Programmable Power-On Reset Circuit for Low-Voltage Threshold Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-on reset circuits in integrated electronic systems face challenges due to uncertainty in reset signal behavior caused by silicon process variations and temperature fluctuations, leading to inefficiencies in ensuring proper system operation across varying supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
The integrated electronic system incorporates a main power-on reset circuit with adjustable thresholds, allowing it to function in both non-trimmed and trimmed configurations. The system includes a non-volatile memory for storing a digital code that adjusts the operative thresholds, reducing uncertainty and optimizing system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power-on reset circuit is used, then the system can detect supply voltage thresholds, but the reset signal behavior becomes uncertain due to silicon process variations and temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the threshold voltages of the power-on reset circuit by modifying physical or electrical parameters such as resistor values, capacitor values, or transistor dimensions. This allows the threshold voltages to be tuned to specific values that compensate for process variations and temperature effects, thereby improving reset signal reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual threshold voltage is measured or monitored and used to adjust the reset circuit operation. This feedback loop compensates for deviations caused by silicon process variations and temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent reset signal behavior across different manufacturing batches and operating conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the minimum operating voltage is reduced, then the system can operate across a wider voltage range, but the reset signal may become unreliable at lower voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the threshold voltage parameters of the power-on reset circuit to lower values, enabling the system to recognize valid operation at reduced supply voltages. This parameter adjustment allows the system to extend its operating voltage range downward while maintaining reliable reset signal generation even at these lower voltages
3Productivity
If fixed threshold voltages are used in the power-on reset circuit, then the circuit design is simpler, but the system cannot optimize performance across varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the power-on reset circuit, allowing the threshold voltages to be modified based on operating conditions. This could involve voltage-controlled threshold adjustment, temperature-compensated thresholds, or programmable threshold selection, enabling the circuit to optimize its performance across different operating scenarios while managing complexity through systematic design approaches
Data Source
AI summary
A resettable digital stage operates when a supply voltage is higher than a threshold. A non-volatile memory stores a digital code read by a reading stage. A main power-on reset circuit generates a main reset signal controlling reset of the reading stage. A resettable volatile memory coupled to the reading stage stores a default value when reset. An auxiliary power-on reset circuit generates an auxiliary reset signal controlling reset of the volatile memory. Upon deactivation of the reset, the reading stage loads the digital code into the volatile memory. The main power-on reset circuit functions in a non-trimmed configuration response to the stored default value and in a trimmed configuration responsive to the stored digital code. The main power-on reset circuit has first and second operative thresholds which respectively fall within a first and second non-trimmed voltage range or within a first and second trimmed voltage range.