Voltage Regulator Overheat Detection Circuit Test Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators require a dedicated test terminal to switch the output voltage from internal to external, leading to an increase in circuit scale.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a voltage detection circuit connected to the test terminal, which outputs a test mode signal when the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, allowing the voltage output circuit to switch to external voltage without a dedicated terminal, thereby maintaining a reduced circuit scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated test terminal is added to switch output voltage from internal to external, then the voltage switching function is achieved, but the circuit scale increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test terminal is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a test terminal for applying test voltages and a control terminal for switching the output voltage mode. By making the test terminal universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate dedicated test terminal, thereby reducing circuit scale while maintaining the voltage switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the test terminal and the dedicated test terminal into a single terminal. The test terminal is configured to receive both test voltages and control signals, combining the functions that would otherwise require separate terminals. This merging reduces the overall circuit complexity and component count.
2Reliability
If the test terminal voltage threshold is set high for stress testing, then stress test capability is improved, but normal operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the voltage detection circuit to distinguish between normal operation and stress test modes. The detection circuit monitors the test terminal voltage and changes its behavior based on the voltage level: it remains inactive during normal operation and activates only when the voltage exceeds the threshold, enabling stress testing. This parameter-based control ensures that high voltage thresholds do not interfere with normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage detection circuit provides feedback control by monitoring the test terminal voltage and controlling the switching element accordingly. When the voltage exceeds the threshold, the detection circuit activates the switching element to enable stress test mode; when the voltage is below the threshold, the switching element remains inactive, maintaining normal operation. This feedback mechanism ensures stable operation across different voltage conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a voltage regulator capable of switching a voltage of an output terminal from an internal voltage to an external voltage while suppressing an increase in circuit scale. The voltage regulator includes a voltage output circuit configured to generate a constant internal voltage lower than an external voltage applied to an input terminal from the external voltage and supplying the constant internal voltage to an output terminal, a temperature sensing circuit configured to decrease an output voltage of an output node thereof according to a rise in temperature, an overheat detection circuit connected to the output node of the temperature sensing circuit and a test terminal, and a voltage detection circuit connected to the output node of the temperature sensing circuit and the test terminal.