Switchable I/O Circuit for Open Collector and Open Emitter Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input/output circuit configurations require multiple circuits to change between open collector and open emitter output forms, resulting in redundant circuit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A single input/output circuit is designed with a switching section that selects a power supply path to operate as either an open collector or open emitter output by switching between different power supply and ground terminals, utilizing a photocoupler and bipolar transistor configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input/output circuits are provided to enable changing circuit form, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single input/output circuit that can operate in multiple circuit forms (open collector output, open emitter output, and push-pull output) by providing selectable power supply paths. The circuit includes first and second power supply terminals that can be selectively connected to different internal circuit nodes, allowing the same physical circuit to function as different logic output types depending on which power supply terminal receives voltage. This eliminates the need for multiple separate circuits while maintaining full adaptability across different device interface requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single input/output circuit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the circuit configuration dynamic by introducing selectable power supply paths. The circuit can be reconfigured on-the-fly by changing which power supply terminal (first or second) is activated, allowing the same circuit hardware to adapt its behavior to match different device requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables a single static circuit to provide multiple functional modes, achieving both simplicity and adaptability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the circuit by selectively applying power supply voltage to different terminals. By changing which terminal receives voltage (first power supply terminal for open collector/emitter modes, or alternative configurations for push-pull mode), the circuit's electrical characteristics and output behavior are modified without changing the physical circuit structure. This parameter-based configuration approach allows one circuit to serve multiple purposes.
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
Enables a single input/output circuit to function as both open collector and open emitter outputs through power supply path selection, simplifying the circuit configuration and eliminating the need for redundant circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a switching section coupled to a power supply line and a ground line and configured to switch between a first state in which the power supply line and the ground line are electrically coupled to the first power supply terminal and the first ground terminal, respectively, and a second state in which the power supply line and the ground line are electrically coupled to the second power supply terminal and the second ground terminal, respectively
Implementation Method 2
an output circuit, the output circuit may include a photocoupler an input of which a signal is given to, a bipolar transistor a base of which is coupled to an output side of the photocoupler
Implementation Method 3
a bipolar transistor a base of which is coupled to an output side of the photocoupler, and an output terminal outputting a signal, one of a collector and an emitter of the bipolar transistor
Data Source
AI summary
For a single input/output circuit, changing an input/output form is enabled by a simple configuration. In the input/output circuit, a circuit section includes power supply terminals and ground terminals. A switching section is switchable between a first state in which a power supply line and a ground line are coupled to one of the power supply terminals and one of the ground terminals and a second state in which the power supply line and the ground line are coupled to the other one of the power supply terminals and the other one of the ground terminals. The circuit section operates as a circuit corresponding to one of an open collector output and an open emitter output in the first state and operates as a circuit corresponding to the other one of the open collector output and the open emitter output in the second state.