Microprocessor Reset Detection Logic for Power Drop Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microprocessor-controlled devices face challenges in identifying the cause of power drops and efficiently resuming operation when power is restored, as existing solutions require additional components and do not effectively distinguish between intentional and unintentional resets.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a microprocessor-based system that uses memory values to differentiate between power-on resets and low-voltage resets, allowing the device to bypass unnecessary activation sequences and modify its operation accordingly, utilizing a minimal amount of additional components such as control circuitry and memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device performs activation sequences upon power restoration, then the device can resume operation after power drops, but unnecessary reactivation sequences occur causing loss of time and reduced productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation resumptionVSAvoidunnecessary reactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of reset cause before executing activation sequences. By checking the reset cause indicator in advance, the system determines whether an activation sequence is necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary reactivation time while ensuring proper operation resumption when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the reset cause indicator to control subsequent activation sequences. The microprocessor reads the reset cause indicator and uses this information to decide whether to execute an activation sequence, creating a feedback loop that prevents unnecessary operations while ensuring proper resumption when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If additional components are added to detect reset conditions, then the device can identify power drop causes, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset condition identificationVSAvoidcontrol circuitry and memory
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reset cause indicator serves multiple functions: it detects the cause of power drops, guides the microprocessor's response actions, and determines whether activation sequences are needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable reset condition identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the reset detection functionality with the existing microprocessor control structure. Rather than adding completely separate detection circuits, the reset cause indicator is integrated into the microprocessor's operational flow, combining detection and control functions in a unified system that minimizes additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2271972B1Low voltage reset determination and operational flow modification for microprocessor-controlled devices
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 SC JOHNSON & SON INC
  • EP2271972B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2271972B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2271972B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of identifying a reset condition includes the steps of determining if a stored value is equal to a specified value, executing a first mode if the stored value is not equal to the specified value, and executing a second mode if the stored value is equal to the specified value. The second mode also includes the step of setting the stored value to a value different than the specified value.