Variable Resistance Element for Accurate Module Coupling Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor systems using I2C communication struggle to accurately detect module coupling and decoupling from a communication bus, especially when multiple modules are connected, leading to potential system malfunctions due to small potential variations that are difficult to distinguish with existing coupling detection methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a variable resistance element and a control circuit that adjusts the resistance value to maintain the potential of a potential detecting line within a predefined range, allowing for accurate detection of module coupling and decoupling by varying the resistance value of the variable resistance element in conjunction with a resistance element in each module, enabling larger potential variations and thus clearer detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a coupling detection device with a coupling detector circuit is used to detect module coupling and decoupling, then the coupling/decoupling can be judged promptly, but when external units with small resistance values are coupled or many external units are coupled, the potential variation becomes too small to correctly judge coupling and decoupling events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance value of the pull-up resistor variable rather than fixed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the resistance value based on the number of coupled modules: using a first resistance value when one module is coupled and a second resistance value (different from the first) when multiple modules are coupled. This dynamic adjustment ensures that potential variations remain within detectable ranges regardless of the number of coupled modules, resolving the contradiction between fast detection and accurate measurement.
2Device complexity
If a fixed resistance value is used for the pull-up resistor in the coupling detection circuit, then the circuit structure is simple, but the potential variation at the detecting terminal becomes too small when multiple modules are coupled, making accurate judgment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the resistance value of the pull-up resistor based on operating conditions. Specifically, the resistance value is changed from a first resistance value to a second resistance value depending on whether one module or multiple modules are coupled to the bus. This parameter adjustment maintains sufficient potential variation for accurate detection while accommodating different coupling scenarios, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
This solution allows for reliable and accurate judgment of module coupling and decoupling events, preventing system malfunctions by ensuring significant potential changes are within detectable ranges, even with multiple modules connected, thereby enhancing the accuracy of communication bus management.
Implementation Method 1
a first variable resistance element and a control circuit that varies the resistance value of the variable resistance element so that the potential of a first potential detecting line which is determined by the variable resistance element and a first resistance element provided in each of one or more external modules will fall within a predefined range
Data Source
AI summary
The invention aims at providing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor system including same, and a semiconductor device control method enabling it to correctly judge that a module has been coupled to and decoupled from a communication bus. According to one embodiment, a host controller includes a variable resistance element and a control circuit that varies the resistance value of the variable resistance element so that the potential of a potential detecting line which is determined by the variable resistance element and a resistance element provided in each of modules will fall within a predefined range. It is thus possible to keep that potential varying to a certain extent or more due to coupling and decoupling of a module to/from the communication bus. It is therefore possible to correctly judge that a module has been coupled/decoupled to/from the communication bus.