Switch State Detection Circuit for Low Power Sleep Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor detection circuits in sleep mode consume significant power due to the need to maintain minimal functionality, which is not efficiently managed in current power-saving designs.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that utilize a comparator and capacitors to quickly detect switch state changes by comparing voltages at different times, minimizing power consumption by monitoring only small voltage changes and reducing the current required to charge capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the circuitry is powered down during sleep mode to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect switch states is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection functionality from the full circuit, allowing minimal circuitry to remain powered during sleep mode while the majority of the circuit is powered down. This enables switch state detection to continue with significantly reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by powering down most of the circuit while maintaining just enough functionality to detect switch states. The minimal circuitry that remains active performs only the critical detection function, consuming minimal power while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If the circuitry remains powered during sleep mode to maintain detection functionality, then switch state detection is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the detection function from the rest of the circuit, extracting only the minimal components needed for switch state detection and keeping them powered while powering down the remaining circuitry. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability with minimal power usage.
3Measurement precision
If a comparator continuously monitors switch voltage to detect state changes, then detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring where the comparator is activated only when needed to detect switch state changes, rather than continuously operating. This periodic action maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption during sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the inherent voltage changes on the capacitor to trigger detection only when state changes occur, rather than continuous active monitoring. The circuit serves itself by detecting events only when they naturally occur, reducing power consumption while maintaining precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for fast and power-efficient detection of switch states, reducing power consumption and enabling quicker responses to switch changes during low power modes without relying on fixed threshold voltages.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator compares a predetermined constant reference voltage with a voltage of a capacitor coupled in parallel with the switch contact
Implementation Method 2
a voltage of a capacitor coupled in parallel with the switch contact
Data Source
AI summary
In an integrated circuit, a state of a switch coupled to the integrated circuit is determined by comparing a switch voltage at a first terminal of the switch to a reference voltage at a first time. If the switch voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the switch is determined to be in a first state. If the switch voltage is lower than the reference voltage, the switch voltage is stored in a storage element to produce a stored voltage. The stored voltage is compared to the switch voltage at a second time after the first time. A determination is made that the switch is in the first state if the switch voltage is higher than the stored voltage at the second time. A determination is made that the switch is in a second state if the switch voltage is not higher than the stored voltage at the second time.