Monitor Output Circuit for Power-Supply Fault Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems face challenges in accurately transmitting monitoring results to upper controllers, especially in scenarios where power supply defects occur, potentially leading to malfunction or errors in electronic components, such as those in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that include a function circuit, a monitoring circuit, and an output circuit. The monitoring circuit generates a first monitor signal based on the function circuit's operation and the output circuit generates an output signal based on the first monitor signal, as well as additional monitor signals from the power supply voltages, ensuring accurate output even if defects occur in the power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monitoring circuit transmits results to an upper controller, then abnormal operations can be detected, but the transmission may be inaccurate when power supply defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by generating a second monitor signal that monitors the power supply voltage before defects can affect the monitoring result transmission. This second monitor signal serves as a preventive measure, cushioning against the harmful effects of power supply defects by providing advance warning and enabling corrective actions before accuracy is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using the second monitor signal as a mediator between the power supply and the monitoring result transmission. This intermediary signal detects power supply abnormalities and can control the output of the first monitor signal, thereby protecting the transmission accuracy from power supply defects without directly interfering with the primary monitoring function.
2Reliability
If monitoring results are transmitted to upper controller, then system reliability improves, but complexity of the monitoring device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primary monitoring function (first monitor signal) with the power supply monitoring function (second monitor signal) into a single integrated output circuit. This combining approach increases system reliability by ensuring both functions work together, while the integration helps manage device complexity by sharing common circuitry and resources between the two monitoring tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device includes a function circuit that operates based on power provided by a first positive supply voltage and a first negative supply voltage, a monitoring circuit that operates based on power provided by a second positive supply voltage and a second negative supply voltage and that generates a first monitor signal based on monitoring an operation of the function circuit, and an output circuit that generates a second monitor signal based on monitoring the first positive supply voltage, generates a third monitor signal based on monitoring the second positive supply voltage, and generates an output signal that is output through one or more output pins, based on the first monitor signal, the second monitor signal, and the third monitor signal.