I/O Pin State Detection Using Human Body Electrostatic Charges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting the working states of input/output (I/O) pins in electronic components are inadequate in accurately identifying whether a pin is in an input or output state, leading to inefficiencies in diagnosing signal malfunctions in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of an oscilloscope to transmit a signal between chips on a circuit board, connect a probe to an I/O pin, eliminate electrostatic charges, and determine the pin's state by observing waveform changes when charges are applied, distinguishing between input and output states based on impedance characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to detect I/O pin working states, then the detection process is simple, but the accuracy of identifying input/output states is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of identifying input/output statesVSAvoidcomplexity of detection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism using a multimeter to measure resistance between the I/O pin and ground. This intermediary measurement approach allows accurate distinction between input and output states without directly observing complex signal waveforms, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electrical signal analysis with a simpler resistance measurement approach. Instead of analyzing voltage waveforms or signal characteristics, the system uses a multimeter to measure resistance, substituting a complex electrical measurement with a simpler resistive measurement that directly indicates pin state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If electrostatic charges are present during detection, then the detection can be performed without additional charging equipment, but interference from electrostatic charges affects detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinterference from electrostatic charges

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful electrostatic charges into a beneficial detection mechanism. By deliberately applying electrostatic charges through human body contact and observing the resulting waveform changes on the oscilloscope, the system uses what would normally be interference as the actual detection signal, thereby eliminating the need for separate charging equipment while improving detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs self-service by using the human body itself as the charge source. The detector utilizes electrostatic charges generated by human contact to stimulate the I/O pin, eliminating the need for external charging equipment. The human body both applies the charge and serves as part of the detection circuit, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method effectively differentiates between input and output states of I/O pins, reducing interference from electrostatic charges and enhancing the accuracy of signal transmission diagnostics in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

connect a probe ( 21) of the oscilloscope ( 20) to the first I/O pin ( 101) of the first chip ( U1), and detect a waveform of the signal through the first I/O pin ( 101) using the oscilloscope ( 20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

detect a waveform of the signal through the first I/O pin ( 101) using the oscilloscope ( 20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

contact the probe ( 21) using the tester (e.g., a finger) to transmit charges of the tester besides the electrostatic charges to the probe ( 21)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 4

determine if the first I/O pin ( 101) is working in an input state or working in an output state by detecting whether the waveform of the signal displayed on the screen ( 22) is changed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9081056B2Method for detecting working state of I/O pins of electronic components using charges from human body

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 FU TAI HUA IND SHENZHEN

AI summary

In a method for detecting working states of I/O pins of electronic components, a signal is transmitted between at least two of the I/O pins. A probe of an oscilloscope is connected to an I/O pin. A waveform of the signal through the I/O pin is detected. Charges are transmitted to the probe. A working state of the I/O pin is determined by detecting whether the waveform of the signal through the I/O pin is changed when the charges are transmitted to the probe.