Power Control Line Hold Circuit for Multi-Device Startup Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic device systems where multiple devices are controlled by a single switch, the asynchronous operation of internal clocks leads to inconsistent timing in determining when the switch has been pressed and held, resulting in some devices failing to turn on when the switch is released.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hold circuit and microcomputer in each electronic device to measure the duration of the switch press and maintain power state, ensuring all devices turn on reliably by accounting for clock variations through a second predetermined time after the initial power-on time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each electronic device uses its own built-in clock to determine whether the control switch has been pressed and held for a predetermined time, then each device can independently detect the switch press duration, but the timing for determining the switch press duration varies due to asynchronous clock operation, causing inconsistent startup behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time measurement function from individual device clocks into a centralized time measurement performed by the control device. The control device measures the duration that the power control line remains in the second state (activated state) and provides this measured time to all electronic devices, ensuring consistent time measurement across the system despite asynchronous clock operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time information intermediary mechanism where the control device acts as a mediator. The control device receives the switch press signal, measures the duration using its own clock, and distributes this measured time information to all electronic devices. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for each device to independently measure time with potentially unsynchronized clocks.
2Reliability
If the control switch is released before all electronic devices complete their startup sequence due to timing variations, then device operation becomes inconsistent, but extending the switch press duration requirement ensures all devices can start up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control device measure the switch press duration and determine whether it meets the predetermined time requirement before the electronic devices complete their startup sequences. The control device holds the power control line in the activated state for the measured duration, ensuring all devices have sufficient time to start up regardless of their individual clock variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation by allowing the required switch press duration to be determined based on the actual measured time rather than a fixed predetermined value. The control device measures the actual duration the power control line remains activated and uses this dynamic information to ensure all devices complete startup before the switch press requirement is evaluated.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a hold circuit and a microcomputer. The hold circuit is connected to a power control line from a control device. The microcomputer starts measuring the time of a second state when the power control line transitions from a first state to the second state due to the control device. The microcomputer controls a power supply circuit to turn on power when the second state continues for a first predetermined time, and operates the hold circuit to maintain the power control line in the second state for a second predetermined time after the first predetermined time has elapsed.