Self-Powered Inverter Circuit Using Control Signal Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inverters require external power for operation, limiting miniaturization and causing unnecessary power consumption due to continuous power supply during component operation.
Innovation Solution
An inverter design utilizing a first transistor with a control terminal and grounded end, along with multiple second transistors connected to an output terminal, which receives and inverts control signals without external power, integrated with a power generating circuit and buffer unit to enable self-sufficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power is supplied to the inverter, then the inverter can perform inverting operations, but power is continuously supplied regardless of operation causing unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter generates its own power internally through a power generation unit that converts an input control signal into power signals, eliminating the need for continuous external power supply. The system serves itself by producing the power it needs only when an inverting operation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
Power is generated periodically only when needed - specifically when a control signal is applied to the inverter. The power generation unit operates intermittently based on the presence of control signals, rather than continuously, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption during idle periods.
2Reliability
If external power pin is provided for receiving external power, then the inverter can be operated, but miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation unit is integrated within the inverter structure, merging the power supply function with the inverting function. This eliminates the need for separate external power pins and reduces the overall device area by combining multiple functions into a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal serves dual purposes: it acts as both the input signal to be inverted and as the trigger for power generation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required external connections and simplifies the overall device structure, enabling miniaturization.
3Reliability
If separate external power is required for the inverter, then the inverter can be operated, but difficulty in making the inverter on-chip with various components arises
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation unit and inverting unit are merged into a single integrated inverter structure, allowing both power supply and signal inversion functions to be implemented on-chip together with other components, thereby reducing integration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter and an antenna circuit. The inverter that receives control signals including a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal, inverts the first control signal, and outputs the inverted first control signal, includes: a first MOS transistor having a gate to which the first control signal is applied and a source that is grounded; a second MOS transistor having a gate to which the third control signal is applied and a source to which the second control signal is applied; and a third MOS transistor having a gate to which the second control signal is applied and a source to which the third control signal is applied, wherein drains of the first MOS transistor, the second MOS transistor, and the third MOS transistor are connected to an output terminal.