Voltage Generating Circuit Serial Interface Multiplexer Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor vehicle control units, the need to check supply voltages and currents for compliance with specific values occupies a large number of multiplexer inputs, limiting availability for other analog signals and requiring extensive circuitry, especially when these values need to be fed to the microcontroller for processing.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement where the voltage generating circuit includes a second analog-to-digital converter connected to a multiplexer and registers, allowing direct application of supply voltages and currents to the multiplexer within the voltage generating circuit, enabling serial transmission and comparison of digital data in the microcontroller, thereby freeing up microcontroller inputs and reducing circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supply voltages and currents are fed to the microcontroller through the multiplexer for checking compliance, then voltage and current monitoring is achieved, but a large number of multiplexer inputs are occupied and no longer available for other analog signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into two segments: the voltage generating circuit performs initial conversion and comparison of supply voltages and currents, while the microcontroller only receives results for final compliance checking. This segmentation allows the multiplexer to be used exclusively for sensor signals while supply parameter monitoring is handled independently through the serial interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A serial interface circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the voltage generating circuit and the microcontroller. This intermediary transfers digital data representing supply voltages and currents without requiring physical connection through the multiplexer, thus freeing multiplexer inputs for other analog signals while maintaining monitoring capability.
2Reliability
If supply voltages and currents are fed to the microcontroller for processing, then compliance checking is enabled, but extensive circuitry including filter circuits is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the analog-to-digital conversion function with the voltage generation function in a single integrated circuit. The voltage generating circuit includes both the voltage regulation outputs and an integrated ADC that converts supply voltages and currents to digital values, eliminating the need for separate filter circuits and external ADC components.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage generating circuit performs self-monitoring by incorporating its own ADC and comparison devices that automatically convert and evaluate supply voltages and currents against predefined thresholds. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the microcontroller and eliminates extensive external circuitry while maintaining reliable compliance checking.
3Extent of automation
If multiple analog parameters are converted through the microcontroller's ADC, then centralized processing is achieved, but the microcontroller's analog input pins are limited in availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (all analog signals through one multiplexer to the microcontroller) to a multi-dimensional architecture where supply parameter monitoring occurs in parallel within the voltage generating circuit, with results transmitted via serial interface. This dimensional change allows simultaneous handling of sensor signals and supply parameters without competing for the same physical resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement includes a microcontroller having a first analog-to-digital converter whose input is connected to the output of a first multiplexer whose output is connected to a first comparison device for comparing reference voltages, and a first serial interface circuit connected to the first comparison device. A voltage generating circuit includes a second analog-to-digital converter whose input is connected to the output of a second multiplexer whose output is connected to a number of registers, which are connected to a safety value generator and store digital values together with a respective safety value, and a second serial interface circuit connected to the registers. The first and second serial interface circuits are connected to each other for communication of the microcontroller with the voltage generating circuit, the first interface circuit being connected to a second comparison device for comparing supply voltages and/or currents with desired voltages and/or desired currents.