Voltage Regulator Protection Against Capacitor Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulator systems lack effective protection mechanisms against undesired disconnection of external capacitors, leading to unpredictable system behavior and increased component count with redundant capacitor arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated system and method that detects external capacitor disconnection by using a regulator switch and pulse generator to intermittently switch off the voltage regulator, initiating a system lock condition until the capacitor is reconnected, thereby maintaining system stability without additional pins or components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant capacitor arrangement is used to protect against capacitor disconnection, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own output voltage stability. The regulator detects capacitor disconnection through its inherent voltage regulation function without requiring external monitoring components, making the system self-protecting against capacitor failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator continuously monitors its output voltage and uses feedback control to detect abnormal conditions. When capacitor disconnection causes voltage instability, the feedback mechanism triggers a protection response, enabling the system to automatically detect and respond to component failures.
2Reliability
If a redundant capacitor arrangement is used to protect against capacitor disconnection, then system reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own output voltage stability. The regulator detects capacitor disconnection through its inherent voltage regulation function without requiring external monitoring components, making the system self-protecting against capacitor failures.
3Reliability
If a redundant capacitor arrangement is used to protect against capacitor disconnection, then system reliability is improved, but the number of pins and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own output voltage stability. The regulator detects capacitor disconnection through its inherent voltage regulation function without requiring external monitoring components, making the system self-protecting against capacitor failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator performs multiple functions: voltage regulation, output stability monitoring, capacitor connection detection, and system protection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated protection components, reducing overall component count while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a voltage regulator operably coupled to an external component, a voltage regulator reset circuit and at least one functional element supplied with a voltage by the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator reset circuit is arranged to repetitively reset the voltage regulator upon disconnection of the external component.