DE4202260A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

For determining and setting parameters in a unit, on the one hand a plurality of parameters is to be permissible and on the other hand the number of connecting leads needed is to be reduced. According to the invention, the unit is to be operated optionally in a normal or an adjustment mode. In the normal mode internally generated and in the adjustment mode externally applied parameter signals are operative. The invention is preferably used in the optimisation of integrated circuits.

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of Claim 1 and a device according to the preamble of first property claim.

It is known that electrical or electronic assemblies Output signals depending on the parameters fed to them create. These are, for example, by the value of can be determined from voltage and / or current amplitude, the waveform, or the like, of a parameter signal defined that to a suitable parameter input of the Assembly is created.

On the one hand, it is conceivable that the Processing an input signal is affected, such as in the case of an amplifier in which the Gain factor, frequency response, etc. can be defined can. On the other hand, stages of the assembly can also be controlled be, which cause output signals, such as for example a timer.

In certain applications, the parameter signals are used to Assemblies of a single type on devices of different Adapt models. As an example, control circuits like be called electrical assembly in switching power supplies can be used for different televisions.

Usually, there are connection lines provided for this purpose or connection pins corresponding parameter signals to the parameter Input fed.

The generation of parameter signals outside the electrical Assembly requires that additional stages with appropriate  Connection and connecting lines provided Need to become.

It is the object of the present invention to make a determination of one or more parameters in an electrical Allow assembly, followed by a Parameter setting with as little effort as possible corresponding connecting lines.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to the first claim.

According to the invention, a set of one or more parameter Signals internally, i. H. within the electrical assembly, generated and during normal operation (normal mode) this block is fed to one or more parameter inputs, whereby a normal parameter set is determined.

The module is connected in switched to a setting mode in which the normal Parameter set is effective, but one or more parameter inputs connected to external connections are.

To the parameter inputs led to the outside are in a first embodiment parameter signals applied by external, d. H. funds outside the assembly be generated. The parameter signals can be varied and by comparing input and output signals a suitable parameter set can be determined.

After determining a desired parameter set, you can then the electrical assembly be designed so that it determined parameter set takes over as normal parameter set.

This has the advantage in particular in the case of mass production, that on the external wiring and also on the additional  connecting cables leading to the outside for the parameter signals and control signals can be omitted.

The electrical assembly is used as an integrated circuit realized, which is mounted in a corresponding housing, so this means that under certain circumstances for mass production a smaller housing shape with fewer connections than for the Trial operation can be used, which results in significant costs can be saved.

The assembly mentioned can therefore be used for different types of Devices, such as for power supplies for television sets, be created and by varying the parameters each be adjusted. This will reduce the development effort overall diminished.

In other embodiments, multiple sentences are used internally generated by parameters and via corresponding lines in the Setting mode led to the outside.

In a first of the further embodiments, in addition to a large number of lines to internal parameter inputs outside, with a parameter over each of these lines Signal is carried. Through external switching means each parameter input one of the desired internally generated Parameter signals are supplied.

So there are different ones at the same time or one after the other Parameter signal sets are available and can be changed by simple Switching means can be connected to the parameter inputs. This can result in a possibly improved parameter set already determined internally generated parameter signals will.

Does the parameter set determined in this way correspond to the normal parameter Sentence, so the external wiring can be omitted. Otherwise can be used for further operation, especially another  Test operation, through easy to design connections, for example by means of wire jumpers, which previously determined Parameters remain effective. Through these connections can on the use of external construction stages can be dispensed with.

In the aforementioned test operation for the module, for example an assembly and various function tests in a device to be created, such as one TV, a test under different temperature conditions or the like may be provided. Because in use the external construction stages are also subject to test operation, influences cannot be ruled out and this can falsify test results. Thus poses the waiver of the external stages of the assembly Setting a parameter set already in test mode an essential advantage.

It is also possible that an internal switching device is provided, which is controlled by the setting signals parameter parameters given in the setting mode connects the parameter input.

This solution has the advantage that the connections for the Parameter signals are omitted and thus the number of for Parameter determination required connections is low.

It is also possible to provide an internal memory which as a semiconductor memory such as ROM. RAM, EPROM, etc., or as a network of conductive elements like metal tracks, Resistors, diodes, etc., can be designed, and the Switching state of the switching device controls. So that will also in normal mode the normal parameter set above this Changeover switch fed to the parameter input.

Such a configuration allows a diverse Use of the electrical assembly, especially if the internal memory also on optical, electrical, magnetic  and / or can be influenced electromagnetic and thus simple external connections even in test mode can be omitted.

Depending on the design of the electrical assembly and from their area of application the parameter signals, the Switching signal and / or setting signals that are not at the same time corresponding external signal signals Control process, via electrical, electromagnetic, optical connecting lines or other means be performed.

It should be noted that the value of a parameter at one by the value of the corresponding parameter signal, which can be defined on the basis of signal quantities, such as, for example Voltage, current amplitude, signal form, phase position, Frequency or the like, but also, in addition, in addition or instead, by choosing the parameter input can be specified.

Further features, advantages and details of the invention are in the following embodiments with reference to Drawing explained. It shows

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows the flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method,

Fig. 3-5 are block diagrams of embodiments of a second embodiment of the erfindugnsgemäßen device.

Before proceeding to the description of the exemplary embodiments is received, it should be noted that the in the Figures individually shown blocks only for the better Understand the invention. May be single  or several of these blocks combined into units. These can be integrated or hybrid technology or as program-controlled microcomputer, or as part of a program suitable for its control.

However, the elements contained in the individual stages can can also be carried out separately.

In the following, means and waveforms are the same Meanings in the figures with the same reference symbols provided and on it, once described were included in the further description only to the extent as it is for understanding the present invention necessary is.

Fig. 1 shows an electrical assembly 10 , which can be implemented as an integrated circuit, hybrid circuit, SMD circuit or other self-contained circuit and has outward leading connecting lines 11 , hereinafter also called connecting pins, one of which is in the upper one and the lower area of the electrical assembly 10 is marked.

The function of the assembly 10 is essentially carried out by the function group 12 , which in this exemplary embodiment has three function inputs 13 a, 13 b, 13 c and three function outputs 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, each of which is connected to one of the connection pins 11 . Furthermore, the function group 12 has a plurality of parameter inputs 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, each of which is connected to an output of a mode switch 16 .

The inputs of the mode switch 16 are connected to a parameter stage 18 , which in this exemplary embodiment outputs a set of three normal parameters.

The mode switch 16 and an external parameter switch 17 are controlled by an electronic control unit 20 by means of a control signal EM. The switch 17 is arranged between the parameter outputs of the control device 20 and the parameter input 15 .

Furthermore, the control device 20 is connected to the function inputs 13 and the function outputs 14 .

Operating states and results of parameter determinations can be displayed on a display device 21 . This can be implemented, for example, as a simple lamp, as an alpha-numerical display or the like.

The function of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 is shown in the flow chart of FIG. 2.

After the method for determining parameters has been started in step 100 , a signal EM is emitted by the electronic control device 20 to the control input of the switch 16 and that of the switch 17 in step 110 , which switches from the normal mode to the setting mode (the corresponding Position of the switches 16, 17 is shown in Fig. 1). This has the effect that the parameter inputs 15 are each connected to one of the parameter outputs of the control unit 20 . In step 120, the electronic control device 20 outputs input signals to the function inputs 13 and then receives output signals via the function outputs 14 . If the values of the output signals lie within predetermined limits, which are referred to here as the target value TARGET, this is determined in step 130 and the method is ended with step 140 , the result display.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 130 that the output signal of the function group 12 is not within predetermined limits, the value of at least one of the parameter signals output by the control unit 20 is changed, which is indicated here as P = P + 1.

On the one hand, the determination of target values or predetermined limits can be carried out, for example, using an input device (not shown). An independent optimal parameter determination by the control device 20 is also conceivable.

The direct evaluation of the output signal by the electronic control unit 20 is merely to be regarded as an example. If the electrical assembly is to interact with another device, the output signal can be supplied to this device and the control unit 20 is supplied with operating variables detected by sensors, not shown. These are evaluated and then regulated by the selection of parameters.

Figs. 3-5 show embodiments of a second embodiment, which essentially differs with respect to the first Ausührungsbeispiel that the parameters used in the setting signals are generated internally. For the sake of clarity, only one function input, one function output and one parameter input are shown in the further description. However, it goes without saying that, as in the first exemplary embodiment, a plurality of inputs and outputs can be provided, the number of which can be different. Several sets of parameter signals can also be provided.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the parameter stage 18 is designed as a chain of resistors, which is connected between an operating voltage U + and ground and the parameter taps 18 a,. . ., 18 d.

In normal mode, one of the parameter taps, in this example tap 18 c, is connected via a first input of switch 16 to parameter input 15 .

A second input of the mode switch 16 leads via one of the connection pins 11 to the output of a parameter switch 17 .

Each of the signal taps 18 a,. . ., 18 d is connected to one of the switching inputs of a signal switch 19 , each of which is assigned a switching contact. When the switch contacts of the switch 19 are closed, each of the parameter signals of the taps 18 is connected via one of the connection pins 11 to one input of the parameter switch 17 .

The control inputs of the mode switch 16 and the signal switch 18 are connected to one another and connected via one of the connection pins 11 to an electronic control device 20 which switches the switches 16, 19 together or on by the signal EM. The electronic control unit 20 is also connected to the control input of the parameter switch 17 and controls it by a parameter switch signal P '. Furthermore, the electronic control unit 20 outputs input signals for the function group 12 and is connected to its output via a connecting pin 11 , so that corresponding output signals can be evaluated.

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment. It is essential compared to the embodiment of FIG. 3 that the parameter switch 17 is realized as part of the electrical assembly 10 . On the one hand, this eliminates the signal switch 19 and the number of connection pins 11 required thereby. The switch signal P 'is thus supplied via one of the connection pins 11 in the electrical assembly 10 and the switching input of the switch 17 .

The switch 17 can be designed such that it maintains its last switching state even when it receives no signal P 'from the control unit 20 or is no longer connected to it.

Fig. 5 shows the block diagram of a third embodiment. It is essential compared to the previously described exemplary embodiments that, even in normal mode, the desired parameter signal is fed to the parameter input 15 of the function group 12 via the parameter switch 17 , which is implemented here as part of the electrical assembly 10 , and this is supplied by the signal of a memory 22 is controlled.

When the setting mode is initiated, the mode switch 16 is activated such that it separates the control input of the switch 17 from the output of the memory 22 and instead the parameter switchover signal P 'is supplied to the control input of the switch 17 .

The memory 22 can be designed, for example, as a semiconductor memory, such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, etc., or as a network of conductive elements, such as metal tracks, resistors and / or diodes.

The operation of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS . 3 to 5 correspond to the flow chart as shown in FIG. 2 if the parameter switchover signal P 'is set instead of the parameter signal P.

A system is thus presented according to the invention in which a normal mode and a setting mode can be selected. In the setting mode can be caused by the externally applied signals EM, P, or P 'that other parameters than in normal mode take effect and it can also by comparing with the output signal of function group 12 to the most suitable parameter or parameter set getting closed.

A preferred application is that only for the test phase of a device whose function is influenced by the electrical assembly 10 , this device has additional connection pins in order to determine optimal parameters.

After determining the suitable parameters, a new version of the module 10 is created in such a way that these parameters are already effective as normal parameters at the parameter input 15 in the normal mode and the additional connection pins can be omitted.

For this purpose, metal tracks can be connected to one another in a suitable manner, for example in accordance with the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is also possible to redetermine accessible contacting areas, which can be done when the electrical assembly 10 is implemented as an integrated circuit, for example by correspondingly modified photo or etching processes of metal tracks, protective and / or insulation layers.

In an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, data are to be stored in the memory 22 in such a way that the changeover switch 17 is controlled in accordance with the normal parameter.

The memory 22 , which can be designed as a semiconductor memory or as a network of conductive elements, can be programmed either during the test phase via a suitable connection pin or by designing a new design for the module 10 .

Claims (10)

1. A method for determining parameters in an electrical assembly, the operation of which is influenced by the value of the parameters, characterized in that during a normal mode, a set and stored within the electrical assembly of one or more normal parameters is effective that a setting mode is effected, and that one or more parameters can be changed in the setting mode. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized marked that during the setting mode Parameter signals of different values and one or several parameter inputs to external means be performed and that by external wiring of the Parameter input with the named parameter signals the desired parameter is determined. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized characterized that an internal parameter input by switching with predefined switching states Parameter signals supplied with specified values can be and that during the setting mode corresponding parameters can be set. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized characterized in that the switching state in Normal mode controlled by data from an internal memory becomes. 5. Device for determining parameters in an electrical assembly ( 10 ), the functioning of which is influenced by the value of the parameters which are supplied to one or more corresponding parameter inputs ( 15 ), characterized in that a fixedly predetermined and within the electrical assembly ( 10 ) stored set of one or more normal parameters is effective that control means ( 20 ) are provided which supply the electrical assembly ( 10 ) with a changeover signal (EM), whereupon a setting mode is effected, and that the control means ( 20 ) during the setting mode cause parameter signals of different values to be fed to the parameter input ( 15 ) as a function of function output signals. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that switching means ( 16, 19 ) are provided which are controlled by a changeover signal (EM), internally generated parameter signals of various values during the setting mode and an internal parameter input ( 15 ) leading to the outside Place means ( 11 ) and that the desired parameter is determined by externally connecting the parameter input with the parameter signals. 7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that an internal parameter input ( 15 ) by switching with predetermined switching states, parameter signals of predetermined values are supplied and corresponding parameters are thereby set during the setting mode, the switching state being determined by the setting signals. 8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the switching state in normal mode is controlled by data of an internal memory ( 22 ). 9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the Changeover signal, the parameter signals and / or the setting signals managed through external means that are after an electrical, magnetic and / or optical processes work. 10. Use of the method according to one of claims 1 to 4 or the device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that after Determining the desired parameters further patterns of electrical assembly with one or more modified Normal parameters are manufactured without those for Changeover signals, parameter signals and / or the setting signals required external funds.