RTC Backup Charging Control with Programmable Voltage Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing real-time clock devices face challenges in performing flexible charging control on various backup elements due to the use of comparator circuits that compare backup power supply voltage with a fixed reference voltage, leading to increased circuit size and difficulty in accommodating different types of backup elements.

Innovation Solution

A circuit device with a voltage detection circuit, register section, processing circuit, and power supply control circuit that stores threshold voltage data for comparison with backup voltage data, allowing flexible charging control on various backup elements without the need for multiple analog comparator circuits, thus reducing circuit size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If comparator circuits with fixed reference voltage are used to detect backup power supply voltage, then voltage detection can be performed, but flexible charging control on various backup elements cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging control flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing fixed reference voltage comparators with a dynamic, software-configurable threshold system. The register section stores configurable threshold voltage data that can be adjusted via serial interface, allowing the charging control threshold to be dynamically changed without hardware modifications. This enables flexible charging control for various backup elements while maintaining a simple circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements the Parameter changes principle by transforming the fixed reference voltage parameter into a configurable threshold voltage data parameter stored in registers. The threshold can be modified through software configuration via serial interface, allowing adaptation to different backup element requirements without changing the physical circuit structure. This resolves the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple comparator circuits are used to achieve flexible charging control for various backup elements, then charging control flexibility improves, but circuit size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging control flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Universality principle by creating a single multi-functional voltage detection and control circuit that can serve various backup elements through software configuration. Instead of having separate comparator circuits for each backup element type, one universal circuit with configurable thresholds handles all charging control needs, significantly reducing circuit size while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical approach of using multiple physical comparator circuits with a software-based configuration system. The threshold voltage data is stored in registers and can be programmed via serial interface, substituting hardware complexity with software flexibility. This reduces circuit size while achieving the same functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If fixed reference voltage comparison is used, then circuit structure remains simple, but adaptable charging control for different backup elements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit structureVSAvoidcharging control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the simple comparator circuit and the charging control function. The register section and serial interface act as intermediaries that allow software configuration of threshold values without complicating the core voltage comparison circuitry. This maintains circuit simplicity while enabling adaptability through the intermediary configuration layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12620829B2Circuit device and real-time clock device

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A circuit device includes a main power supply terminal, a backup power supply terminal, a voltage detection circuit, a register section, a processing circuit, and a power supply control circuit. A main power supply voltage is supplied through the main power supply terminal. A backup power supply voltage from a backup element is supplied through the backup power supply terminal. The voltage detection circuit detects the backup power supply voltage and outputs backup voltage data corresponding to the backup power supply voltage. Threshold voltage data is stored in the register section. The processing circuit compares the backup voltage data with the threshold voltage data. The power supply control circuit performs charging control on the backup element for charging with the main power supply voltage on the basis of the result of a comparison made by the processing circuit.