Sync Signal Glitch Filtering in Graphic Controllers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Graphic controllers misinterpret the resolution of input video signals due to glitches in Hsync and Vsync signals, leading to false pulse readings.

Innovation Solution

A detection circuit with a holding circuit is used to ignore subsequent transitions of the sync signal across a threshold for a predetermined period after the initial crossing, preventing misinterpretation of glitches as pulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the sync signal is directly processed by the detection circuit, then the circuit responds quickly to signal transitions, but glitches cause false pulse readings and incorrect resolution detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidresolution detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a holding circuit that anticipates and prevents glitch-induced errors before they affect resolution detection. The holding circuit maintains the detected state for a predetermined period after a valid transition, proactively blocking false pulses before they can be misinterpreted as legitimate signal edges. This preemptive measure ensures accurate resolution detection without sacrificing the rapid response capability of the detection circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If a holding circuit is added to filter glitches, then false pulse readings are prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an intermediary approach by inserting a holding circuit between the detection circuit and the resolution determination logic. This intermediary component acts as a buffer that filters out glitch-induced false transitions while allowing legitimate signal edges to pass through. The holding circuit uses a simple latch mechanism with a predetermined time constant, providing effective glitch rejection without introducing significant circuit complexity or processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the holding circuit ignores subsequent transitions during the predetermined period, then glitch effects are eliminated, but the response time to valid transitions is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interpretation accuracyVSAvoidtransition response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action through the holding circuit's time-limited blocking mechanism. The circuit operates in periodic cycles: when a valid transition is detected, the holding circuit activates and blocks subsequent transitions for a predetermined period, then automatically resets to accept new transitions. This periodic blocking pattern effectively filters glitches while maintaining rapid response to legitimate signal changes, as the block duration is carefully calibrated to match typical glitch widths without extending to valid transition intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7382362B2Apparatus and method for processing synch signals in graphic controllers
Publication Date: 2008.06.03 GENESIS MICROCHIP INC(US)
  • US7382362B2 patent drawing
  • US7382362B2 patent drawing
  • US7382362B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for processing Hsync and Vsync signals in graphic controllers to avoid a false reading of pulses caused by glitches. The apparatus and method involve detecting when the synch signal crosses the threshold for the first time. When this occurs, the output of the detection circuit is held for the predetermined period of time, even if subsequent transitions across threshold occur during this period. After the predetermined period expires, the output is released and may assume the same state as the input sync signal at that time. In this manner, a misinterpretation of the resolution format caused by the reading of a “false” pulse caused by a glitch on a sync signal can be avoided.