PWM Integrated Circuit Pin Multiplexing for Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PWM circuits require additional pins for over current protection and programming, which is not desirable and limits their integration and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A PWM circuit with a programming unit that can switch between normal and programming modes, using existing pins to receive external programming signals and set parameters like over current thresholds without additional pins, utilizing a tri-state driver gate, ADC, and DAC to store and convert signals for comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional pins are provided for over current protection and programming, then the functionality and parameter setting capability are improved, but the device complexity and pin quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidpin quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing pins of the PWM integrated circuit are designed to perform multiple functions. Specifically, pins originally intended for control or feedback purposes are also configured to receive programming signals for setting parameters such as over current thresholds. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated programming pins while maintaining full programming capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The programming function is merged with the existing pin functions. The programming unit is electrically connected to existing pins through parameter setting circuits, combining the parameter setting capability with the existing pin infrastructure. This merging approach allows the same physical pins to serve both their original purposes and the additional programming function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If additional pins are provided for over current protection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveover current protectionVSAvoidpin quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Existing pins are assigned dual roles: their primary function for PWM operation and an additional function for over current protection programming. The parameter setting circuits utilize these existing pins to receive programming signals that configure the over current protection threshold, thereby achieving reliable protection without adding dedicated pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The PWM integrated circuit uses its own existing pin infrastructure to provide over current protection programming capability. The system serves itself by utilizing already-present pins and their signal paths to configure protection parameters, eliminating the need for external dedicated programming pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7315190B1PWM circuit and PWM integrated circuit for use in PWM circuit

Publication Date: 2008.01.01 RICHTEK TECH

AI summary

The present invention discloses a PWM integrated circuit which may receive a programming signal without any extra pin. The PWM integrated circuit comprises: a comparator having two outputs; two pins respectively electrically connected with the two outputs; and a programming unit electrically connected with at least one of the two pins for setting a parameter inside the PWM integrated circuit. The two pins of the PWM integrated circuit may be used to respectively control a control switch and a synchronous switch, constituting a PWM circuit for generating PWM signals.