Signal Output Circuit With Adaptive Diode Current Under Voltage Drop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Signal output circuits in integrated circuits fail to operate appropriately when power supply voltage fluctuates, affecting the performance of AC-DC converters.

Innovation Solution

A signal output circuit comprising a first transistor, a diode between the power supply line and the transistor's gate electrode, and a current generation circuit on the ground side, which generates and increases current when the power supply voltage drops below a certain level, ensuring stable signal output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional signal output circuit is used in an integrated circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the signal output becomes inappropriate when power supply voltage fluctuates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal output stabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current generation circuit dynamically adjusts the current supplied to the diode based on the power supply voltage level. When the power supply voltage drops below a first threshold, the circuit increases the current to maintain proper transistor gate voltage, and when the voltage is above the threshold, it reduces the current. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable signal output despite power supply fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit changes the current parameter through the diode based on the power supply voltage condition. By detecting when the power supply voltage drops below a threshold and responding by increasing the current through the diode to the transistor gate, the circuit maintains appropriate gate voltage levels and ensures proper transistor operation under varying power conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the power supply voltage drops below a certain level, then energy savings are achieved, but the signal output circuit fails to operate appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal output operationVSAvoidpower supply voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The current generation circuit incorporates feedback by monitoring the power supply voltage level and adjusting its current output accordingly. When the voltage drops below a threshold, the circuit detects this condition and increases the current through the diode to maintain proper transistor operation, creating a closed-loop response that ensures reliable signal output despite low power conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12191761B2Integrated circuit and power supply circuit
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US12191761B2 patent drawing
  • US12191761B2 patent drawing
  • US12191761B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A signal output circuit including a first transistor coupled to a power supply line to receive a power supply voltage, a diode provided between the power supply line and a gate electrode of the first transistor, and a current generation circuit provided on a ground side with respect to the diode, the current generation circuit being configured to generate a current for the diode, upon turning on of the first transistor, and to increase the current, upon the power supply voltage dropping below a predetermined level.