Reconfigurable I/O Circuit With Leakage-Suppression Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic modules for monitoring or control applications face complexity and flexibility issues due to dedicated hardware interfaces, which can lead to unnecessary terminal clutter and errors from leakage currents when switching between operational modes.
Innovation Solution
A configurable interface circuit with a digital output block, an analog block, and a buffer circuit that routes leakage current away from the output terminal when the digital output is disabled, allowing for flexible channel configuration and reduced hardware complexity by enabling selectable operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware interface channels are used for current or voltage mode operation, then output capability is provided, but hardware interface complexity and terminal clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reconfigurable channels that can function as either input or output channels depending on configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated input and output hardware interfaces. A single channel can be dynamically assigned to different functional modes, reducing terminal clutter while maintaining full input and output capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of channel functionality through control circuitry that can switch channels between input and output modes as needed. This dynamic assignment allows the hardware interface to adapt to different operational requirements without physical reconfiguration, reducing the number of permanent terminals required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable channels are used to reduce hardware complexity, then flexibility is improved, but leakage current errors occur when switching between modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the leakage current path from the main signal path by implementing isolation circuitry. When a channel is configured for analog input mode, the digital output portion is completely isolated to prevent its leakage current from affecting the analog measurement, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary isolation circuitry between the digital output block and the analog input circuitry. This intermediary structure prevents direct interaction between conflicting signal paths during mode transitions, eliminating leakage current interference while maintaining channel flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital output block is disabled in analog mode, then analog operation is enabled, but leakage current flows through the disabled digital output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leakage current from the harmful path by providing a separate dedicated path for leakage current through the buffer circuit. When the digital output block is disabled during analog operation, its leakage current is routed through the buffer to ground rather than through the analog input, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining mode flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful leakage current into a beneficial controlled current path by routing it through the buffer circuit to a dedicated ground connection. This approach neutralizes the harmful effect of leakage current while utilizing the buffer circuit to manage the current flow in a controlled manner.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for monitoring or control can include reconfigurable input and output channels. Such reconfigurable channels can include as few as a single terminal and a ground pin, or such channels can include three or four terminal configuration such as for use in four-terminal resistance measurements. Channel reconfiguration can be accomplished such as using software-enabled or firmware-enabled control of channel hardware. Such channel hardware can include analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion capability, including use of a digital-to-analog converter to provide field power or biasing. In an example, compensation can be provided to suppress a leakage current from flowing through a digital output to a load connected to the reconfigurable channel terminal, particularly when the digital output is disabled.