Semiconductor IC Voltage Regulation for Dual-Mode Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dual-way IC cards, operational competition between contact type series regulators and noncontact type shunt regulators leads to unnecessary power consumption and degradation of communication performance, as they compete to maintain source voltage levels, resulting in inefficient energy use and impaired communication.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit design incorporating a pair of antenna terminals, a rectifier, a shunt regulator with a pull-down transistor, and a series regulator with a pull-up transistor, where the shunt regulator passes a pull-down current when the source voltage rises above a set level, and the series regulator passes a pull-up current when the source voltage falls below a set level, with set voltages configured to prevent concurrent large current flow and ensure stable voltage supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both series regulator and shunt regulator are provided in the semiconductor integrated circuit, then the circuit can operate in both contact and noncontact modes, but operational competition between the regulators causes unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the regulators by detecting the operation mode (contact or noncontact) and selectively activating only the appropriate regulator. The mode detection circuit dynamically switches between series regulator and shunt regulator based on the detected operation mode, preventing both regulators from operating simultaneously and causing power consumption waste.
2Stability of the object's composition
If both series regulator and shunt regulator operate simultaneously, then voltage stability can be maintained, but communication performance deteriorates due to current variation affecting load modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which regulator to activate based on the operation mode. In noncontact mode, only the shunt regulator is activated to avoid current variations that would interfere with load modulation communication. In contact mode, only the series regulator is activated to maintain voltage stability. This dynamic selection ensures both voltage stability and communication reliability are maintained in their respective operation modes.
3Speed
If the contact terminal is kept conductive during noncontact mode, then the circuit can quickly switch to contact mode, but electric power leaks from the source terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The contact terminal's conduction state is dynamically controlled based on the detected operation mode. During noncontact mode, the contact terminal is set to a non-conductive state to prevent power leakage. When contact mode is detected, the terminal transitions to a conductive state. This dynamic control eliminates power leakage during noncontact operation while maintaining the capability for rapid mode switching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures a stable source voltage supply in both contact and noncontact operation modes, reducing power consumption and maintaining communication performance by preventing wasteful competition between regulators.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier operable to convert electromagnetic waves received through the pair of antenna terminals into a direct current voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a pair of antenna terminals; a rectifier; a source-voltage terminal; a shunt regulator; a series regulator. When the voltage of the inside source line rises to or above a first set voltage, the shunt regulator passes a pull-down current through a pull-down transistor. When the voltage of the inside source line drops to or below the second set voltage, the series regulator passes a pull-up current through a pull-up transistor. The first set voltage is set to be higher than the second set voltage in voltage level. With the semiconductor integrated circuit, the competition of actions of the two regulators is prevented. The semiconductor integrated circuit is arranged to work in contact and noncontact operation modes, and a stable source voltage can be supplied to an internal circuit thereof.