Ground disconnect detection for multiple voltage domains
AssigneeAllegro MicroSystems, LLC
InventorRobert A. Briano
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for an IC package having an impedance detector module configured to have: a first connection to a first external energy source via a first IO pin of the IC package and a second connection to a detection component. In embodiments, the detection component is configured for connection to a first ground for the first external energy source via a second IO pin of the IC package, and to a barrier component, which is configured for connection to a second ground for a second external energy source via a third IO pin of the IC package. The impedance detector module is configured to detect a disconnection or degradation of a connection to ground.
Claims33
An IC package, comprising:
- an impedance detector module configured to have:
- a first connection to a first external energy source via a first IO pin of the IC package;
- a second connection to a detection component, which is configured for connection to a first ground for the first external energy source via a second IO pin of the IC package, and to a barrier component, which is configured for connection to a second ground for a second external energy source via a third IO pin of the IC package.
A method, comprising:
- for an IC package, employing:
- an impedance detector module configured to have:
- a first connection to a first external energy source via a first IO pin of the IC package;
- a second connection to a detection component, which is configured for connection to a first ground for the first external energy source via a second IO pin of the IC package, and to a barrier component, which is configured for connection to a second ground for a second external energy source via a third IO pin of the IC package.
An IC package, comprising:
- an impedance detector means for connecting to a first external energy source via a first IO pin of the IC package and for connection to a detection component, which is configured for connection to a first ground for the first external energy source via a second IO pin of the IC package, and to a barrier component, which is configured for connection to a second ground for a second external energy source via a third IO pin of the IC package;
- and
- a fourth IO pin configured for connection to the second external energy source,
- wherein the impedance detector means includes a threshold detector for detecting a level on the second connection that is above or below a given threshold due to a disconnection in continuity of a path to the second ground.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.