Multi-Threshold Power-On Reset Circuit Using Shared MOSFET Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-on reset circuits can only change the logic level of a reset signal with respect to a single threshold voltage, which limits their functionality in managing power supply inconsistencies during boot-up in electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A power-on reset circuit design incorporating multiple pull-up and pull-down components, including P-MOSFETs and N-MOSFETs, that allows the logic level of the reset signal to be changed at multiple threshold voltages by utilizing additional logic components and capacitors to manage voltage levels effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional power-on reset circuit with a single pull-up component and a single pull-down component is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the circuit can only change the logic level of the reset signal with respect to a single threshold voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The power-on reset circuit is segmented into multiple independent threshold detection paths. Each path consists of a pull-up component, a pull-down component, and a logic component that detects a specific threshold voltage. This segmentation allows the circuit to monitor multiple threshold voltages simultaneously, enabling the reset signal logic level to change at multiple different threshold voltages rather than being limited to a single threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is designed with multi-functionality by making each pull-up/pull-down component pair capable of detecting a specific threshold voltage. The logic components (such as NAND gates or NOR gates) serve multiple functions by combining the outputs of multiple threshold detection paths. This universal design allows the same basic circuit structure to be replicated for different threshold voltages, providing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pull-up and pull-down components are added to enable multiple threshold voltage detection, then the adaptability to change logic level at multiple threshold voltages is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple threshold detection paths are merged through shared logic components. Instead of having completely separate circuits for each threshold detection, the patent combines the detection paths by using common logic gates (NAND or NOR gates) that receive inputs from multiple pull-up/pull-down component pairs. This merging reduces the total number of logic components needed compared to having fully independent detection circuits for each threshold voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
Logic components such as NAND gates or NOR gates serve as intermediaries between the multiple pull-up/pull-down component pairs and the final reset signal output. These intermediary logic components combine the threshold detection signals in a coordinated manner, allowing the circuit to respond to multiple threshold voltages without requiring complex direct connections between all components. The intermediary logic simplifies the overall circuit architecture by providing a standardized interface for combining multiple threshold detections.
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 power-on reset circuit to output a reset signal with varying logic levels in response to multiple threshold voltages, enhancing the reliability of electronic devices during power supply fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive capability of the P-MOSFET MP1 is different from the conductive capability of the N-MOSFET MN1, so while the voltage level of the power supply VDD is 0V, the P-MOSFET MP1 is not conducted
Data Source
AI summary
A power on reset circuit is capable of changing logic level of reset signal at different threshold voltages.