The IIS Chip Gallery
Addict (1995)
by
| Application | Fun |
| Technology | 1200 |
| Manufacturer | VLSI Tech |
| Type | Semester Thesis |
| Package | LCC68 |
| Dimensions | 3800μm x 3800μm |
| Gates | 6 kGE |
| Voltage | 5 V |
| Power | 40 mW(2.4576MHz, 5V) |
| Clock | 2.4576 MHz |
The Maerklin digital model railway system combines power supply and information transmission over the tracks. The engines decode the information and adjust speed and functions, when they are addressed. By using such digital coding many different trains can be controlled independently on the same track. One of the remaining problems in sucha system are stop signals. Usually they are realized by an isolated block, the power of which is shut odwn whenever the signal is turned red. Because this would lead to abrupt stops due to the motor control electronics, this is not an acceptable solution. In addition, the engine will ooose its stored information like speed, acceleration, or breaking actions if the power is off for a longer period.
The ASIC chip takes control of such an isolated block. It is connected to teh external track system and gets power and information from there. The information signal is being decoded, processed and passed over to the isolated block.
Trains entering such a block are slowed down continously and stopped in front of the red signal. In addition a 'speed limit' can be implemented. Besides generating the power of the block the chip can also control two signals and railroad switches. A power save mode allows to store the state information even when the external power is lost.
The name addict stands for: "ADvanced DIigital Railway ConTroller".
Robert and Michael later went on to found Miromico.