Shared Capacitor Switching for Compact Multi-Function Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce the physical size and weight of electronic devices while increasing their functionality, which requires minimizing the size of electronic circuitry, and existing technologies do not effectively address the challenge of sharing capacitors between different circuitry components to achieve this goal.
Innovation Solution
The circuitry is designed to share a capacitor between different components or portions of the same circuitry, allowing the capacitor to be coupled to one circuitry when active and another when inactive, with controller circuitry managing the switching to optimize its usage as a compensating, reservoir, or smoothing capacitor based on the mode of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate capacitor is provided for each circuitry component (amplifier, voltage regulator, filter, ADC/DAC), then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the total number of capacitors increases, leading to increased device size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single capacitor that can be dynamically coupled to different circuitry components (amplifier, voltage regulator, filter, ADC/DAC) based on operational requirements. The controller monitors which component needs the capacitor and switches connections accordingly, allowing one capacitor to perform multiple functions that previously required separate capacitors for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple capacitor functions into a single physical capacitor component. By combining the coupling paths to different circuitry components and using a unified control mechanism, the system reduces the total capacitor count while maintaining the functional capabilities of having dedicated capacitors for each component.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of capacitors is reduced to minimize device size, then device footprint is reduced, but it becomes difficult to provide each circuitry component with an appropriately configured capacitor for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the capacitor connections to be reconfigured in real-time based on which circuitry component is actively using the capacitor. The controller continuously monitors system state and switches the capacitor coupling between different components as needed, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed capacitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the coupling between the single capacitor and multiple circuitry components. It determines when and how to connect the capacitor to different components, enabling flexible configuration and optimal performance for each component without requiring dedicated physical capacitors for each one.
3Reliability
If multiple capacitors are used to ensure adequate capacitance for each function, then functional requirements are met, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single capacitor universal by enabling it to serve multiple circuitry components through controlled coupling. The capacitor can function for the amplifier, voltage regulator, filter, or ADC/DAC as needed, eliminating the need for multiple specialized capacitors and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-configured with knowledge of when and how to couple the capacitor to different circuitry components based on their operational states. This preliminary setup allows the system to efficiently manage capacitor allocation without requiring complex real-time decisions or multiple capacitor configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Circuitry comprising: a capacitor; first circuitry; and second circuitry, wherein the circuitry is operable to couple the capacitor to the first circuitry when the first circuitry is active, and to couple the capacitor to the second circuitry when the first circuitry is inactive or is not actively using the capacitor.