Microcontroller Latch-Counter Control for Power-Down Signal Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with output signals fixed at a specific level for extended periods can cause subsequent circuits to malfunction, as they fail to transition out of power-down mode effectively, leading to inefficient power consumption and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller with a detection circuit, processing circuit, latch circuit, and counter circuit that generates a reset signal when the output signal reaches a specific level, allowing the counter to adjust the signal level after a predetermined time, thereby preventing prolonged signal stabilization and enabling efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the output signal is fixed at a specific level for a long time to maintain stable operation, then the operational stability is improved, but the subsequent circuits cannot operate normally and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a counter circuit to generate periodic reset signals that automatically toggle the latch circuit at predetermined time intervals. This causes the output signal to periodically switch between different levels, preventing the signal from remaining fixed at one level for extended periods, thereby maintaining circuit reliability while avoiding continuous high-power consumption states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the counter circuit monitors the elapsed time since the last reset signal, and the latch circuit responds to the reset signal by toggling its output state. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the output signal automatically transitions after a predetermined duration, preventing prolonged fixation that would harm circuit operation while maintaining stability during normal operation periods
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electronic element enters power-down mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the output signal remains fixed and causes subsequent circuits to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the counter circuit and latch circuit to automatically generate reset signals before the output signal can remain fixed for too long. When the electronic element enters power-down mode, the counter continues to count (or is quickly activated upon wake-up), and once the predetermined time interval elapses, the latch automatically toggles to change the output signal level, preventing circuit malfunction without requiring continuous active monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through the autonomous operation of the counter-latch mechanism. The counter circuit automatically tracks elapsed time and generates reset signals without external intervention, and the latch circuit automatically toggles its state in response to these reset signals. This self-service mechanism ensures the output signal periodically changes even when the main electronic element is in power-down mode, maintaining downstream circuit reliability while minimizing power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller is coupled to a detection circuit which generates a detection signal. The microcontroller includes a processing circuit and an input-output circuit. The processing circuit generates an output signal according to the detection signal. In response to the output signal being at a specific level, the processing circuit enables a reset signal. The input-output circuit includes a latch circuit and a counter circuit. The latch circuit latches the output signal to generate a latched signal. The counter circuit starts adjusting the count value in response to the reset signal being enabled. The counter circuit changes the level of the latched signal in response to the count value being equal to a predetermined value.