Single-Wire Sequencing for Power Supply Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sequencing technologies for electronic circuits require complex system architectures and manufacturing processes to coordinate multiple power supplies, often lacking accurate timing and efficiency in sequencing events across multiple circuits.
Innovation Solution
A novel sequencing system using a master circuit and slave circuits connected via a single wire for bidirectional communication, where the master circuit defines a sequence of events and the slave circuits produce event signals based on time slots, allowing for accurate timing and sequencing of events that require different completion times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central master circuit with multiple control outputs and status inputs is used for sequencing, then sequencing coordination among multiple electronic circuits is achieved, but system architecture complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sequencing control function from a complex central master circuit and distributes it to individual slave circuits. Each slave circuit independently monitors its own event status and communicates only necessary information bidirectionally, eliminating the need for a complex centralized controller with multiple outputs and inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each slave circuit is designed to autonomously monitor its own event status and initiate sequencing actions without requiring continuous control signals from a central master circuit. The slave circuits self-regulate based on bidirectional communication, reducing overall system architecture complexity while maintaining sequencing coordination capability.
2Device complexity
If a serial communication protocol such as 12C is used with an intelligent master controller, then communication between circuits is simplified, but accurate timing of events is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary timing actions by having slave circuits prepare event signals in advance according to predefined time slots. The master circuit outlines the sequencing timeline, and slave circuits pre-configure their event triggers, ensuring accurate timing is achieved before actual event execution without requiring complex real-time communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequencing system operates in periodic time slots where the master circuit and slave circuits synchronize their operations rhythmically. Each time slot is dedicated to specific events, creating a periodic action pattern that guarantees timing accuracy while using simple bidirectional communication protocols rather than complex serial protocols.
3Speed
If multiple power supplies are turned on simultaneously, then system startup speed is improved, but damage to electronic circuits may occur due to improper sequencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply startup process into distinct time slots, with each time slot dedicated to turning on specific power supplies in a controlled sequence. This segmentation ensures that power supplies are activated in the correct order to prevent circuit damage while maintaining efficient startup speed by parallelizing independent power supply operations across different time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where slave circuits monitor the status of power supply events and communicate completion status bidirectionally to the master circuit. This feedback ensures that subsequent power supplies are only activated after previous ones are fully initialized, maintaining circuit safety while optimizing startup speed through intelligent sequencing rather than simple simultaneous activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel system and protocol for controlling a sequence of events. The sequencing system has a master circuit for providing sequencing information defining a sequence of events using a sequencing signal, and at least one slave circuit responsive to the sequencing signal for producing at least one event signal defining an event. The master and slave circuits are configured for providing a bidirectional transfer of the sequencing information via a single wire.