Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Voltage Booster for Sensor Driving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor driving/measuring systems face challenges in maintaining stable operation with batteries having low remaining charge, requiring high power supply voltages and increased costs due to the need for high breakdown voltage semiconductor integrated circuits and additional external components.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit for sensor driving/measuring systems that includes a booster to generate a boosted voltage, allowing high voltage application to sensors even with low battery power, and a standard voltage circuit to stabilize operations, reducing the need for high electromotive force batteries and external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a high breakdown voltage semiconductor integrated circuit is used to apply high voltage to the sensor, then the sensor can be driven with high voltage, but the manufacturing cost increases and the circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage generation function into two parts: a low-voltage semiconductor integrated circuit (with ordinary breakdown voltage) and a separate booster circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit generates a low voltage that is then boosted to the required high voltage by the booster, eliminating the need for high breakdown voltage components while maintaining the ability to drive high-voltage sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The booster acts as an intermediary device that converts the low voltage from the semiconductor integrated circuit into the high voltage required by the sensor. This mediator allows the system to achieve high voltage output without requiring the main semiconductor integrated circuit to have high breakdown voltage capability.
2Strength
If a high breakdown voltage semiconductor integrated circuit is used to apply high voltage to the sensor, then the sensor can be driven with high voltage, but the circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the voltage generation function into two parts: a low-voltage semiconductor integrated circuit (with ordinary breakdown voltage) and a separate booster circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit generates a low voltage that is then boosted to the required high voltage by the booster, eliminating the need for high breakdown voltage components while maintaining the ability to drive high-voltage sensors.
3Reliability
If additional external components (regulator IC, switch, voltage dividing resistance) are added to manage power supply voltage, then stable operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the booster circuit with the semiconductor integrated circuit into a single integrated system. The booster is controlled by a control unit within the semiconductor integrated circuit, eliminating the need for external regulator ICs, switches, and voltage dividing resistors that would otherwise be required to manage power supply voltage and protect the circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a control unit that automatically monitors the power supply voltage and controls the booster operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external components to manage voltage regulation and circuit protection, reducing device complexity while maintaining stable operation.
4Strength
If batteries with high electromotive force are used to provide high voltage, then the sensor can be driven with high voltage, but the system cost increases and battery selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by using a booster to convert low voltage from standard batteries into high voltage when needed. This allows the use of inexpensive, widely available batteries with low electromotive force while still achieving the high voltage required by the sensor through electronic voltage transformation rather than relying on high-voltage batteries.
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 enables stable operation until the battery is almost depleted, reduces system cost and size, and eliminates the need for high breakdown voltage semiconductor integrated circuits, while preventing excessive current flow during boosting, thus extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a booster for boosting a given pre-boost voltage to obtain a boosted voltage and for supplying the boosted voltage as a power supply voltage to the sensor driver and the measuring circuit
Data Source
AI summary
In a sensor driving/measuring system, specifications required by a sensor which requires a high applied voltage are implemented with const increase suppressed. A semiconductor integrated circuit for use in a sensor driving/measuring system driven by a battery includes: a sensor driver for outputting a given voltage to be applied to a sensor; a measuring circuit for receiving and measuring a voltage obtained, through current-voltage conversion, from a current generated in the sensor; and a booster. The booster boosts a given pre-boost voltage to obtain a boosted voltage and supplies the boosted voltage as a power supply voltage to the sensor driver and the measuring circuit.