Switch Interlock Logic for Break-Before-Make Voltage Supply Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic switches using fixed time delay circuitry for a 'break-before-make' process result in relatively large time delays due to variations in rise and fall times of NFETs with process, voltage, and temperature, making it challenging to meet switching time specifications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing logic gates to monitor and control the states of through-paths and shunt-paths in electronic switches, ensuring that one path is fully off before another is turned on, eliminating the need for time delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed time delay circuitry is used to implement break-before-make process, then switching safety is improved, but switching time delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching safetyVSAvoidswitching time delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical time delay circuitry with a logic gate-based control system that monitors the actual state of switches and shunt paths. Instead of using fixed time delays, the system uses logic gates to detect when switches are fully off before enabling the next switch, thereby eliminating unnecessary delay while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where logic gates continuously monitor the state of switches and shunt paths. The control signals are adjusted based on the actual switching state, creating a closed-loop system that ensures breaks-before-make without relying on predetermined time delays. This feedback approach allows the system to adapt to varying switching conditions and minimize delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If NFET size is increased to handle higher current, then current handling capability is improved, but gate capacitance increases causing slower switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent handling capabilityVSAvoidswitching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent turns off the shunt path before turning on the through-path, creating a preliminary condition that prevents conflicting voltage levels. This preliminary action allows the NFETs to be sized for current handling without compromising switching speed, as the logic gate control ensures safe switching sequences regardless of the NFET size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic control signals generated by logic gates that adapt to the actual switching state. The control signals are not fixed but change based on the real-time status of switches and shunt paths, allowing the system to optimize switching performance while maintaining safe operation with larger NFETs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12456975B2Voltage supply switch interlock logic
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 PSEMI CORP
  • US12456975B2 patent drawing
  • US12456975B2 patent drawing
  • US12456975B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Circuits and methods that enable a “break-before-make” process for an electronic switch that avoids the relatively large time delays of fixed time delay circuitry. Logic gates, rather than a time delay, are used to lock out an input switch through-path from turning ON before another input switch through-path is fully turned OFF. An embodiment includes a first and second monitor logic blocks, configured such that (1) a first through-path is turned OFF before a first shunt-path is allowed to turn ON and before a second shunt-path is allowed to turn OFF, and the second shunt-path is turned OFF before a second through-path is allowed to turn ON; and (2) the second through-path is turned OFF before the second shunt-path is allowed to turn ON and before the first shunt-path is allowed to turn OFF, and the first shunt-path is turned OFF before the first through-path is allowed to turn ON.