GreenPAK™ is an ideal solution for a fully customizable system reset IC. Since electronics containing complex, code-based Integrated Circuits (ICs) are prone to lock-ups, it can lead to a degraded user experience, damaged components, safety concerns and, ultimately, lower sales. Adding an additional layer of stability to systems is made easy with GreenPAK’s programmable digital and analog components, available in incredibly small packages. Since GreenPAK is entirely implemented in hardware, there is never any worry of lock-ups or missed events.
GreenPAK can support these common methods for system reset including:
- Single Button / Dual Button Manual Reset
- Watchdog Supervisor
- Over- and Under-Voltage Monitor
GreenPAK Benefits for Any Reset Circuit
GreenPAK Enhances System Stability
- No code to avoid errors, hang-ups, or missed reset events
- 100% hardware to ensure stability
GreenPAK Reduces Board Size
- Being as small as 1.2 mm² it is a perfect solution for mobile and wearable electronics.
GreenPAK Lowers Power Consumption
- GreenPAK is asynchronous and responds instantly to provide the best user experience
- Low power consumption in static mode
- Fast Response Time
GreenPAK Offers Configurable Reset Pulse Time
- GreenPAK flexible timing adjusts to various microcontroller reset pulse widths
GreenPAK Maximizes GPIO Flexibility
- Flexible signal routing – PCB layout and routing
- Configurable I/O - Pull-up/down resistors
- Customizable logic– Active-low/high
Manual Reset
Typically used in handheld devices or laptops with non-removable batteries, manual reset relies on user triggered events. This improves user experience as frequent, unexpected reset events can be frustrating.
- Single Button – Holding a single button for a specified time
- Dual Button – Holding two buttons simultaneously for a specified time
Key Design Considerations
Button Configuration – Configurable pull-up / pull-down resistors on GreenPAK’s GPIO make implementing any button configuration a snap.
De-glitch – Physical buttons are glitchy, but with GreenPAK digital deglitching and setup time are taken care of by a single delay.
Setup Time (t-setup) – Delays are often built in so accidental presses do not trigger a reset. Using one of GreenPAK’s integrated CNT/DLY blocks, setup time can range from milliseconds to seconds.
GreenPAK Dual Button Implementation
Watchdog Supervisor
MCUs or DSPs sometimes send a watchdog pulse which indicate normal operation. Using GreenPAK to monitor this pulse can ensure a reset signal is sent if the MCU experiences a lock-up or erratic behavior.
Key Design Considerations
Watchdog Timing - Different MCUs will send a watchdog pulse at different regular intervals. GreenPAK’s fully configurable CNT/DLY blocks provide flexibility to work with a wide range of watchdog window configurations.
GreenPAK WDT Implementation
Voltage Monitor
Ideal for systems that operate on low-voltage supply rails and have narrow margin supply tolerances, GreenPAK can monitor supply or sensor voltage.
Key Design Considerations
Over-voltage/Under-voltage Threshold – Supply tolerances vary, but using GreenPAK with integrated ACMPs can trigger a reset over a wide range of user specified conditions
Time Sensitive Voltage Limits – Varying periods of voltages outside the limit may be tolerable for some systems. GreenPAK’s configurable CNT/DLY blocks can be used to reject reset
Hysteresis – Returning to nominal voltage may incorporate hysteresis. GreenPAK’s ACMPs can be configured with 25, 50, or 200 mV hysteresis
GreenPAK Under-voltage Implementation
Resource Utilization
GreenPAK can often implement multiple functions in one small device. This isn’t limited to reset or supervisory applications. Just one GreenPAK device can implement glue logic, timing adjustment, reset, power sequencing, LED control and more depending on design requirements and resource configuration. Here is a rough guide of resource utilization when implementing different types of reset functions in our smallest GreenPAK devices. Larger GreenPAK devices can also implement these functions, and can bring more value to a design when additional functions are integrated.
GreenPAK Reset IC Demo Board available for purchase. Please email us at [email protected] to learn more details.
