Power-On Reset Circuit Using Current Regulation for Small Capacitors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power on reset signal generating apparatuses require large size capacitors, leading to increased circuit area and system cost.

Innovation Solution

A power on reset signal generating apparatus that includes a trigger capacitor, a reference current supplying circuit, and a current regulator, where the current regulator adjusts the current received by the trigger capacitor to generate a power on reset signal with a small capacitor size, allowing for adjustment of the signal's effective width and period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large size capacitor is used to generate the power on reset signal with effective width, then the signal generation reliability is improved, but the circuit area and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal generation reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of current by introducing a current regulator that can adjust the charging current to the trigger capacitor. By dynamically controlling the current parameter, the system achieves reliable reset signal generation with a smaller capacitor, thereby reducing circuit area while maintaining signal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic current regulation mechanism that adjusts the charging current based on system requirements. The current regulator dynamically controls the current flow to the trigger capacitor, enabling the system to achieve the desired signal width and reliability without requiring a large fixed capacitor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a large size capacitor is used to generate the power on reset signal with effective width, then the signal period stability is improved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal period stabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameter by using a current regulator to precisely control the charging current to the trigger capacitor. This parameter control allows the system to achieve stable signal period with a smaller capacitor, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the required duration and stability of the reset signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the capacitor size is reduced to decrease circuit area, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the signal generation reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit areaVSAvoidsignal generation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compensates for the reduced capacitor size by changing the current parameter through a current regulator. The regulator provides controlled charging current that ensures the trigger capacitor can still generate a reliable reset signal with appropriate width, thereby maintaining signal generation reliability despite the smaller capacitor size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The current regulator acts as an intermediary between the power source and the trigger capacitor. It mediates the charging process by providing precisely controlled current, ensuring that the smaller capacitor receives the appropriate charge to generate reliable reset signals, thus bridging the gap between reduced capacitance and maintained reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If the capacitor size is reduced to decrease circuit area, then the system cost is reduced, but the signal effective width control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit areaVSAvoidsignal effective width control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains control precision by changing and regulating the current parameter. The current regulator provides precise control over the charging current to the trigger capacitor, which directly determines the effective width of the generated reset signal. This current control mechanism compensates for the reduced capacitor size and maintains the required precision in signal width control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables the generation of a power on reset signal with a reduced capacitor size, minimizing circuit area and system cost while maintaining effective signal generation.

Implementation Method 1

a trigger capacitor, a reference current supplying circuit, and a current regulator. One end of the trigger capacitor is coupled to a ground voltage. The other end of the trigger capacitor is coupled to a signal generating end, and generates a power on reset signal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8536907B2Power on reset signal generating apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2013.09.17 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US8536907B2 patent drawing
  • US8536907B2 patent drawing
  • US8536907B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power on reset signal generating apparatus is provided. The power on reset signal generating apparatus includes a trigger capacitor, a reference current supplying circuit, and a current regulator. One end of the trigger capacitor is coupled to a ground voltage, and the other end of the trigger capacitor generates a power on reset signal. The reference current supplying circuit is coupled to a signal generating end. The current regulator is coupled to the signal generating end, and the signal generating end draws a splitting current to adjust the value of the current received by the trigger capacitor.