Power-On Reset Circuit With Threshold-Based Current Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-on reset circuits consume excessive current due to constant voltage monitoring from start to end of power supply application, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A power-on reset circuit with a first monitor circuit, a control circuit that includes a second monitor circuit to suppress current flow through the first monitor circuit when the power supply voltage exceeds a higher predetermined value, and an output fixing circuit to maintain the output at a predetermined potential, reducing overall current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant voltage monitoring is performed from start to end of power supply application, then reset signal accuracy is maintained, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the monitoring state changeable - the first monitor circuit dynamically switches between active monitoring state and suppressed state based on power supply voltage thresholds. The control circuit changes the operational state of the monitor circuit from constant monitoring to selective monitoring, resolving the contradiction between continuous reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the monitor circuit from constant operation to conditional operation based on voltage thresholds. By using the second monitor circuit to detect voltage levels and control the activation state of the first monitor circuit, the system transitions between high-current monitoring mode and low-current suppressed mode, achieving both accuracy and energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If monitor circuit is always active, then voltage detection precision is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the monitor circuit operate in intervals rather than continuously. The circuit alternates between active monitoring periods (when voltage is within threshold range) and suppressed periods (when voltage exceeds upper threshold), achieving precise voltage detection only when necessary while reducing overall power consumption during stable high-voltage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous monitoring function and separates it into conditional monitoring. The control circuit extracts the voltage level detection capability and uses it to selectively enable/disable the main monitor circuit, taking out only the essential monitoring function needed at specific voltage ranges while eliminating unnecessary continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power-on reset circuit includes a first monitor circuit that monitors a power supply voltage, an output circuit that outputs a reset release signal upon detection, by the first monitor circuit, of the power supply voltage exceeding a first predetermined value, and a control circuit having lower current consumption than the first monitor circuit, wherein the control circuit includes a second monitor circuit that monitors the power supply voltage, a suppression circuit that suppresses current flowing through the first monitor circuit upon detection, by the second monitor circuit, of the power supply voltage exceeding a second predetermined value higher than the first predetermined value, and an output fixing circuit that fixes the output of the output circuit to a predetermined potential upon detection, by the second monitor circuit, of the power supply voltage exceeding the second predetermined value.