ADC Controller Context Sequencing for Multi-Channel Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional analog-to-digital converter (ADC) controllers face inefficiencies when handling multiple input signals from different applications, requiring time-consuming reprogramming and increased overhead due to the need for CPU involvement and memory-intensive parameter data movement.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of configurable contexts within ADC controllers allows for automated, core-independent conversions by configuring and saving contexts associated with specific input channels, enabling programmed sequences that access and save contexts without CPU data transfer, thereby reducing overhead and enabling instantaneous switching between contexts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ADC controllers handle multiple input signals from different applications, then the ADC controller can support multiple applications, but CPU involvement and memory usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle multiple input signalsVSAvoidCPU involvement and memory usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ADC controller functionality by creating multiple independent contexts, where each context contains a complete set of parameters for a specific application. This allows the controller to switch between applications by selecting different contexts without requiring CPU intervention to reprogram parameters, thus supporting multiple applications while reducing CPU involvement and memory usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple contexts with all necessary parameters before runtime. Each context is prepared in advance with application-specific settings, allowing the ADC controller to instantly switch between applications by activating pre-configured contexts without requiring real-time CPU reprogramming or data movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ADC controllers reprogram for each input channel, then they can adapt to different applications, but time-consuming reprogramming increases overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidreprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple contexts with all necessary parameters before runtime. Each context is prepared in advance with application-specific settings, allowing the ADC controller to instantly switch between applications by activating pre-configured contexts without requiring real-time CPU reprogramming or data movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating multiple context structures that replicate the complete parameter set needed for ADC operation. Instead of reprogramming individual parameters, the system copies entire context blocks between different operational states, enabling rapid switching between applications without time-consuming sequential reprogramming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If multiple input channels are converted, then more applications can be supported, but overhead for the ADC controller increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of input channels convertedVSAvoidoverhead for ADC controller

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a context structure that can be reused across multiple applications. The same context framework handles different input channels and applications, with each context being a self-contained unit that can be activated as needed. This multi-functional design allows the ADC controller to support multiple applications through a unified mechanism rather than requiring separate processing paths for each channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11101812B2Analog-to-digital converter controllers including configurable contexts

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Various embodiments relate to analog-to-digital converter (ADC) controllers. An ADC controller may include a number of contexts configured for coupling to an ADC, wherein each context having at least one register for storing at least one configurable parameter. The ADC controller may also include a sequencer operatively coupled to the number of contexts and configured to perform a programmed conversion sequence based on one or more configurable parameters of one or more contexts of the number of contexts. Methods of performing an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion sequence, and methods of configuring a number of contexts for an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) controller, are also disclosed.