Multi-Channel Switch Circuit Using Common-Mode Nodes to Cut Layout Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel switch devices require a configuration of multiple stages, including at least four stages, resulting in a large layout space and volume due to the use of single-contact switches.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel switch device with a first-stage, at least one second-stage, and multiple third-stage switch circuits, utilizing common-mode nodes to connect terminals, reducing the need for a fourth stage and allowing implementation with only three stages, using relays or microelectromechanical multi-channel switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-contact switches are used in multiple stages, then the switch device can provide resistance values from both input and output terminals, but the device requires at least four stages resulting in large layout space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of traditional single-contact switches with common-mode nodes that can serve dual purposes. The common-mode nodes are shared across multiple switch circuits, allowing the same physical structure to provide resistance values for both input and output terminals simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate fourth-stage switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The common-mode nodes are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as connection points for both input and output terminals, provide reference voltage connections, and enable resistance value provisioning across different operational modes. This multi-functionality allows three-stage switches to replace what traditionally required four stages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stages of switches are configured to provide resistance values bidirectionally, then the switch device achieves versatility, but the volume increases due to additional switch stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bidirectional resistance provisioning functionality into a three-stage architecture by utilizing common-mode nodes that are shared across switch circuits. The same physical components handle both input-to-output and output-to-input resistance provisioning, reducing the volume required compared to traditional four-stage configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fourth stage of switches is added to maintain functionality in branch transmission architecture, then the switch device can provide resistance values from output terminals, but the layout space becomes unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functionality of the fourth-stage switches and integrates it into the three-stage configuration through common-mode nodes. The common-mode nodes provide the necessary reference voltage connections and resistance provisioning capabilities that would otherwise require a separate fourth stage, allowing the removal of redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The common-mode nodes are designed with universal functionality to handle both input and output terminal operations. They can provide reference voltage connections for resistance calculation in both directions, eliminating the need for dedicated fourth-stage switches and reducing layout space.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-channel switch device (10, 100) is provided. The multi-channel switch device (10, 100) includes a first-stage switch circuit (110, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1-130-6, 210, 220, 220', 230, 230'), at least one second-stage switch circuit (110, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1-130-6, 210, 220, 220', 230, 230'), and multiple third-stage switch circuits (110, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1-130-6, 210, 220, 220', 230, 230'). The first-stage switch circuit (110, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1-130-6, 210, 220, 220', 230, 230') includes a first common-mode node (CND1∼CND9), a first input/output terminal (TT1, TT2-1-TT2-6), and at least one first-stage connection terminal (TN1∼TN15, TR1∼TR20). The second-stage switch circuit (110, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1∼130-6, 210, 220, 220', 230, 230') includes a second common-mode node (CND1∼CND9), a second-stage transmission terminal (TIN1, TIN2), and multiple second-stage connection terminals (TN1∼TN15, TR1~TR20). Each of the third-stage switch circuits (110, 120-1, 120-2, 130-1-130-6, 210, 220, 220', 230, 230') includes a third common-mode node (CND1∼CND9), a third-stage transmission terminal (TIN3∼TIN8), a reference terminal (TG1∼TG12), and a second input/output terminal (TT1, TT2-1~TT2-6). Two of the first input/output terminal (TT1, TT2-1~TT2-6) and the at least one first-stage connection terminal (TN1∼TN15, TR1~TR20) are connected through the first common-mode node (CND1~CND9). Two of the second-stage transmission terminal (TIN1, TIN2) and the second-stage connection terminals (TN1∼TN15, TR1~TR20) are connected through the second common-mode node (CND1~CND9). Two of the third-stage transmission terminal (TIN3~TIN8), the reference terminal (TG1∼TG12), and the second input/output terminal (TT1, TT2-1~TT2-6) are connected through the third common-mode node (CND1~CND9).