I/O Control Circuit for Pull-Up and Pull-Down Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control circuits face high power consumption due to uncertainty about whether a connected resistor is a pull-up or pull-down resistor, as they cannot determine the appropriate voltage output mode in non-communication times, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit with an input-output unit, switching unit, and acquisition unit that determines whether the connected resistor is a pull-up or pull-down resistor, allowing it to switch between on-voltage and off-voltage output modes to minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a pull-up resistor or pull-down resistor is connected to the signal line to stabilize voltage in non-communication time, then the voltage stability is improved, but the power consumption in the control circuit increases due to sink currents or source currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the output voltage level changeable based on operating conditions. The control circuit dynamically adjusts between on-voltage and off-voltage output modes depending on whether communication is active or inactive, and depending on the resistor type detected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining voltage stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter (output level) based on the state of the signal line and resistor type. By detecting whether a pull-up or pull-down resistor is connected and whether communication is occurring, the control circuit changes the output voltage parameter between on-voltage and off-voltage levels, thereby reducing power consumption in non-communication states while maintaining proper signal levels when communication is active.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the control circuit outputs on-voltage in non-communication time to suppress power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but this approach is only valid when a pull-up resistor is connected and fails when a pull-down resistor is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the voltage level on the signal line to determine the resistor type (pull-up or pull-down). The control circuit monitors the signal line state and uses this feedback information to adapt its output voltage mode accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to distinguish between different resistor configurations and adjust its behavior to optimize power consumption for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit performs self-diagnosis by autonomously detecting the resistor type connected to the signal line through voltage level monitoring. Based on this self-detected information, the system automatically configures its output mode without external intervention, thereby adapting itself to the specific hardware configuration and optimizing power consumption accordingly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the resistor type connected to the signal line is unknown, then the system can be more versatile in configuration, but it becomes impossible to determine the appropriate voltage output mode for power consumption suppression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing resistor type detection during an initial phase before normal operation begins. The control circuit detects whether a pull-up or pull-down resistor is connected to the signal line in advance, stores this detection result, and uses it to configure the appropriate output voltage mode for subsequent operations. This preliminary detection enables the system to optimize power consumption from the start without requiring continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit comprising an input-output unit that is connected to a signal line, which is connected to an external apparatus, and which is connected to a resistor that is one of a pull-up resistor and a pull-down resistor; a switching unit that switches a mode of the input-output unit to one of an input mode and an output mode, wherein the output mode includes an on-voltage output mode and an off-voltage output mode; an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding whether the resistor connected to the signal line is the pull-up resistor or the pull-down resistor, when the input-output unit is in the input mode; and a control unit that controls the input-output unit to switch to one of the on-voltage output mode and the off-voltage output mode based on the acquisition information acquired by the acquisition unit, when the input-output unit is in the output mode.