Power Supply Circuit Shared Pin Protocol Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply circuits with protocol control functions require a large number of pins for different dedicated functions, leading to higher costs and larger circuit sizes.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit design that utilizes a shared pin to transmit different signals for various functions across two modes, reducing the number of pins and circuit size through a protocol control circuit with a signal determination circuit that senses voltage and temperature signals, and includes a discharging circuit to manage power paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If various pins having different dedicated functions are employed in the protocol control circuit, then the circuit can perform multiple functions reliably, but the pin number increases resulting in higher cost and larger circuit size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single pin to serve multiple purposes through mode-dependent signal transmission. The shared pin transmits different signals (bus node voltage during start-up mode, temperature signal during power supply mode) based on the operational mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pins for each function while maintaining reliable protocol control.
2Reliability
If various pins having different dedicated functions are employed in the protocol control circuit, then the circuit can perform multiple functions reliably, but the circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces circuit size by implementing a shared pin that performs multiple functions. The protocol control circuit uses one pin to both sense bus node voltage during start-up mode and receive temperature signals during power supply mode, thereby reducing the total number of pins and the overall circuit footprint while maintaining full functionality.
3Device complexity
If a shared pin is used to transmit different signals under different modes, then the pin number and circuit size are reduced, but the circuit must manage mode-dependent signal differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by making the pin's function dynamic rather than static. The shared pin's role changes based on the operational mode: during start-up mode it senses bus node voltage, and during power supply mode it receives temperature signals. The protocol control circuit dynamically adapts its signal processing based on the current mode, resolving the complexity of signal differentiation.
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 effectively reduces manufacturing costs and circuit size by enabling multiple signal functions through a single pin, while maintaining control over power paths and temperature sensing, thus optimizing the power supply circuit's efficiency and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensitive device, which is coupled to the bus node; and a protocol control circuit, which is configured to operably control the power converter circuit and the path switch... the signal determination circuit is configured to operably receive a temperature signal generated by the temperature sensitive device via the shared pin under the power supply mode, to determine an ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
the signal determination circuit is configured to operably sense a voltage at the bus node via the shared pin under a power start-up mode
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit includes a power converter circuit, a path switch and a protocol control circuit. The protocol control circuit controls the power converter circuit and the path switch. The protocol control circuit includes: a shared pin and a signal determination circuit. The shared pin is coupled to the bus node via the temperature sensitive device and transmits different signals having different functions under at least two different modes. The signal determination circuit senses a voltage at the bus node via the shared pin under a power start-up mode, to determine whether to control the path switch to conduct the power path, thereby determining whether to enter a power supply mode. The signal determination circuit receives a temperature signal generated by the temperature sensitive device via the shared pin under the power supply mode, to determine an ambient temperature where the temperature sensitive is located.