Multi-mode High Voltage Circuit Area Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage circuits require separate devices for startup and sensing modes, leading to increased area usage and limited current sourcing capability, and lack accurate and continuous high voltage sensing functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode high voltage circuit that integrates both startup and sensing functions using a single high voltage device, employing a startup circuit with a current source and feedback loop for dynamic biasing during startup, and a voltage sensing circuit with a voltage divider for accurate sensing, allowing mutually exclusive operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for startup and sensing modes, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the total area usage increases and current sourcing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate startup and sensing devices into a single integrated high voltage circuit device. The single device includes a startup circuit with current source and feedback loop, and a sensing circuit with voltage divider, allowing both functions to coexist in one device footprint, reducing total area while maintaining function-specific optimization through dedicated circuit blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The single high voltage device is designed to perform multiple functions - both startup operations and voltage sensing - through different operating modes. The device can switch between startup mode (providing startup current) and sensing mode (providing attenuated voltage), making it a universal device that eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for startup and sensing modes, then each device can operate independently, but the current sourcing capability during startup is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The startup circuit within the single device includes a dedicated current source and feedback loop that can provide substantial startup current. By integrating this high-current capability directly into the single device, the patent achieves both independent operation (through mode switching) and enhanced current sourcing capability that would be limited in separate smaller devices
3Device complexity
If traditional methods are used for high voltage sensing, then simple circuit topology is maintained, but accurate and continuous high voltage sensing functionality is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuit uses a voltage divider as an intermediary mechanism to attenuate the high voltage input to a measurable level. This voltage divider provides accurate sensing by creating a proportional relationship between the high voltage and the sensed voltage, enabling precise measurement while maintaining a relatively simple circuit topology
Solution Approach 2:
The startup circuit includes a feedback loop that monitors the output voltage and adjusts the startup current accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables accurate and continuous monitoring of voltage conditions, providing precise control and detection capabilities while maintaining circuit simplicity through regulated operation
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
This approach reduces area usage by approximately 50% compared to traditional methods, enables accurate high voltage sensing, and supports increased current sourcing during startup, while providing continuous and accurate fault detection and line reference generation.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensing circuit with a voltage divider for accurate sensing
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a circuit includes a first power switch device coupled between a voltage input and an output terminal, the first power switch device having a control input. A voltage divider circuit includes a first resistor and a second resistor. The first resistor is coupled between the voltage input and a sense node between the first resistor and the second resistor. The second resistor has a first terminal coupled to the sense node and a second terminal. A second switch device is coupled between the second terminal of the second resistor and an electrical ground terminal. A voltage clamp is coupled between the sense node and the electrical ground terminal.