Port Voltage Addressing Circuit for Self-Identifying Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic device manufacturing relies on large quantities of identical devices integrated into circuitry, requiring separate addressing, which is costly and prone to programming errors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a switching circuit connected to a resistance circuit and ground, allowing a port voltage to be less than the supply voltage when the switching circuit is closed and equal to the supply voltage when open, enabling multiple uses such as setting addresses or providing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical electronic devices are manufactured in large quantities and integrated into electronic circuitry with separate addressing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but programming complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the electronic device with a switching circuit and resistance circuit that automatically generate distinct voltage levels at the port during startup. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for separate addressing programming later, as each device self-identifies through its unique voltage signature determined by the external resistor network connected during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device performs self-service by automatically determining its own address or identity through the voltage level detected at its port. The internal switching circuit and resistance circuit work together with external resistors to create a self-configuring system where no external programming is needed, and the device self-identifies based on its electrical characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate addressing is implemented for each identical electronic device, then device differentiation is achieved, but manufacturing cost and programming time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the electronic device with a switching circuit and resistance circuit that automatically generate distinct voltage levels at the port during startup. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for separate addressing programming later, as each device self-identifies through its unique voltage signature determined by the external resistor network connected during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device performs self-service by automatically determining its own address or identity through the voltage level detected at its port. The internal switching circuit and resistance circuit work together with external resistors to create a self-configuring system where no external programming is needed, and the device self-identifies based on its electrical characteristics.
3Productivity
If multiple identical electronic devices are integrated into electronic circuitry, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but individual device identification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the color changes principle by using voltage level changes as an electrical equivalent of visual differentiation. Each electronic device presents a distinct voltage level (analogous to a unique color or signal) at its port during startup, determined by the combination of internal resistance circuit and external resistor. This voltage 'signature' allows the microcontroller to easily identify and differentiate between multiple identical devices without complex programming.
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 solution allows for efficient differentiation of electronic devices without individual programming, reducing costs and preventing programming errors by utilizing a single port for multiple functions.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage at the port is a first voltage that is less than the supply voltage if the switching circuit is enabled to be a closed circuit and the voltage at the port is a second voltage that is equal to the supply voltage if the switching circuit is enabled to be an open circuit
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an electronic device includes a switching circuit connected to a resistance circuit and ground, the resistance circuit connected to a port and the port configured to be connected in series to an external resistor and a supply voltage. A voltage at the port is a first voltage that is less than the supply voltage if the switching circuit is enabled to be a closed circuit and the voltage at the port is a second voltage that is equal to the supply voltage if the switching circuit is enabled to be an open circuit.