Programmable Analog Block Reconfiguration Without CPU Bottlenecks

Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption due to the need for multitask processing and compact form factors, where analog blocks require reconfiguration to optimize energy use independently of the central processing unit (CPU).

Innovation Solution

A programmable analog subsystem (PASS) with autonomous reconfiguration capabilities allows analog blocks to change operating modes without CPU intervention, using an always-on autonomous controller (AOAC) to dynamically adjust configurations based on input signals, facilitating efficient power management and concurrent task processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the central processing unit (CPU) reconfigures analog blocks, then the system can adapt to different processing tasks, but the CPU becomes a bottleneck and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalog block reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidtask execution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the reconfiguration control function from the CPU by introducing an autonomous controller dedicated to managing analog block configurations. This segmentation allows the CPU to focus on digital processing while the autonomous controller handles analog reconfiguration independently, eliminating the CPU bottleneck and enabling parallel operation of digital and analog task execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous controller enables the analog subsystem to reconfigure itself without requiring CPU intervention. The controller monitors system state and automatically adjusts analog block configurations based on current processing requirements, allowing the analog subsystem to serve itself and eliminating waiting time for CPU availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the central processing unit (CPU) reconfigures analog blocks, then the system can adapt to different processing tasks, but power consumption increases due to CPU involvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalog block reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the reconfiguration control function from the CPU by introducing an autonomous controller dedicated to managing analog block configurations. This segmentation allows the CPU to focus on digital processing while the autonomous controller handles analog reconfiguration independently, eliminating the CPU bottleneck and enabling parallel operation of digital and analog task execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous controller enables the analog subsystem to reconfigure itself without requiring CPU intervention. The controller monitors system state and automatically adjusts analog block configurations based on current processing requirements, allowing the analog subsystem to serve itself and eliminating waiting time for CPU availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If analog blocks are reconfigured dynamically, then multitask processing efficiency improves, but the complexity of the reconfiguration control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultitask processing efficiencyVSAvoidreconfiguration control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous controller serves as an intermediary between the CPU and analog blocks, simplifying the control architecture. Instead of the CPU directly managing complex reconfiguration sequences, the autonomous controller handles the intricate details of analog block reconfiguration, presenting a simplified interface to the CPU while managing the complexity internally through dedicated control logic and state machine implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12470216B2System and method for configuring programmable analog block

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AMERICAS CORP

AI summary

One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods are provided. In an example of the techniques presented herein, a system comprises a first input terminal and a first programmable analog block configured according to a first configuration. A controller is configured to reconfigure the first programmable analog block according to a second configuration different than the first configuration based on a first signal received at the first input terminal.