Power Switch Module With Flip-Flop Circuit For Automatic Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
No-BIOS electronic devices, such as system-on-chip (SoC) devices, face challenges in automatically restoring their last state after a power interruption, lacking a cost-effective solution for automatic rebooting without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A power switch module incorporating a flip-flop circuit with specific current paths and a voltage generating circuit that maintains a logic state to automatically reboot the device upon resumption of power after an interruption, eliminating the need for a complex programmable logic device (CPLD).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a BIOS is used to restore the last state after power interruption, then the automatic rebooting function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential automatic rebooting function from the complex BIOS system and implements it through a dedicated power switch module with flip-flop circuitry. This module monitors power status and automatically triggers reboot sequences without requiring full BIOS intervention, thereby achieving automation while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power switch module acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the main system. It includes a flip-flop circuit that latches the power-on state and controls the power switch, serving as a simple mediator that enables automatic rebooting without requiring complex BIOS logic to manage the entire power restoration process
2Extent of automation
If a BIOS is used to restore the last state after power interruption, then the automatic rebooting function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a power switch module with simple flip-flop circuits and logic gates that is far less expensive than a full BIOS implementation. This cost-effective approach uses basic digital logic components rather than requiring expensive programmable logic devices or full system software, making automatic rebooting accessible in cost-sensitive applications
3Ease of manufacture
If manual power-on operation is required for no-BIOS devices after power interruption, then the cost is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch module implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting power interruptions and initiating reboot sequences without user intervention. The flip-flop circuit latches the power-on state and automatically controls the power switch to restore operation, allowing the device to service itself after power failures
Data Source
AI summary
A power switch module for an electronic device includes a flip-flop circuit, a first current path for coupling a voltage source to the flip-flop circuit, and a second current path for coupling the voltage source to the flip-flop circuit. In response to a user power-on event, an output of the flip-flop circuit is at a first logic state for normally powering on the electronic device. In response to a user power-off event, the output of the flip-flop circuit is at a second logic state for normally powering off the electronic device. When the voltage source is suddenly interrupted, the output of the flip-flop circuit is kept at the first logic state but the electronic device is abnormally powered off. After the voltage source is resumed, the output of the flip-flop circuit kept at the first logic state reboots the abnormally powered-off electronic device.