Micro-controller Reset Circuit with Buck Converter Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reset systems in electrical apparatuses do not allow micro-controllers to perform a reset process before shutdown, which is necessary for normal operation when power is reapplied.

Innovation Solution

A micro-controller reset system comprising an enable circuit, a buck converter, and a reset circuit that outputs a reset signal when the system power source voltage drops below a certain threshold, while continuing to supply power to the micro-controller to enable a reset process during a power drop state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the reset system uses a timer to hold the micro-controller at reset state for a preset period, then the micro-controller can be reset when power is applied, but the micro-controller cannot perform a reset process before shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereset process capabilityVSAvoidnormal operation assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the reset circuit to detect the power drop state and generate a reset signal before the micro-controller actually needs to reset. The system proactively identifies when power is being dropped and initiates the reset process in advance, allowing the micro-controller to complete its reset sequence before power is completely lost, thereby ensuring normal operation upon power reapplied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the enable circuit outputs an enable signal with a steep leading edge to control the buck converter, then the micro-controller power source is supplied efficiently, but the micro-controller cannot remain in work state during power drop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmicro-controller work state duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the enable signal's leading edge steep while maintaining the enable signal's active state during power drop. The enable circuit dynamically adjusts the enable signal characteristics - providing a steep leading edge for efficient power conversion during normal operation, but maintaining the signal's active state when power is dropped to keep the buck converter running and the micro-controller in work state, thereby enabling the reset process to complete before power is fully lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the reset circuit outputs a reset signal when system power source voltage drops below a threshold, then the micro-controller can be reset during power drop, but the micro-controller power source voltage must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereset process completionVSAvoidmicro-controller power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the voltage comparator to continuously monitor the system power source voltage and provide feedback to the reset circuit. When the voltage drops below the threshold, the comparator triggers the reset signal generation. This feedback mechanism ensures the reset process is activated at the appropriate moment while the enable signal maintains power supply to the micro-controller, allowing the reset to complete without requiring excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables the micro-controller to perform a reset process while in a power drop state, ensuring normal operation when power is reapplied by maintaining the micro-controller in a work state through the enable signal and reset signal.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage comparator electrically connects to the first transistor. When a voltage of the system power source is dropped to be smaller than the second voltage, the voltage comparator outputs a positive voltage signal to turn on the first transistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage threshold detection:

Implementation Method 2

When the voltage comparator outputs a positive voltage signal, the first transistor is turned on to output a reset signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransistor switching:

Implementation Method 3

The buck converter converts the system power source to output a micro-controller power source to the micro-controller according to the enable signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9372517B2Micro-controller reset system and reset method thereof

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION

AI summary

A reset system comprises an enable circuit, a buck converter and a reset circuit. The enable circuit is connected to a system power source. When a voltage of the system power source is greater than a first voltage, the enable circuit outputs an enable signal with a steep leading edge. The buck converter converts the system power source to a micro-controller power source according to the enable signal. The reset circuit is connected to the system power source and the micro-controller power source. When a voltage of the system power source is less than a second voltage, the reset circuit outputs a reset signal to reset the micro-controller. The first voltage is smaller than the second voltage.