Switching Control Circuit for Noise Shielding in Sensor Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices, such as sensors, multifunctional I/O terminals are primarily used for testing and inspection, but they lack functionality during typical operation, leading to inefficiencies and potential noise interference.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a switching control circuit allows the first external terminal to be connected to a constant potential source, enabling it to function as a shield against noise and facilitating its use during both test and operational modes, while optimizing terminal arrangements to reduce noise effects on output signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the first external terminal is used for test mode connection to internal nodes, then testing and inspection capabilities are improved, but noise shielding capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest mode functionalityVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a switching mechanism that dynamically changes the connection state of the first external terminal between test mode (connected to internal nodes) and operation mode (connected to second external terminal for shielding). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the terminal to adapt its function based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between test accessibility and noise shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical connection parameter of the first external terminal between two states: connected to internal circuit nodes during testing, and connected to the constant potential source during normal operation. This parameter change enables the terminal to provide noise shielding during operation while maintaining test capabilities when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the first external terminal is connected to the second external terminal during operation, then noise shielding is improved, but test mode functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise shieldingVSAvoidtest mode functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The switching mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the terminal connection based on operational mode. During normal operation, the terminal is connected to the constant potential source for shielding; during testing, the connection is switched to internal nodes. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the shielding function available when needed while preserving test access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multifunctional I/O terminals are used for testing only, then testing capabilities are improved, but terminal utilization during operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidterminal utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the first external terminal universal by enabling it to serve dual purposes: test mode functionality (connection to internal nodes) and operation mode functionality (connection to constant potential source for shielding). This multi-functionality increases terminal utilization during operation while preserving testing capabilities, resolving the contradiction between specialized test access and general utility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9221673B2Electronic device, integrated circuit, electronic apparatus, and moving object
Publication Date: 2015.12.29 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US9221673B2 patent drawing
  • US9221673B2 patent drawing
  • US9221673B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes a vibrating element that detects a predetermined physical quantity, an integrated circuit that is electrically connected to the vibrating element, and a ceramic package. The ceramic package is provided with a first external terminal and a second external terminal to which a constant potential is supplied. The first external terminal is electrically connected to the second external terminal in a first mode, and is electrically connected to an internal node of the integrated circuit in a second mode.