Abstract
This publication describes systems and techniques for initiating power cycling of an electronic device, rather than just resetting the electronic device, via a single, user-accessible reset button. For example, an electronic device that includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) may be modified by adding a power cycling circuit that is activated by a reset button that conventionally would apply a reset signal to the MCU. Responsive to activation of the reset button, the power cycling circuit disables one or more power regulators that supply power to the MCU, disconnecting the MCU from power. Disconnecting and reconnecting the MCU from power results in power cycling that may overcome a latch-up state or other inoperative condition that may cause the MCU to be unresponsive to the reset signal. Thus, the power cycling circuit enables the MCU to recover from an inoperative condition when it may be impractical or impossible to otherwise disconnect the MCU from power to initiate power cycling. In aspects, the power cycling circuit involves adding only a few additional components, such as one or more resistors, capacitors, and/or diodes. In further aspects, with the addition of a few other components the power cycling circuit may allow a user to either apply the reset signal to the MCU and/or initiate power cycling of the MCU.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Ding, Yao and Tseng, Yung-Ching, "Microcontroller Unit Allowing Power Cycling Via Existing Reset Button", Technical Disclosure Commons, (November 13, 2025)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/8868