PWM Synchronization Circuit With Counter Reset for Smaller IC Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pulse width modulation (PWM) signal control devices require complex circuit designs, leading to increased circuit area in electronic products, which hinders miniaturization and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A PWM control circuit comprising a phase-locked loop clock generating circuit, counter circuit, and comparison circuit, with an edge detector to reset the count value based on synchronization signal transitions, reducing the need for additional circuit components and area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional PWM signal control device is used, then the PWM signal can be generated, but the circuit design becomes complex and the circuit area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit design complexityVSAvoidcircuit area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the phase-locked loop clock generating circuit, counter circuit, and comparison circuit into a single integrated PWM signal control device. The phase-locked loop circuit generates a clock signal that is fed to the counter circuit, which counts the clock signals and outputs a count value to the comparison circuit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external components and reduces overall circuit area while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The counter circuit serves multiple functions: it counts the phase-locked loop clock signals, generates a count value for PWM duty cycle control, and provides timing synchronization for the comparison circuit. The phase-locked loop clock generating circuit simultaneously provides clock signals for counting and synchronization references, reducing the need for separate timing circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If the circuit design is simplified for IC integration, then the circuit area can be reduced, but the functionality must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit areaVSAvoidfunctional capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The PWM signal control device is segmented into three functional modules: a phase-locked loop clock generating circuit for clock signal generation, a counter circuit for counting and duty cycle control, and a comparison circuit for PWM signal generation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a compact design suitable for IC fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The counter circuit uses a programmable count threshold that can be adjusted to change the PWM duty cycle. By changing the count threshold parameter, the device can adapt to different PWM requirements without requiring additional hardware components, maintaining versatility while keeping the circuit area small.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10924094B1Pulse width modulation control circuit and control method of pulse width modulation signal
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 POWER FOREST TECH
  • US10924094B1 patent drawing
  • US10924094B1 patent drawing
  • US10924094B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A pulse width modulation control circuit and a control method of a pulse width modulation signal are provided. A counter circuit generates a count value according to a phase-locked loop clock, and resets the count value according to a transition point of a synchronization signal. A comparison circuit compares the count value with a duty ratio set value, and sets the pulse width modulation signal to a high level while the count value is less than the duty ratio set value.