Sensor IC Power Disturbance Protection via Internal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor integrated circuits face challenges in maintaining accurate output and functionality during power disturbances such as interruptions and transients, which can lead to operational interruptions and inaccurate readings, especially in critical applications like automobile control systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an energy storage device, a blocking circuit, a high regulator, a low regulator, and a low power circuit within the sensor integrated circuit, which allows the circuit to store energy, regulate voltage, and switch to a low power mode during disturbances, ensuring continued operation and accurate output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a supply line filter (RC filter) is used to filter transient disturbances and store energy, then the sensor can withstand power disturbances, but the passive component size increases and supply bandwidth degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds an energy storage device (capacitor) inside the sensor integrated circuit package, nesting it within the existing IC structure. This internal placement eliminates the need for external RC filter components, resolving the contradiction by providing power disturbance protection while minimizing external component size and maintaining supply bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the energy storage function with the sensor IC by integrating a capacitor and blocking circuit within the package. This merging of functions provides both power disturbance filtering and energy storage capabilities without requiring separate external passive components, thus improving reliability while reducing component size.
2Reliability
If a supply line filter (RC filter) is used to filter transient disturbances and store energy, then the sensor can withstand power disturbances, but supply bandwidth degradation occurs in two-wire sensors
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the energy storage device within the sensor IC package rather than using external RC filters, the patent minimizes the interaction between the filter components and the supply lines. This internal placement reduces the filtering effect on the supply bandwidth while still providing adequate power disturbance protection, thus resolving the bandwidth degradation issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies power disturbance protection locally within the IC package through an integrated energy storage device and blocking circuit, rather than using global supply line filtering. This localized approach provides protection where needed while minimizing impact on the overall supply bandwidth, resolving the contradiction between reliability and speed.
3Reliability
If reset circuitry shuts down the sensor during power disturbance, then the sensor protects itself from damage, but operational interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares an energy storage device (capacitor) in advance within the IC package that can immediately supply power during disturbances. This preliminary energy storage allows the sensor to maintain operation during short power interruptions without shutting down, resolving the contradiction between protection and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an energy storage device as an intermediary between the power supply and the sensor circuitry. This intermediary capacitor can buffer power disturbances and provide continuous power to the sensor during interruptions, eliminating the need for shutdown while maintaining protection, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and duration of action.
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 enhances the sensor's immunity to power disturbances, allowing it to withstand interruptions and maintain accurate output, even in the presence of transient events, thereby improving reliability in safety-critical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device having a first terminal coupled to the functional circuit
Implementation Method 2
a blocking circuit coupled between the power pin and the first terminal of the energy storage device and configured to permit the energy storage device to store energy from the external power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor integrated circuit includes an energy storage device having a first terminal coupled to a functional circuit and a blocking circuit coupled between a power supply pin and the first terminal of the energy storage device. The blocking circuit permits the energy storage device to store energy from an external power supply coupled to the power pin. The first terminal of the energy storage device is inaccessible from outside of the sensor IC. Additional features of the sensor IC can include a high regulator, a low regulator, and a low power circuit.