Multi-Functional Pin Integrated Circuit for Versatile Parameter Setting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in adding multiple function settings due to pin limitations, leading to increased area and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a multi-functional pin and a switch unit, including an operational amplifier, a first function adjustment circuit, and a second function adjustment circuit, which senses programmable reference voltage and current through the switch unit, allowing for multiple function settings without requiring additional pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions are added to the integrated circuit, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the number of pins required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional pin that can serve different purposes based on control signals. The pin is configured to operate in multiple modes: sensing droop current, sensing reference voltage, and sensing reference current, depending on the state of control signals. This allows a single pin to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated pins, thereby improving versatility without increasing pin quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration of the pin's function through control signals. The operational amplifier and associated switching circuitry enable the pin's role to change dynamically during operation. By controlling the operational amplifier in different configurations, the same pin can alternately perform voltage sensing, current sensing, or reference sensing functions based on operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional setting elements are added to the integrated circuit, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the area of the IC increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple setting functions into a unified circuit architecture. The operational amplifier serves as a common element for multiple sensing operations, and the control signal logic integrates the management of different functions. By merging the voltage sensing, current sensing, and reference sensing capabilities into a shared circuit structure controlled by a unified logic unit, the patent reduces the total area required compared to having separate dedicated circuits for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal generation unit and operational amplifier configuration work together to provide universal adjustment capability. The same hardware infrastructure can be dynamically reconfigured to perform different adjustment tasks, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated adjustment circuits and reducing overall IC area while maintaining full adjustment capability
3Ease of operation
If the integrated circuit uses a conventional design with separate pins for each function, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control signals as intermediaries that manage the complexity of multi-functional operation. These control signals act as a mediator between the user's operational requirements and the underlying circuit configuration. By providing a standardized control interface, the patent simplifies operation while the control signals internally coordinate the complex switching and configuration of the multi-functional pin and operational amplifier circuits
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit with multi-functional parameter setting and a multi-functional parameter setting method thereof are provided. The multi-functional parameter setting method includes the following steps: providing the integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit includes a multi-functional pin and a switch unit, wherein the multi-functional pin is coupled to an external setting unit, and the switch unit includes an operational amplifier; sensing a programmable reference voltage of the external setting unit through one operation of the switch unit and executing a first function setting according to the programmable reference voltage; and sensing a programmable reference current related to the external setting unit through another operation of the switch unit and executing a second function setting according to the programmable reference current. wherein a value of the programmable reference current is related to the programmable reference voltage.