I/O Pin Driver Architecture for Low-Interference Voltage Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input/output modules face complexity and interference issues due to frequent switching among different voltages, requiring intricate control operations and multiple combinations of control voltages to set the duty cycle of input/output pins, which complicates the voltage supply circuit and increases interference at the input/output pin.

Innovation Solution

An input/output module with a pre-driver and a post-driver that generates pull-up and pull-down selection signals based on logic levels of an input signal and an enable signal, allowing the post-driver to set the input/output pin to a high-impedance state or change its voltage level accordingly, using a core voltage and supply voltage to simplify control and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a voltage supply circuit is used to control the voltage of the input/output pin by pull-up or pull-down with multiple combinations of control voltages, then the duty cycle of the input/output pin can be set, but the complexity of the voltage supply circuit increases and interference at the input/output pin increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduty cycle setting capabilityVSAvoidvoltage supply circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from multiple voltage levels (2.5V, 4.5V, 0V) to logic levels (0V, 1V) that are already present in the control circuit. This parameter change simplifies the voltage supply circuit while maintaining the ability to control the input/output pin's duty cycle through logical combinations of these two voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the voltage conversion function from the voltage supply circuit by utilizing the existing logic level signals (0V and 1V) from the control circuit. Instead of requiring a complex voltage supply circuit to generate multiple control voltages, the design extracts and reuses the simpler logic signals already available in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple combinations of control voltages are used to control the input/output pin, then the voltage level can be precisely controlled, but the control operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage level control precisionVSAvoidcontrol operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from multiple voltage levels (2.5V, 4.5V, 0V) to logic levels (0V, 1V) that are already present in the control circuit. This parameter change simplifies the voltage supply circuit while maintaining the ability to control the input/output pin's duty cycle through logical combinations of these two voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent switching among different voltages is performed to set the duty cycle, then the input/output pin can be controlled, but interference at the input/output pin increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduty cycle controlVSAvoidinterference at input/output pin

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from multiple voltage levels (2.5V, 4.5V, 0V) to logic levels (0V, 1V) that are already present in the control circuit. This parameter change simplifies the voltage supply circuit while maintaining the ability to control the input/output pin's duty cycle through logical combinations of these two voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11606091B2Input/output module

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 FARADAY TECH CORP

AI summary

An input/output module electrically coupled between a control circuit and an input/output pin is provided. The input/output module includes a pre-driver and a post-driver. The pre-driver is electrically coupled to the control circuit, and the post-driver is electrically coupled between the pre-driver and the input/output pin. The pre-driver generates a pull-up selection signal and a pull-down selection signal according to an input signal and an enable signal generated by the control circuit. The post-driver sets a voltage level of the input/output pin according to the pull-up and pull-down selection signals. When the enable signal is at a first logic level, the input/output pin has a high impedance. When the enable signal is at a second logic level, the voltage level of the input/output pin changes with a logic level of the input signal, wherein the first logic level and the second logic level are inverted.