Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Shared Pin Voltage Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor integrated circuit devices, such as system-on-chip (SoC) devices, face inefficiencies due to the need for a wide product range to cater to diverse customer requirements, often resulting in redundant connections for functions not used by all customers, leading to resource wastage and potential damage from excessive voltages.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a semiconductor integrated circuit device with multiple circuits sharing external connections, where a voltage clamp is enabled for one circuit but disabled for another, allowing flexible use of shared pins and optimizing resource utilization, with dual voltage clamps providing protection against excessive voltages and enabling efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide product range is provided to cater to diverse customer requirements, then customer needs are met, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal system-on-chip design where a single device can serve multiple customer needs through configurable circuits. The first circuit (NFC interface) and second circuit (GPIO interface) share common external connections, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized products. This multi-functionality approach enables customers to use the same device for different applications depending on which circuit is activated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If redundant connections are provided for functions not used by all customers, then all customer needs are met, but resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first circuit and second circuit by having them share common external connections (pins). Instead of providing separate dedicated connections for NFC and GPIO functions, the invention combines the connection resources so that the same physical pins can be used by either circuit depending on configuration. This sharing approach eliminates redundant connections and optimizes resource utilization.
3Reliability
If voltage protection is always enabled, then component protection is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage clamp control where the protection mechanism is activated only when needed. The voltage clamp circuit is enabled when the first circuit (NFC) is active to protect against antenna-induced voltage spikes, and disabled when the second circuit (GPIO) is active to minimize power consumption. This dynamic switching approach balances protection needs with energy efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a single voltage clamp is provided, then protection is simplified, but performance optimization for different modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage protection function into two separate voltage clamp circuits, each optimized for specific operating modes. The first voltage clamp is optimized for protecting the NFC interface during active communication, while the second voltage clamp protects during other operational states. This segmentation allows each clamp to be finely tuned for its specific purpose, improving overall system performance and protection effectiveness.
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 solution allows for optimized resource utilization by enabling or disabling functions based on customer needs, preventing damage from excessive voltages and minimizing power consumption while ensuring high performance when needed, thus enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the device.
Implementation Method 1
providing a voltage clamp may allow whichever circuit is enabled to be operated safely by ensuring that components are not damaged by exposure to higher voltages
Data Source
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AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises at least first and second circuits (104, 106), said first and second circuits (104, 106) being connected to a shared external connection (110, 112). The device further comprises a voltage clamp (114) that is operable to limit a voltage at the shared external connection (110, 112). The voltage clamp (114) can be selectively enabled depending upon whether the first or second circuit (104, 106) is being used.