Pen Signal Circuit with LVIC-HVIC Voltage Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pens with high-voltage signal transmission capabilities face challenges in reducing circuit area and power consumption due to the need for high-withstand voltage processes, leading to increased size and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A pen design incorporating a low-voltage integrated circuit (LVIC) for signal generation, a high-voltage integrated circuit (HVIC) with a level shifter, and a step-up circuit, where the LVIC manufactures signals using a low-withstand voltage process, reducing the circuit area and power consumption of the HVIC while enabling high-voltage transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all circuits are manufactured by a high-withstand voltage process to enable high-voltage signal transmission, then the pen can transmit signals at high voltage, but the circuit area increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated circuit into two separate circuits: a first integrated circuit manufactured by a low-withstand voltage process and a second integrated circuit manufactured by a high-withstand voltage process. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific voltage requirements, reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining high-voltage transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal line as an intermediary component to transmit the transmission signal from the first integrated circuit to the second integrated circuit. This intermediary allows the low-voltage circuit to generate signals that are then boosted to high voltage by the second circuit, enabling voltage conversion without requiring the entire circuit to withstand high voltages.
2Reliability
If all circuits are manufactured by a high-withstand voltage process to enable high-voltage signal transmission, then the pen can transmit signals at high voltage, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit into a first integrated circuit for signal generation and a second integrated circuit for voltage boosting. This segmentation allows the majority of the circuit (first IC) to operate at low voltage with low power consumption, while only the necessary voltage-boosting portion (second IC) withstands high voltage, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different circuits with different voltage withstand capabilities in different locations of the system. The first integrated circuit has low-withstand voltage properties optimized for low-power operation, while the second integrated circuit has high-withstand voltage properties localized only where high-voltage transmission is required, minimizing overall power consumption.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated circuit is used for both low-voltage signal generation and high-voltage transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but circuit area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two separate integrated circuits: a first IC for signal generation and a second IC for voltage boosting. Although this increases the number of components, it reduces the total circuit area by allowing each IC to be optimized for its specific function and voltage level, avoiding the need for a large single IC that must handle both low-voltage signal generation and high-voltage transmission.
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
The design allows for efficient transmission of high-voltage signals with reduced circuit area and power consumption, enabling smaller and more energy-efficient pen devices.
Implementation Method 1
a step-up circuit coupled to the power supply circuit, wherein the step-up circuit, in operation, supplies the second voltage to the level shifter
Implementation Method 2
a high voltage integrated circuit (HVIC) including a level shifter which, in operation, outputs the transmission signal at a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A pen includes: an electrode; a power supply circuit which, in operation, supplies a first voltage; a low voltage integrated circuit (LVIC) coupled to the power supply circuit, wherein the LVIC, in operation, outputs a transmission signal at the first voltage; a high voltage integrated circuit (HVIC) including a level shifter which, in operation, outputs the transmission signal at a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage; an inter-IC wire which, in operation, supplies the transmission signal having the first voltage from the LVIC to the HVIC; an electrode wire which, in operation, supplies the transmission signal having the second voltage from the HVIC to the electrode; and a step-up circuit coupled to the power supply circuit, wherein the HVIC in operation, supplies the second voltage to the level shifter.