On-Chip Surge Suppression Circuit With Adjustable Clamp Voltage

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surge protection devices are not suitable for placement inside a chip, requiring users to purchase both a chip and an external surge protection device, occupying board space and having a limited clamp voltage.

Innovation Solution

A surge suppression protection circuit with an input voltage detector, reference voltage generator, operational amplifier, and switch component, allowing placement inside the chip and capable of suppressing input voltage to a variable clamp voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional surge protection device is used outside the chip, then the chip is protected from surge damage, but additional board space is occupied and the clamp voltage is limited to preset values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurge protection capabilityVSAvoidboard space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The surge protection function is merged with the chip by integrating the protection circuit inside the chip package. The protection circuit shares the same substrate and packaging as the core circuit, eliminating the need for separate external surge protection devices and reducing overall board space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chip is designed to perform multiple functions: both the core circuit function and the surge protection function. The protection circuit is integrated within the same chip package, allowing a single component to serve dual purposes and eliminate the need for separate dedicated surge protection devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional surge protection device is used outside the chip, then the chip is protected from surge damage, but the clamp voltage is limited to values preset by the supplier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurge protection capabilityVSAvoidclamp voltage adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp voltage is made dynamic and adjustable through circuit design that allows variable voltage levels. The protection circuit incorporates adjustable reference voltages and gain control mechanisms that enable the clamp voltage to be configured according to different application requirements rather than being fixed at preset values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp voltage parameter is made changeable through circuit configuration options. By adjusting reference voltage levels, feedback network parameters, or operational amplifier gain settings, the clamp voltage can be varied to match different system requirements, providing flexibility that preset external devices cannot offer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple components (chip + external surge protection) are used, then adequate protection is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurge protection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surge protection function is merged with the chip by integrating the protection circuit inside the chip package. The protection circuit shares the same substrate and packaging as the core circuit, eliminating the need for separate external surge protection devices and reducing overall board space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chip is designed to perform multiple functions: both the core circuit function and the surge protection function. The protection circuit is integrated within the same chip package, allowing a single component to serve dual purposes and eliminate the need for separate dedicated surge protection devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250279647A1Surge suppression protection circuit

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 ANPEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

AI summary

A surge suppression protection circuit is provided. The surge suppression protection circuit includes an input voltage detector circuit, a reference voltage generator circuit, an operational amplifier and a first switch component. A first terminal of the first switch component is coupled with an input voltage. A second terminal of the first switch component is grounded. A control terminal of the first switch component is connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier. The input voltage detector circuit detects the input voltage to output a first input detected voltage. The reference voltage generator circuit outputs a first reference voltage. The operational amplifier amplifies a difference between the first input detected voltage and the first reference voltage by a gain to output an operational amplified signal. The first switch component operates according to the operational amplified signal from the operational amplifier.