapt its signal transition characteristics in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic charging and discharging of capacitors to control the slew rate of output signals. By using controlled periodic action in the capacitor charging/discharging cycles, the circuit achieves optimized signal transitions that maintain integrity while enabling high-speed transmission when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach enhances data transmission speed, improves noise characteristics, and reduces EMI, allowing for flexible operation in both differential and single-ended signal methods.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor connected to the output node and controlled by a first control signal; a second capacitor connected to the output node, and controlled by a second control signal different from the first control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a first switching element controlled by a first input signal and connected to a first power supply node configured to supply a first power supply voltage and an output node configured to output an output signal; a second switching element controlled by a second input signal different from the first input signal, and connected to the output node and a second power supply node configured to supply a second power supply voltage lower than the first power supply voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11005462B1Interface circuit and interface device
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11005462B1 patent drawing
  • US11005462B1 patent drawing
  • US11005462B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An interface device, including a plurality of interface circuits, wherein each interface circuit of the plurality of interface circuits includes a first switching element connected in series to a second switching element, and a first capacitor and a second capacitor connected to an output terminal to which the first switching element and the second switching element are connected; and a controller configured to determine a plurality of output signals corresponding to the plurality of interface circuits by controlling the first switching element and the second switching element, and configured to adjust a slew rate of the plurality of output signals by charging and discharging the first capacitor and the second capacitor.