DE102021109378B4 - device for monitoring - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (300) comprising:
an operational amplifier (350) having an output having a first output and a second output;
an input circuit (310) coupled to an input of the operational amplifier (350), the input having a first input and a second input;
a feedback circuit (315), the feedback circuit (315) comprising:
a first feedback section (315a) coupled to a first output of the operational amplifier (350) and a first input of the operational amplifier (350), and
a second feedback section (315b) coupled to a second output of the operational amplifier (350) and a second input of the operational amplifier (350); and
a monitoring circuit coupled to the output of the operational amplifier (350), the monitoring circuit being configured to determine whether a voltage of a signal from the output of the operational amplifier (350) is within at least a predetermined voltage range, the monitoring circuit being configured to compare the signal of the first output and the signal of the second output each with voltage levels that define the at least one predetermined voltage range.

Description

technical field

Various embodiments relate generally to monitoring devices or systems.

background

Systems or devices used or provided in road vehicles may be required to meet standards including the automotive safety (ASIL) standard defined by the ISO 26262 functional safety standard. This level of security requires guaranteeing certain levels of reliability of a device or hardware during vehicle operation. Traditionally, various techniques have included redundancy chains (which have lower accuracy), external monitors, built-in test monitors, etc. However, such currently employed techniques require external hardware or the disruption of functions.
US 6,741,194 B1 describes an analog-to-digital converter equipped with over-range detection circuitry. When an out-of-range input signal is detected, the circuitry identifies the out-of-range condition so the converter can take remedial action.

US 7,372,391 B1 describes a data conversion circuit for a shared pipeline analog-to-digital converter, comprising an over-range detection and recovery circuit having first and second switches connected between respective input terminals and output terminals of an operational amplifier and both controlled by a first control signal and a logic circuit coupled to receive the first residue and compare the first residue to a pair of high and low comparison voltage levels.

U.S. 4,989,004 A describes an analog-to-digital converter unit for successive approximation of errors in operation, the analog-to-digital converter unit not only having a first comparator circuit, but also second and third comparator circuits for comparing an analog input signal with first and second critical signals having a voltage range indicate, comprises, and the second or third comparator circuit generates a first or second warning signal in the presence of the analog input signal outside the voltage range.

character list

• 1 ein Diagramm einer bekannten Vorrichtung oder eines bekannten Systems zeigt.
• 2 ein Diagramm eines beispielhaften Systems oder einer beispielhaften Vorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist.
• 3A ein Diagramm eines beispielhaften Systems oder einer beispielhaften Vorrichtung gemäß mindestens einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist.
• 3B eine grafische Darstellung eines Ausgangssignals gegen Spannungsgrenzen gemäß mindestens einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist.
• 4 ein beispielhaftes Verfahren 400 gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist.
• 5 ein beispielhaftes Verfahren 500 gemäß mindestens einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist.

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles disclosed herein. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

• 1 shows a diagram of a known device or system.
• 2 Figure 12 is a diagram of an example system or device according to the present disclosure.
• 3A Figure 12 is a diagram of an example system or device in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 3B 14 is a graphical representation of an output signal versus voltage limits, in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 4 is an exemplary method 400 according to the present disclosure.
• 5 Figure 5 is an exemplary method 500 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

description

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

The words "plurality" and "plurality" in the specification or claims expressly refer to a quantity greater than one. The terms “group (of)”, “set [of]”, “collection (of)”, “series (of)”, “sequence (of)”, “grouping (of)”, etc. and the like in the description or in the claims refer to an amount equal to or greater than one, ie one or more. Any term expressed in the plural form that does not expressly mean plural or many number" also refers to a quantity equal to or greater than one. The terms "true subset", "reduced subset" and "minor subset" refer to a subset of a set that is not equal to the set, ie a subset of a set that contains fewer elements than the set.

The terms "at least one" and "one or more" may be understood to include a numeric quantity greater than or equal to one (e.g., one, two, three, four, [... ], etc.).

As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the use of the ordering adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc. to describe a common object merely shows that different instances of the same objects are being referred to and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a certain sequence, whether in time, space, order of precedence, or in some other way.

The term "data", as used herein, may be understood to include information in any suitable analog or digital form, e.g. provided as a file, a portion of a file, a set of files, a signal or data stream, a portion of a signal or data stream, as a set of signals or data streams and the like. Furthermore, the term "data" can also be used to mean a reference to information, e.g. in the form of a pointer. However, the term "data" is not limited to the above examples and may take various forms and represent any information as is understood in the art.

The term "processor" or "controller", such as used herein, can be understood as any type of device that enables the manipulation of data, signals, etc. The data, signals, etc. can be manipulated according to one or more specific functions performed by the processor or the controller.

A processor or controller can thus be an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a mixed-signal circuit, a logic circuit, a processor, a microprocessor, a main processor (CPU), a neuromorphic computer unit (NCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a general purpose integrated circuit (FPGA), an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. or be or include any combination thereof. Any other type of implementation of the respective functions, which will be described in more detail below, can also be understood as a processor, controller or logic circuit. It should be understood that any two (or more) processors, controllers, or logic circuits detailed herein may be implemented as a single device with equivalent functionality or the like, and conversely, any individual processor, controller, or logic circuit detailed herein Logic circuit can be implemented as two (or more) separate devices with equivalent functionality or the like.

A “circuit” as used herein is understood to be any type of logic implementing device, which may include dedicated hardware or a software executing processor. So, a circuit can be an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a mixed-signal circuit, a logic circuit, a processor, a microprocessor, a signal processor, a main processor (“CPU”), a graphics processor (“GPU”), a a neuromorphic computing unit (NCU), a digital signal processor ("DSP"), a general purpose integrated circuit ("FPGA"), an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), etc., or any combination thereof. Any other type of implementation of the respective functions, which are described in more detail below, can also be understood as a "circuit". It should be understood that any two (or more) of the circuits detailed herein may be implemented as a single circuit with substantially equivalent functionality. Conversely, each individual circuit detailed herein may be implemented as two (or more) separate circuits with substantially equivalent functionality. In addition, references to a "circuit" may refer to two or more circuits that together form a single circuit.

The terms "module,""component,""system,""circuit,""element,""interface,""slice,""circuitry," and the like, as used herein, are intended to refer to a set of one or more electronic components, a computer-related device, hardware, software (e.g. in execution) and/or firmware. For example, circuitry or a similar term may be a processor, a process running on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable program, a storage device, and/or a computer having a processing device. To illustrate, an application running on a server and the server can also be circuitry. One or more circuits may reside within the same circuit assembly, and circuit assemblies may localized on one computer and/or distributed across two or more computers. A set of elements or a set of other circuits may be described herein, where the term "set" may be interpreted as "one or more."

As used herein, a "signal" can be transmitted or passed through a signal chain in which the signal is processed to change properties such as phase, amplitude, frequency, and so on. The signal can be referred to as the same signal even if such properties are adjusted. In general, a signal can be considered the same signal as long as it continues to encode the same information.

As used herein, a signal that is "indicative of" value or other information may be a digital or analog signal that encodes or otherwise conveys the value or other information in a way that is used by a component that is the receives signal, can be decoded and/or triggers a responsive action in it. The signal may be stored or buffered in a computer-readable storage medium prior to its receipt by the receiving component. The receiving component can retrieve the signal from the storage medium. Further, a “value” “indicative” of any quantity, condition, or parameter may be embodied physically as a digital signal, analog signal, or stored bits that encode or otherwise convey the value.

It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be physically connected or coupled to the other element such that power and/or electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a signal) passes along a conductive path formed by the elements. Intermediate conductive, inductive, or capacitive elements may be present between the element and the other element when the elements are described as being coupled or connected together. Furthermore, when coupled or connected together, one element may be capable of inducing a voltage or current flow or the propagation of an electromagnetic wave in the other element without physical contact or intervening components. Further, when a voltage, current, or signal is referred to as being "applied" to an element, the voltage, current, or signal may be transmitted by means of a physical connection, or by means of capacitive, electromagnetic, or inductive coupling that does not involve a physical connection. be directed to the element.

The term "storage", as used herein, is understood to mean a non-transitory, computer-readable medium in which data or information can be stored for retrieval. Therefore, references herein to "memory" may be understood to refer to volatile or non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid state memory, magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical drive, etc. or any combination thereof. In addition, registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers, etc. are also included herein by the term memory. A single component referred to as "memory" or "a memory" may consist of more than one different memory type and thus refer to an overall component having one or more memory types. Each individual memory component can be split into multiple collectively equivalent memory components and vice versa. Additionally, while memory may be shown separately from one or more other components (such as in the drawings), memory may be integrated with other components, such as on a common integrated chip or controller with embedded memory.

The term "software" refers to any type of executable instruction, including firmware.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using a computer or computers (or computing devices) that read and execute computer-executable instructions recorded on a storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). perform the functions of one or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure described herein. The computer(s) may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), or other circuitry, and may include a network of separate computers or separate computer processors. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer from a network or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, for example. The storage medium may be, for example, one or more of a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), distributed computing system memory, an optical drive (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a Blu-ray Disc (BD)), a flash memory device, a memory card and the like. Specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced are described for purposes of illustration.

1 FIG. 12 is a diagram of a known device or system 100. The device 100 may include circuitry used in analog signal processing or for analog signal processing. The device 100 includes an ADC 110 that receives an external voltage or signal from an external pad 120 . Device 100 may include a reference monitor coupled to ADC 110 to verify or ensure that a signal is within an expected operating range of device 100 . To monitor the external voltage on external pad 120, device 100 may include a reference monitoring circuit that disconnects the external pad from ADC 110, then applies a weak pull-up and compares the external voltage to a first or half of the voltage supply . Then the reference monitor circuit can apply a weak pull-down and compare the external voltage to the second or other half of the supply. In 1 the comparison can be made by means of a comparator 140. Comparator 140 may indicate whether the external voltage was in accordance with an operating range associated with device 100 .

However, this can be disadvantageous in that the ADC 110 becomes powered down or unusable during the reference monitor verification process.

2 1 is a diagram of an exemplary system or apparatus 200, in accordance with the present disclosure. Device 200 may be part of a larger device that is not shown. For example, device 200 may be an integrated semiconductor device and may be implemented or included as part of a larger device, eg, a semiconductor chip.

In some examples, device 200 may be used for analog signal processing. For example, circuit 210 may be any type of analog circuit or analog component, including any type of analog circuit described herein. In at least one example, circuit 210 may be an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

The device 200 of FIG 2 has an input 220 for receiving an input signal or an external voltage. Input 220 may be coupled to circuit 210 or may be electrically connected. In an example, the input 220 may be in the form of a pad, which may be a pad of a semiconductor chip, for example.

Device 200 may include components or circuitry to perform input monitoring, such as monitoring an external voltage or an input signal. In this case, the device 200 has a monitoring circuit 250, which can be set up to monitor the voltage of an input signal. According to some examples, the monitoring circuit 250 may be configured to monitor and evaluate one or more parameters of the input signal received at the input 220, such as the voltage of the input signal.

This monitoring can be performed without interrupting or suspending the operation of circuit 210 . Further, the monitoring may be performed with or while the circuit 210 is operating in real time and concurrently with the operation of the monitoring circuit 250. In the example of 2 this may mean that the connection or path between the input 220 and the circuit 210 can be maintained and need not be broken, decoupled or disconnected from the monitoring circuit 250 during monitoring.

The monitoring circuit 250 may be a voltage monitor connected or coupled to the input 220 and further configured to determine whether the voltage of the input signal is within a voltage range, which may be predetermined. A predetermined voltage range may correspond to an expected or known safe operating range for device 200 or another device coupled to device 200 . The monitoring circuit 250 may be set up to output one or more signals as to whether the voltage of the input signal is within the predetermined voltage range.

In 2 For example, the monitoring circuit 250 may include a first comparator 260a and a second comparator 260b for voltage monitoring. Each of first comparator 260a and second comparator 260b (collectively, comparators 260) may be coupled to input 220 by any suitable means. Furthermore, each of the comparators 260 is connected to a voltage source. As such, the comparators 260 can compare the input signal/external voltage to a voltage level.

In the example of 2 For example, these voltage levels or reference voltage levels that establish or define the predetermined voltage range may be provided by voltage sources 270a and 270b. In other words, the first and second voltage sources 270a, 270b can provide the voltage limits of the voltage range. The voltage sources can be DC voltage sources, but they can also be AC voltage sources in other cases.

The first voltage source 270a can provide a first reference voltage to the first comparator 260a and the second voltage source 270b can provide a second reference voltage to the second comparator 260b. In some examples, voltage sources 260a, 260b may be defined with respect to a different or third reference voltage level. In one case, the voltage level of the first voltage source 260a may be at a first offset (+Δ) with respect to the third reference voltage level (Vref). Similarly, the second voltage source 260b may be at a second offset (-Δ) with respect to the same third reference voltage level. The magnitude or value of the reference voltage level may be user or system configurable. Furthermore, the offsets (Δ) used for a respective voltage source 260a, 260b may differ from one another, e.g., in magnitude.

In the example of 2 the comparator 260a can compare the input signal from the input 220 with the first voltage source 270a. Similarly, the comparator 260b can compare the input signal from the input 220 with the second voltage source 270b. The output provided by each of the comparators can be one or more outputs resulting from the comparison. The Status_OV signal(s) from the first comparator 260a indicates whether the voltage of the input signal exceeds (eg, is greater than) the voltage level of the first voltage source 270a. The Status_UV signal(s) 260b indicates whether the voltage of the input signal exceeds (eg, is less than) the voltage or voltage level of the second voltage source 270b. Accordingly, the signals provided by the monitoring circuit 250 indicate whether or not the input signal is within the predetermined range. The signals may be obtained and used from other components of the same device 200 or from external components or devices. In one example, the signals can be processed to trigger an interrupt operation.

3A FIG. 3 is a diagram of another example system or device 300 in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 300 can be used for or be part of an analog signal processing circuit. Furthermore, device 300 may also be an integrated semiconductor device and may be implemented or included as part of a larger device, eg, a semiconductor chip.

In the example of 3A the device includes an operational amplifier 350, which may be a part or stage of analog signal processing circuitry. The analog signal processing circuitry may include, but is limited to, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs, eg, including delta-sigma ADCs), integrators, differentiators, filters (eg, active filters), modulators, and/or demodulators not restricted.

An input circuit 310 may be coupled to an input of operational amplifier or op-amp 350 and the output of op-amp 350 may be coupled to output circuit 320 . The output circuitry 320 may further be coupled to one or more components, including analog signal processing circuitry components or other components of a semiconductor chip and/or devices or components external to such a chip.

In the example of 3A the op-amp 350 has a feedback circuit 315 . Feedback circuit 315 may be any suitable or appropriate circuit or component connected or coupled between the output and input of op-amp 350 . The feedback circuit 315 may include a first feedback path 315a coupled between an output (eg, a negative output or terminal) and an input (eg, a positive input or terminal) of the op-amp 350 . Additionally, the feedback circuit may further include a second feedback path 315a coupled between an output (eg, a positive output or terminal) and an input (eg, a negative input or terminal) of the op-amp 350 .

The device 300 may be able to monitor the output of the op-amp 350 . Device 300 may include circuitry or components for monitoring the voltage of the op-amp 350 output. It may be important to determine that the op-amp 350 is working, e.g that the parameters of its operation or output are within certain defined ranges or values required for proper operation of the device.

In the case of 3A Device 300 may monitor the voltage or voltage level of the output of op amp 350 to determine if the output voltage from op amp 350 is within a certain voltage range. Output voltage monitoring can be performed by comparing the output to one or more voltages or voltage levels. In the case of 3A the voltage of each output can be compared to one or more voltage levels. For example, the Op-Amp 350 from 3A an output having two outputs, a first output, out_p, which may be a negative terminal output, and a second output, out_n, which may be a positive terminal output. Each of the outputs of the op-amp 350 can then be compared to one or more (reference) voltage levels, eg using comparators. Device 300 includes comparators 360a-d for such comparisons.

The comparators 360a,b can be used to determine if the voltage of the output, out_p, is within a certain predetermined range. In 3A For example, the voltage range may be fixed or defined by voltage sources 310a and 310b. In some examples, the voltages of voltage sources 310a and/or 310b may be configurable or adjustable, eg, by a user (eg, via a user interface) or by the system (eg, automatically via feedback signals). Voltage source 310a may set or define a first reference voltage level, eg, an upper voltage limit for the comparison. Similarly, voltage source 310b may set or define a second reference voltage level or limit for the comparison. The comparator 360a performs a comparison by taking as inputs the first output (or output signal), out_p and the signal/voltage of the voltage source 360a. Likewise, the comparator 360b performs a comparison, taking as inputs the first output out_p and the voltage/signal of the voltage source 360b.

This implementation of the comparison can be extended and applied to the second output, out_n. The voltage sources 310c and 310c may set or define the voltage range for the comparison of the second output, out_n. Voltage source 310c may have a voltage limit, e.g. The voltage source 310d can set or define another voltage limit, e.g. the lower voltage limit, for the comparison. Comparators 360c,d may compare the second output, out_n, to voltage source 310c and voltage source 310d, respectively.

The comparators 360a-d can provide signals or outputs 370a-d that indicate whether the voltage of the outputs is within the voltage range. Namely, status_p_high signal(s) 370a and status_p_low signal(s) 370b may indicate whether the first output, out_p, is within a voltage range. The status_n_high signal(s) 370c and status_n_low signal(s) 370b may indicate whether the second output, out_p, is within a different or second predetermined voltage range.

The status signals 370a-d may be sent or forwarded to one or more other components (not shown) for further processing. In some cases, such as when device 300 is part of a larger device, status signals 370a-d may be used and processed by one or more other components. These one or more other component(s) may be internal or located within the device 300 or within a chip to which the device belongs. In other cases, the one or more components receiving status signals 370a-d may be external. Further, the status signals may trigger one or more interrupts or interrupt operations to occur or be performed.

The monitoring (e.g., voltage monitoring) performed in the device 300 may be performed or performed in real-time without interfering with or causing a suspension of the operation of other components or reducing a performance thereof. For example, in cases where the device 300 or op-amp 350 is part of analog processing circuitry, the monitor may operate simultaneously and without interrupting or affecting the operation of the analog processing circuitry. Furthermore, the monitoring can be performed during start-up or triggered at any other time or time necessary without interrupting the main or core functions of the analog processing circuitry. Furthermore, the monitoring in the device 300 can be performed relatively quickly.

3B shows an example of a diagram showing an example voltage of an output represents signal 370 that may be monitored in accordance with embodiments described herein. Dashed lines 375a and 375b may represent a voltage level provided by voltage sources that define a voltage range. As shown, the output signal at 380a and 380b may exceed or cross boundary lines 375a and 375b. In such cases, the devices, such as 300 of 3 , send a signal to indicate that the output signal exceeds the predetermined range or limit.

4 FIG. 4 is an exemplary method 400 according to the present disclosure. The method includes receiving an input signal at an input of a device 410 and applying the input signal to at least one analog circuit and to a voltage monitor at 420 . The method continues with the voltage monitoring device determining whether a voltage of the input signal is within a predetermined voltage range at 430 and the voltage monitoring device outputting one or more signals based on the determination 440. The method further includes a Processing the input signal from the analog circuitry to produce one or more outputs 450 .

5 Figure 5 is an exemplary method 500 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes at 510 obtaining at least one output signal from an operational amplifier, where the operational amplifier is part of an analog signal processing circuit. The method further includes, at 520, monitoring a voltage of the output signal from a monitoring circuit coupled to the output of the operational amplifier, the monitoring including determining whether a voltage of the output signal from the operational amplifier is within at least a predetermined voltage range. Further, the method includes, at 530, sending one or more status signals from the monitoring circuit in response to determining that the voltage of the output signal is outside the at least one predetermined range.

• Beispiel 1 ist eine Vorrichtung aufweisend:
  • eine analoge Schaltung;
  • einen mit der Schaltung gekoppelten Eingang, wobei der Eingang eingerichtet ist zum Epfangen eines Eingangssignals; und
  • ein Spannungsüberwachungsgerät, das mit dem Eingang gekoppelt und eingerichtet ist zum Ermitteln, ob eine Spannung des Eingangssignals innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Spannungsbereichs ist.
• Beispiel 2 ist der Gegenstand von Beispiel 1, wobei die analoge Schaltung eingerichtet sein kann zum Arbeiten auf dem Eingangssignal gleichzeitig und in Echtzeit, während das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät ermittelt, ob die Spannung der Eingabe innerhalb des vorbestimmten Spannungsbereichs ist.
• Beispiel 3 ist der Gegenstand von Beispiel 1 oder 2, wobei das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät eingerichtet sein kann zum Ausgeben eines ersten Signals oder mehrerer ersten Signale als Reaktion auf das Ermitteln, dass das Eingangssignal innerhalb des vorbestimmten Bereichs ist.
• Beispiel 4 ist der Gegenstand von Beispiel 2 oder 3, wobei das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät eingerichtet sein kann zum Ausgeben eines zweiten Signals oder mehrerer zweiten Signale als Reaktion darauf, dass das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät ermittelt, dass das Eingangssignal innerhalb des vorbestimmten Bereichs ist, wobei sich das zweite Signal von dem ersten Signal unterscheidet.
• Beispiel 5 ist der Gegenstand von einem der Beispiele 1 bis 4, wobei das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät ferner eine erste Komparator-Schaltung aufweisen kann, die eingerichtet ist zum Vergleichen des Eingangssignals von dem Eingang mit einem ersten Spannungsreferenzpegel.
• Beispiel 6 ist der Gegenstand von Beispiel 5, wobei das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät ferner eine erste Spannungsquelle aufweisen kann, die eingerichtet ist zum Bereitstellen des ersten Spannungsreferenzpegels.
• Beispiel 7 ist der Gegenstand von Beispiel 5 oder 6, wobei das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät ferner eine zweite Komparator-Schaltung aufweisen kann, die eingerichtet ist zum Vergleichen des Eingangssignals von dem Eingang mit einem zweiten Spannungsreferenzpegel, wobei sich der zweite Spannungsreferenzpegel von dem ersten Spannungsreferenzpegel derart unterscheidet, dass der erste Spannungsreferenzpegel und der zweite Spannungsreferenzpegel den vorbestimmten Spannungsbereich definieren.
• Beispiel 8 ist der Gegenstand von Beispiel 7, wobei das Spannungsüberwachungsgerät ferner eine zweite Spannungsquelle aufweisen kann, die eingerichtet ist zum Bereitstellen des zweiten Spannungsreferenzpegels.
• Beispiel 9 ist der Gegenstand von Beispiel 7 oder 8, wobei der erste Spannungsreferenzpegel bei einem ersten Offset-Spannungswert von einem vorbestimmten dritten Spannungsreferenzpegel sein kann und wobei der zweite Spannungsreferenzpegel bei einem zweiten Offset-Spannungswert von der vorbestimmten dritten Spannungsreferenz sein kann.
• Beispiel 10 ist der Gegenstand von einem der Beispiele 1 bis 9, wobei die analoge Schaltung ein(en) Analog-Digital-Wandler (ADC) sein oder aufweisen kann.
• Beispiel 11 ist der Gegenstand von einem der Beispiele 1 bis 10, wobei der Eingang ein externer Eingang sein kann, der eingerichtet ist zum Empfangen des Eingangssignals als ein Signal extern zu der Vorrichtung.
• Beispiel 12 ist der Gegenstand von einem der Beispiele 1 bis 11, wobei die Vorrichtung eine integrierte Halbleiterschaltung eines Halbleiterchips sein kann.

The following examples relate to other aspects of this disclosure:

• Example 1 is a device comprising:
  • an analog circuit;
  • an input coupled to the circuit, the input configured to receive an input signal; and
  • a voltage monitor coupled to the input and configured to determine whether a voltage of the input signal is within a predetermined voltage range.
• Example 2 is the subject of Example 1, wherein the analog circuitry can be configured to operate on the input signal simultaneously and in real time while the voltage monitor determines whether the voltage of the input is within the predetermined voltage range.
• Example 3 is the subject of example 1 or 2, wherein the voltage monitor may be configured to output one or more first signals in response to determining that the input signal is within the predetermined range.
• Example 4 is the subject of Example 2 or 3, wherein the voltage monitor may be configured to output one or more second signals in response to the voltage monitor determining that the input signal is within the predetermined range, where the second signal is from differs from the first signal.
• Example 5 is the subject of any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the voltage monitoring device may further include a first comparator circuit configured to compare the input signal from the input with a first voltage reference level.
• Example 6 is the subject of Example 5, where the voltage monitor may further include a first voltage source configured to provide the first voltage reference level.
• Example 7 is the subject of example 5 or 6, wherein the voltage monitoring device may further comprise a second comparator circuit arranged to compare the input signal from the input with a second voltage reference level, the second voltage reference level differing from the first voltage reference level such that that the first voltage reference level and the second voltage reference level define the predetermined voltage range.
• Example 8 is the subject of Example 7, where the voltage monitor may further include a second voltage source configured to provide the second voltage reference level.
• Example 9 is the subject of Example 7 or 8, wherein the first voltage reference level may be at a first offset voltage value from a predetermined third voltage reference level, and wherein the second voltage reference level may be at a second offset voltage value from the predetermined third voltage reference.
• Example 10 is the subject of any of Examples 1 through 9, wherein the analog circuitry may be or include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
• Example 11 is the subject of any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the input may be an external input configured to receive the input signal as a signal external to the device.
• Example 12 is the subject of any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the device may be a semiconductor integrated circuit of a semiconductor chip.

• Erhalten eines Eingangssignals an einem Eingang einer Vorrichtung;
• Anlegen des Eingangssignals an mindestens eine analoge Schaltung und an ein Spannungsüberwachungsgerät;
• Ermitteln, von dem Spannungsüberwachungsgerät, ob eine Spannung des Eingangssignals innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Spannungsbereichs ist;
• Ausgeben, von dem Spannungsüberwachungsgerät, eines Signals oder mehrerer Signale basierend auf der Ermittlung; und
• Verarbeiten des Eingangssignals von der analogen Schaltung, um eine oder mehrere Ausgaben zu produzieren.

Example 1A is a method comprising:

• receiving an input signal at an input of a device;
• applying the input signal to at least one analog circuit and to a voltage monitor;
• determining, from the voltage monitor, whether a voltage of the input signal is within a predetermined voltage range;
• outputting from the voltage monitor one or more signals based on the determination; and
• Processing the input signal from the analog circuitry to produce one or more outputs.

Example 2A is the subject of Example 1A, wherein the processing from the analog circuitry can be done in real time and concurrently with the determination being made by the voltage monitor.

Example 3A is the subject of example 1A or 2A, wherein the voltage monitoring device may include a first comparator circuit configured to compare the input signal from the input with a first voltage reference level.

Example 4A is the subject of example 3A, where the voltage monitor may further include a first voltage source configured to provide the first voltage reference level.

Example 5A is the subject of Example 3A or 4A, wherein the voltage monitoring device may further include a second comparator circuit configured to compare the input signal from the input with a second voltage reference level, the second voltage reference level differing from the first voltage reference level such that that the first voltage reference level and the second voltage reference level define the predetermined voltage range.

Example 6A is the subject of Example 5A, where the voltage monitor may further include a second voltage source configured to provide the second voltage reference level.

Example 7A is the subject of Example 5A or 6A, wherein the first voltage reference level may be at a first offset voltage value from a predetermined third voltage reference level, and wherein the second voltage reference level may be at a second offset voltage value from the predetermined third voltage reference.

Example 8A is the subject of any one of Examples 1A through 9A, wherein the analog circuitry may be or include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Example 9A is the subject of any one of Examples 1A through 8A, where receiving the input signal may include receiving the input signal as an external input signal from an external source.

• einen Operationsverstärker, der einen Ausgang aufweist, der einen ersten Ausgang und einen zweiten Ausgang aufweist;
• eine Eingangsschaltung, die mit einem Eingang des Operationsverstärkers gekoppelt ist, wobei der Eingang einen ersten Eingang und einen zweiten Eingang aufweist;
• eine Rückkopplungsschaltung, wobei die Rückkopplungsschaltung aufweist:
• einen ersten Rückkopplungsabschnitt, der mit einem ersten Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers und einem ersten Eingang des Operationsverstärkers gekoppelt ist, und
• einen zweiten Rückkopplungsabschnitt, der mit einem zweiten Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers und einem zweiten Eingang des Operationsverstärkers gekoppelt ist; und
• eine Überwachungsschaltung, die mit dem Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers gekoppelt ist, wobei die Überwachungsschaltung eingerichtet ist zum Ermitteln, ob eine Spannung eines Signals von dem Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers innerhalb mindestens eines vorbestimmten Spannungsbereichs ist.

Example 1C is a device comprising:

• an operational amplifier having an output having a first output and a second output;
• an input circuit coupled to an input of the operational amplifier, the input having a first input and a second input;
• a feedback circuit, the feedback circuit comprising:
• a first feedback section coupled to a first output of the operational amplifier and a first input of the operational amplifier, and
• a second feedback section connected to a second output of the operational amplifier kers and a second input of the operational amplifier; and
• a monitoring circuit coupled to the output of the operational amplifier, the monitoring circuit configured to determine whether a voltage of a signal from the output of the operational amplifier is within at least a predetermined voltage range.

Example 2C is the subject of Example 1C, wherein the device may further include an output circuit coupled to the output of the operational amplifier, wherein the analog processing circuitry may be coupled to the operational amplifier via the output circuit.

Example 3C is the subject of Example 1C or 2C, wherein the first feedback portion of the feedback circuit may be electrically independent of the second feedback portion of the feedback circuit.

Example 4C is the subject of any one of Examples 1C to 3C, wherein the monitoring circuit may be configured to compare the first output and the second output, respectively, to voltage levels defining the at least one predetermined voltage range.

Example 5C is the subject of any of Examples 1C through 4C, where the monitoring circuit may include one or more comparators coupled to the output of the operational amplifier and to a voltage source.

Example 6C is the subject of Example 5C, wherein the one or more comparators may include a first comparator and a second comparator coupled to the first output of the operational amplifier, the first and second comparators having a first and a second, respectively Voltage source are coupled, which define one of the at least one predetermined voltage range.

Example 7C is the subject of Example 5C or 6C, wherein the one or more comparators may include a third comparator and a fourth comparator coupled to the second output of the operational amplifier, the third and fourth comparators being coupled to third and fourth comparators, respectively fourth voltage source are coupled, which define another of the at least one predetermined voltage range.

Example 8C is the subject of any one of Examples 1C to 7C, wherein the monitoring circuit may be configured to transmit one or more status signals in response to determining that the voltage of the operational amplifier output is outside the predetermined range.

Example 9C is the subject matter of any one of Examples 1C to 8C, wherein the semiconductor integrated circuit device includes an analog signal processing circuit including the operational amplifier.

Example 10C is the subject of Example 9C, where the analog signal processing circuitry may be or include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Example 11C is the subject of example 9C or 10C, wherein the analog signal processing circuitry may be or include an integrator.

Example 12C is the subject of any one of Examples 9C through 11C, wherein the analog signal processing circuitry may be or include a differentiator.

Example 13C is the subject of any one of Examples 9C through 12C, wherein the analog processing circuitry may be or include a modulator.

Example 14C is the subject of any one of Examples 9C through 13C, wherein the analog processing circuitry may be or include a demodulator.

Example 15C is the subject of example 13C, where the modulator may be a delta-sigma modulator.

Example 16C is the subject of one of Examples 1C through 15C, where the first output may be a positive output of the operational amplifier and the second output may be a negative output of the operational amplifier.

Example 17C is the subject of one of Examples 1C through 16C, where the first input may be a negative input of the operational amplifier and the second input may be a positive input of the operational amplifier.

• Erhalten mindestens eines Ausgangssignals von einem Operationsverstärker, wobei der Operationsverstärker Teil einer Analogsignalverarbeitungs-Schaltung ist;
• Überwachen einer Spannung des Ausgangssignals von einer mit dem Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers gekoppelten Überwachungsschaltung, wobei das Überwachen ein Ermitteln aufweist, ob eine Spannung des Ausgangssignals von dem Operationsverstärker innerhalb mindestens eines vorbestimmten Spannungsbereichs ist; und
• Senden eines Statussignals oder mehrerer Statussignale von der Überwachungsschaltung in Reaktion auf das Ermitteln, dass die Spannung des Ausgangssignals außerhalb des mindestens einen vorbestimmten Bereichs ist.

Example 1D is a method comprising:

• obtaining at least one output signal from an operational amplifier, the operational amplifier being part of analog signal processing circuitry;
• monitoring a voltage of the output signal from a monitoring circuit coupled to the output of the operational amplifier, the monitoring comprising determining whether a voltage of the output signal from the operational amplifier is within at least a predetermined voltage range; and
• sending one or more status signals from the monitoring circuit in response to determining that the voltage of the output signal is outside the at least one predetermined range.

Example 2D is the subject matter of Example 1D, wherein the output signal may include a first output signal from a first output of the operational amplifier, wherein monitoring whether the voltage of the output signal from the operational amplifier is within at least a predetermined voltage range may include determining whether the first output signal is within a first predetermined voltage range.

Example 3D is the subject of Example 2D, wherein the output signal may include a second output signal from a second output of the operational amplifier, wherein monitoring whether the voltage of the output signal from the operational amplifier is within at least a predetermined voltage range may include determining whether the second output signal is within a second predetermined voltage range.

Example 4D is the subject of Example 2D or 3D, wherein determining whether the first output signal is within the first predetermined voltage range may include comparing the first output signal to one or more first voltage sources using a first comparator or first comparators, wherein the one or more first voltage sources can define the predetermined voltage range.

Example 5D is the subject of Example 3D or 4D, wherein determining whether the second output signal is within the second predetermined voltage range may include comparing the second output signal to one or more second voltage sources using a second comparator or second comparators, wherein the one or more second voltage sources can define the second predetermined voltage range.

Example 6D is the subject of any one of Examples 1D through 5D, wherein the analog signal processing circuitry may be or include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Example 7D is the subject of any one of Examples 1D through 6D, wherein the analog signal processing circuitry may be or include an integrator.

Example 8D is the subject of any one of Examples 1D through 7D, wherein the analog signal processing circuitry may be or include a differentiator.

Example 9D is the subject of any one of Examples 1D through 8D, wherein the analog processing circuitry may be or include a modulator.

Example 10D is the subject of any one of Examples 1D through 9D, wherein the analog processing circuitry may be or include a demodulator.

Example 11D is the subject of any one of Examples 1D through 10D, wherein the modulator may be or include a delta-sigma modulator.

Example 12D is the subject of example 3D, where the first output may be a positive op amp output and the second output may be a negative op amp output.

• einen ersten Rückkopplungsabschnitt, der mit einem ersten Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers und einem ersten Eingang des Operationsverstärkers gekoppelt ist, und
• einen zweiten Rückkopplungsabschnitt, der mit einem zweiten Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers und einem zweiten Eingang des Operationsverstärkers gekoppelt ist.

Example 13D is the subject of Example 12D, wherein the analog signal processing circuitry may include feedback circuitry that includes:

• a first feedback section coupled to a first output of the operational amplifier and a first input of the operational amplifier, and
• a second feedback section coupled to a second output of the operational amplifier and a second input of the operational amplifier.

• Mittel zum Erhalten eines Eingangssignals;
• Mittel zum analogen Signalverarbeiten des Eingangssignals; und
• Mittel zum Überwachen der Spannung des Eingangssignals, wobei das Mittel aufweist Mittel zum Ermitteln, ob eine Spannung des Eingangssignals innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Spannungsbereichs ist.

Example 1E is a device comprising:

• means for receiving an input signal;
• means for analog signal processing of the input signal; and
• Means for monitoring the voltage of the input signal, the means comprising means for determining whether a voltage of the input signal is within a predetermined voltage range.

• Mittel zum Erhalten eines Eingangssignals;
• einen Operationsverstärker, der einen Ausgang aufweist, der einen ersten Ausgang und einen zweiten Ausgang aufweist;
• Mittel zum Bereitstellen einer Rückkopplung zwischen einem Ausgang und einem Eingang des Operationsverstärkers;
• Mittel zum Überwachen einer Spannung eines Ausgangssignals des Operationsverstärkers, wobei das Mittel aufweist Mittel zum Ermitteln, ob eine Spannung des Ausgangssignals von dem Ausgang des Operationsverstärkers innerhalb mindestens eines vorbestimmten Spannungsbereichs ist.

Example 1E is a device comprising:

• means for receiving an input signal;
• an operational amplifier having an output having a first output and a second output;
• means for providing feedback between an output and an input of the operational amplifier;
• Means for monitoring a voltage of an output signal of the operational amplifier, the means comprising means for determining whether a voltage of the output signal from the output of the operational amplifier is within at least a predetermined voltage range.

It should be noted that one or more of the features of one of the above examples can be combined with one of the other examples as appropriate and appropriate.

The foregoing description has been given by way of example only and those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made without departing from the broader spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The scope of the disclosure is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims (9)

Device (300) comprising: an operational amplifier (350) having an output having a first output and a second output; an input circuit (310) coupled to an input of the operational amplifier (350), the input having a first input and a second input; a feedback circuit (315), the feedback circuit (315) comprising: a first feedback section (315a) coupled to a first output of the operational amplifier (350) and a first input of the operational amplifier (350), and a second feedback section (315b) coupled to a second output of the operational amplifier (350) and a second input of the operational amplifier (350); and a monitoring circuit coupled to the output of the operational amplifier (350), the monitoring circuit being configured to determine whether a voltage of a signal from the output of the operational amplifier (350) is within at least a predetermined voltage range, the monitoring circuit being configured to compare the signal of the first output and the signal of the second output each with voltage levels that define the at least one predetermined voltage range. Device (300) according to claim 1 , the apparatus (300) further comprising an output circuit (320) coupled to the output of the operational amplifier (350), wherein analog processing circuitry is coupled to the operational amplifier (350) via the output circuit (320). Device (300) according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first feedback section (315a) of the feedback circuit (315) is electrically independent of the second feedback section (315b) of the feedback circuit (315). Device (300) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 wherein the monitoring circuit comprises one or more comparators (360a-d) coupled to the output of the operational amplifier (350) and to a voltage source (370a-d). Device (300) according to claim 4 , wherein the one or more comparators (360a-d) comprise a first comparator (360a) and a second comparator (360b) coupled to the first output of the operational amplifier (350), the first and second comparators (360a , 360b) are each coupled to a first and a second voltage source (370a, 370b) defining one of the at least one predetermined voltage range. Device (300) according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the one or more comparators (360a-d) comprise a third comparator (360c) and a fourth comparator (360d) coupled to the second output of the operational amplifier (350), the third and fourth comparators (360c , 360d) are each coupled to third and fourth voltage sources (370c, 370d) defining another one of the at least one predetermined voltage range. Device (300) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the monitoring circuit is arranged to transmit one or more status signals in response to determining that the voltage of the output of the Opera tion amplifier (350) is outside the predetermined range. Device (300) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , wherein the apparatus (300) comprises analog processing circuitry comprising the operational amplifier (350). Device (300) according to claim 8 , wherein the analog processing circuit comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Images