Operational Amplifier Output Stage Segmentation for Load Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional load driving apparatuses experience reduced driving ability and imprecise voltage delivery due to the inclusion of switches or multiplexers, which act as equivalent resistors and hinder precise voltage application to loads.

Innovation Solution

A load driving apparatus with multiple output stages and an output stage selection module that selectively couples or discouples each output stage to an input stage based on selection signals, eliminating the need for switches or selection units in the signal path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If switches or multiplexers are used to select loads in a load driving apparatus, then the ability to drive multiple loads is achieved, but the driving ability of the signal is reduced due to equivalent resistance introduced by the switches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to drive multiple loadsVSAvoiddriving ability of signal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the output stage into multiple independent output stages (first output stage, second output stage, etc.), each capable of driving a separate load. This segmentation eliminates the need for switches or multiplexers that would introduce equivalent resistance, as each output stage directly connects to its corresponding load without signal path interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each output stage is designed with universal functionality to drive different types of loads (e.g., display panels, sensors, actuators) with varying current and voltage requirements. The output stages can be independently configured and controlled to adapt to different load conditions while maintaining full driving capability without signal loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If switches or multiplexers are used to select loads, then load selection capability is provided, but the voltage delivery precision is degraded due to equivalent resistor effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload selection capabilityVSAvoidvoltage delivery precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the output into multiple independent output stages, each with direct connection to its designated load. This eliminates the switch-based selection mechanism that introduces equivalent resistance and voltage drop, thereby maintaining precise voltage delivery to each load without the need for switches or multiplexers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single output stage is used, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but the ability to drive multiple loads simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidability to drive multiple loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the output stage into multiple independent output stages (first output stage, second output stage, third output stage, etc.), where each stage can independently drive a separate load. This segmentation enables simultaneous driving of multiple loads without requiring complex switch networks or multiplexers, thus maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture while achieving multi-load capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple independent output stages within a single load driving apparatus, allowing the system to drive multiple loads simultaneously. Each output stage maintains its independence to avoid interference, while their integration within one apparatus provides unified control and simplified overall circuit design compared to using separate amplifiers for each load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10621905B2Operational amplifier, load driving apparatus and grayscale voltage generating circuit
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP
  • US10621905B2 patent drawing
  • US10621905B2 patent drawing
  • US10621905B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An operational amplifier applicable to a display device is provided. The operational amplifier having multiple output stages. The operational amplifier includes an input stage, an output stage selection module and a plurality of output stages. The output stage selection module is coupled to the input stage. Each of the output stages is coupled to the output stage selection module and is coupleable to drive a corresponding one of a plurality of loads. The output stage selection module is configured to selectively couple or discouple each of the output stages respectively to the input stage according to a plurality of selection signal. Furthermore, a load driving apparatus and a grayscale voltage generating circuit are also provided.