Voltage Detection System Using Dynamic Comparator Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voltage detection systems fail to reliably detect power supply voltage drops, leading to system malfunctions and data unreliability when the voltage becomes lower than the second detection level, especially during steep voltage decreases.

Innovation Solution

A voltage detection system with a latch circuit that switches between interrupt and reset modes based on detection levels, using a single comparator to compare the power supply voltage with predefined detection levels, allowing for faster mode changes than CPU-based software processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single comparator is used to detect multiple voltage levels, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the system cannot simultaneously distinguish between first detection level and second detection level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of comparatorsVSAvoidvoltage level detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the comparator's reference voltage dynamic rather than static. The comparison voltage generation circuit changes the reference voltage level based on the operation mode (first operation mode or second operation mode), allowing a single comparator to effectively perform multiple detection functions at different voltage levels at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of the comparator's reference voltage based on the operation mode. By switching the reference voltage between two different levels corresponding to the first and second detection levels, the system enables precise voltage level detection with a single comparator, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If CPU software process is used to change detection levels, then adaptability is improved, but speed of response deteriorates during steep voltage drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection mode flexibilityVSAvoidvoltage drop detection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the software-based detection level changing mechanism with a hardware-based mechanism. The comparison voltage generation circuit directly switches between different reference voltages based on operation mode signals, eliminating the CPU software processing delay and enabling immediate response to voltage drops, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple comparators are used to ensure reliable detection at all voltage levels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage detection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of comparators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single comparator universal by enabling it to perform multiple detection functions. Through the operation mode switching mechanism, the same comparator reliably detects both the first detection level (for interrupt mode) and the second detection level (for reset mode), eliminating the need for multiple comparators while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 timely system intervention and data saving or resetting, preventing malfunctions even during steep voltage drops, while reducing circuit complexity by using fewer comparators and improving reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The comparator compares a power supply voltage with a first detection level voltage or a second detection level voltage lower than the first detection level voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS9501113B2Voltage detection system and controlling method of the same

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

There is a need to solve a possible system malfunction when a power supply voltage decreases steeply. To solve this problem, a control method is provided for a voltage detection system having an interrupt mode and a reset mode. First and second detection levels are configured. When a power supply voltage is higher than the first detection level, a latch circuit is placed in a first state to enable the interrupt mode. When the power supply voltage becomes lower than or equal to the first detection level, an interrupt signal is generated to change the latch circuit from the first state to a second state and enable the reset mode. A system reset is issued when the power supply voltage becomes lower than or equal to the second detection level in the reset mode.