Semiconductor Resistor Terminal Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices lack a mechanism to detect whether a resistor terminal is connected to an operation voltage, ground voltage, or is floating, especially when not connected to an external resistor.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device comprising a resistor terminal, a dummy pull-up driver, a comparator, and a detection state machine, where the dummy pull-up driver provides driving operations of 20 to 2N+1−1 stages, and the comparator outputs a comparison signal based on a test voltage and reference voltage, allowing the detection state machine to generate a detection signal indicating the electric connection state as connected to an operation voltage, floating, or ground voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional detection mechanism is used, then it can distinguish whether an external resistor exists, but it cannot detect whether the resistor terminal is connected to operation voltage, ground voltage, or is floating
Solution Approach 1:
The detection mechanism is designed to perform multiple detection functions: detecting external resistor connection, operation voltage connection, ground voltage connection, and floating state. The same basic circuit structure (comparator, state machine, dummy pull-up driver) handles all four detection scenarios, making the detection system universal and versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process is divided into multiple stages or modes controlled by the detection state machine. The state machine sequentially or selectively activates different detection sequences to determine each specific connection state (external resistor, operation voltage, ground voltage, floating), breaking down the complex detection task into manageable segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection mechanism is extended to detect all connection states, then detection scope is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than designing separate detection circuits for each connection state (external resistor, operation voltage, ground voltage, floating), the patent uses a single universal detection mechanism with a comparator and state machine that can identify all states through different detection sequences and voltage comparison logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy pull-up driver automatically generates the test voltage by pulling up the resistor terminal to operation voltage level during detection. The detection mechanism uses the circuit's own internal components (power supply, transistors, resistors) to generate test signals and perform detection without requiring external test equipment or additional complex circuitry.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection sequences are implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection state machine implements periodic or sequential detection cycles, where different detection sequences are executed in a structured manner. The state machine controls the timing and sequence of detection operations, allowing accurate multi-state detection to be completed through organized periodic action rather than continuous or random testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device and a detection method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a resistor terminal, a dummy pull up driver, a comparator and a detection state machine. The resistor terminal is connected to an external resistor. The dummy pull up driver provides driving operations of 20 to 2N+1−1 stages, wherein N is a natural number. The comparator outputs a comparison signal in response to a test voltage and a reference voltage. The detection state machine controls the driving operation of the dummy pull up driver to generate and output a detection signal according to the comparison signal. The detection signal indicates an electric connection state of the resistor terminal is a connecting state of an operation voltage or a floating state, a connecting state of the external resistor, or a connecting state of a ground voltage.