Power Switch Control Circuit Voltage Range Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power switch control circuits require additional pad regions and two bonding wire arrangements to switch voltage operating ranges, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A power switch control circuit with first and second switches connected between a pad voltage and ground, a voltage conversion circuit, reference voltage generation circuits, comparison circuits, and a control circuit that starts and controls the switches based on comparison signals to switch voltage operating ranges with fewer pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bonding option method is used to switch voltage operating ranges, then voltage switching capability is achieved, but additional pad regions and bonding wire arrangements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage switching function with the existing power-on detection function by integrating the voltage comparison circuit into the power-on detection circuit. The same pad is used for both power-on detection and voltage range detection, eliminating the need for separate pad regions for voltage switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power-on detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting power-on status and detecting voltage operating range. The comparison circuit compares pad voltage with reference voltages to determine both power-on state and voltage range, making the circuit universal and eliminating dedicated pad requirements for voltage switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bonding option method is used to switch voltage operating ranges, then voltage switching capability is achieved, but two bonding wire arrangements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage switching control function into the existing power management circuitry by using the power-on detection circuit to also perform voltage range detection. This integration eliminates the need for separate bonding wire arrangements dedicated to voltage switching, as the same circuit paths are reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The power-on detection circuit automatically detects the voltage operating range by comparing pad voltage with internal reference voltages and self-adjusts its operation accordingly. The circuit serves itself by using its existing structure to perform voltage range detection without requiring external control mechanisms or additional bonding wires.
3Measurement precision
If separate power-on detection circuits are used for different voltage ranges, then voltage switching accuracy is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains measurement precision by using reference voltages that correspond to different voltage operating ranges (e.g., 1.8V and 3.3V). The comparison circuit changes its reference parameter based on the detected voltage range, allowing accurate detection across different ranges without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each range.
Solution Approach 2:
The power-on detection circuit dynamically adapts its reference voltage based on the detected pad voltage level. When a high voltage range is detected, the circuit switches to using appropriate reference voltages for that range, enabling accurate measurement across varying conditions without static circuit duplication.
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
Enables voltage operating range switching with fewer pads than conventional methods, optimizing semiconductor chip design and reducing bonding wire arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage conversion circuit converting the pad voltage to a low voltage less than the pad voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first comparison circuit comparing the pad voltage with a first reference voltage to output a first comparison result signal
Implementation Method 3
a second comparison circuit comparing the low voltage with a second reference voltage to output a second comparison result signal
Data Source
AI summary
A comparator (13) compares a pad voltage with a reference voltage (Vref1) to output a voltage (VCCOK), and a comparator (23) compares a low voltage with a reference voltage (Vref2) to output a voltage (VDDOK). A power-on circuit (2) includes a timer circuit (11) and starts a reference voltage generation circuit (12) after the power switch control circuit is started, and then starts the comparator (13). After the comparator (13) is started, a controller (30) starts a voltage down converter (4) when the voltage (VCCOK) is at the H level, and turns on a MOS transistor (Q1) when the voltage (VCCOK) is at the L level. A power-on circuit (3) includes a timer circuit (21) and starts a reference voltage generation circuit (22) after the voltage down converter (4) is started, and then starts a comparator (23). After the comparator (23) is started, the controller (30) enters the standby state.