Power-On Detection Circuit With Delayed Reference Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-on-detection (POD) circuits in integrated circuits are prone to generating false power-on or reset signals due to the unsteady state of the reference voltage, leading to potential device malfunctions and failures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed POD circuit includes first and second comparators, a voltage divider, a detection circuit, and logic circuitry, where the detection circuit generates a control signal to control the turning on and off of the comparators, and the logic circuitry outputs a power identification signal based on the outputs of the comparators, with a capacitor providing a delay to stabilize the reference voltage before detection, preventing false power-on signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the POD circuit uses conventional comparators with reference voltage directly, then the circuit structure is simple, but false power-on signals are generated due to unsteady reference voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a delay circuit that stabilizes the reference voltage before it is used by the comparators. The delay circuit ensures the reference voltage reaches a steady state before power-on detection begins, preventing false signals while maintaining circuit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary element (delay circuit) between the reference voltage source and the comparators. This intermediary stabilizes the reference voltage signal, filtering out transient fluctuations that would otherwise cause false power-on detection while allowing the rest of the circuit to remain relatively simple.
2Reliability
If the POD circuit adds stabilization components, then false power-on signals are prevented, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delay circuit is configured to activate and stabilize the reference voltage before the comparators perform detection. This preliminary stabilization action prevents false signals without requiring complex stabilization mechanisms throughout the entire circuit, as the stabilization is performed only where and when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies stabilization locally at the reference voltage input to the comparators rather than throughout the entire circuit. The delay circuit is positioned specifically where reference voltage stability is critical, allowing other parts of the circuit to remain simple while achieving overall reliability improvement.
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 improved POD circuit effectively prevents false power-on detection during power-up and reset operations by ensuring the reference voltage stabilizes before generating a power identification signal, thus enhancing the reliability of power supply management in integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor providing a delay to stabilize the reference voltage before detection
Data Source
AI summary
A power-on-detection (POD) circuit includes first and second comparators, a voltage divider, a detection circuit coupled to a first voltage source node and the voltage divider, and logic circuitry coupled to outputs of the first and second comparators. The detection circuit outputs a control signal identifying if a first voltage source node has a voltage potential that is higher than ground. The control signal turns on and off the first and second comparators, which are respectively coupled to first and second nodes of the voltage divider and to a reference voltage node. The logic circuitry outputs a power identification signal based on the signals received from the outputs of the first and second comparators.