Multi-Function IC Pin Using Switchable Resistance to Cut Pin Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing integration of integrated circuit (IC) devices leads to smaller sizes, but the number of pins required for wired connections also decreases, necessitating further reduction in chip size and pin count without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switchable resistive element between pins to enable combined enable and power good signaling, utilizing a comparator and logic circuit to control the resistive element's resistance state, allowing for bidirectional pins that can function as both enable and power good signals, thereby reducing the pin count while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the number of pins is reduced to minimize IC size, then the IC area decreases, but the functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional pins that can function as either enable pins or power good pins depending on the resistance state of a switchable resistive element. This multi-functionality allows a single pin to replace what would traditionally require two separate pins, thereby reducing the total pin count and minimizing IC area while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If separate enable and power good pins are used, then the signaling reliability is improved, but the pin count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the enable pin and power good pin functions into a single bidirectional pin. The switchable resistive element controls the pin's resistance state to indicate different signaling modes, allowing both enable and power good signaling functions to be merged into one physical pin while maintaining signaling reliability through controlled resistance states.
3Quantity of substance
If bidirectional pins with switchable resistance are implemented, then the pin count is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a switchable resistive element that changes its resistance parameter between a first resistance state (for enable pin function) and a second resistance state (for power good pin function). This parameter change approach allows the same physical pin to perform multiple functions by simply switching its electrical characteristic, thereby reducing pin count while adding manageable complexity through a single controllable parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
In described examples, an integrated circuit comprising a first pin and a second pin. A switchable resistive element is coupled between the first pin and the second pin and has a pull down resistance state or a high resistance state. A comparator has a first comparator input coupled with the first pin, a reference signal input, and a comparator output. A logic circuit has an input coupled with the comparator output, an internal power good signal input, and a control signal output. The control signal output is coupled with the switchable resistive element to select the pull down resistance state or the high resistance state.