Time-Based Circuit Board Identification Without ADCs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional identification circuits for circuit boards are costly due to the inclusion of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and face challenges in accurately identifying multiple boards without increasing precision, which limits compatibility and scalability.

Innovation Solution

An identification circuit that uses a switching element, circuit element group, and controller to measure a determination time based on identification resistors and capacitors connected in parallel, eliminating the need for ADCs and using inexpensive components to identify circuit boards based on unique determination times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ADCs are used in identification circuits, then identification accuracy is improved, but development cost and product cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive ADCs with inexpensive identification resistors and capacitors that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These passive components are much cheaper than ADCs while providing sufficient identification capability through time-based measurement, directly addressing the cost issue without sacrificing identification functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the electrical measurement system (ADC-based voltage measurement) with a time-based measurement system using simple RC circuits. This replacement eliminates the need for complex ADC hardware while maintaining identification accuracy through measurement of time constants, which are characteristic of the identification components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If ADCs are used in identification circuits, then identification accuracy is improved, but product cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidproduct cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from voltage (requiring ADCs) to time constants (measurable with simple circuits). By measuring the time it takes for capacitors to charge or discharge through identification resistors, the system achieves accurate identification without needing expensive ADC hardware, thereby reducing product cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If voltage-based identification methods are used, then identification is achieved, but compatibility and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoididentification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal identification system based on time constant measurement that can work with various circuit board configurations. The same time-based measurement principle can identify different circuit boards with different identification components, providing scalability and broad compatibility without requiring board-specific voltage calibration or ADC configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the identification parameter from voltage levels to time constants. Time constants are inherently more adaptable to different circuit configurations than fixed voltage thresholds, as they naturally account for variations in circuit impedance and component values. This enables the system to accommodate a wider range of circuit board designs while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces development and product costs, enhances identification accuracy, and allows easy addition of new circuit boards by using a time-based identification method, improving compatibility and scalability without the limitations of voltage-based methods.

Implementation Method 1

measure a determination time, which is different for each circuit board, based on the connected identification resistor and/or the connected identification capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRC time constant: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12464637B2Identification circuit and identification method

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An identification circuit (10) for identifying one circuit board (30) among a plurality of circuit boards (30) includes a switching element (11) that switches the one circuit board (30) electrically connected to the identification circuit (10) among the plurality of circuit boards (30), a circuit element group (12) electrically connected to the switching element (11), and a controller (13) electrically connected to the switching element (11) and the circuit element group (12). Upon an identification resistor (Ri) and/or an identification capacitor (Ci) being electrically connected to the circuit element group (12) via the switching element (11), the controller (13) measures a determination time (T), which is different for each circuit board (10), based on the connected identification resistor (Ri) and/or the connected identification capacitor (Ci) and identifies the one circuit board (30) based on the measured determination time (T).