Programmable Analog Block Calibration Using On-Chip Routing Fabric
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable system-on-a-chip calibration methods require external components and are inflexible, prohibiting dynamic calibration and increasing power consumption due to reliance on microcontrollers and flash memory.
Innovation Solution
A system-on-a-chip that calibrates programmable analog blocks without external components, utilizing a programmable routing fabric, non-volatile memory cells, and a microcontroller to perform dynamic iterative calibration algorithms, allowing calibration during operation and reducing power consumption by using NV latches for storing calibrated values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external calibration circuitry is used to calibrate programmable analog blocks, then calibration can be performed, but the system requires additional external components and increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration functionality is extracted from external circuitry and integrated directly into the programmable analog blocks on the chip. The calibration logic and control mechanisms are embedded within the analog blocks themselves, eliminating the need for separate external calibration components while maintaining full calibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration circuitry is merged with the programmable analog blocks by implementing shared control logic and data pathways. The routing fabric serves dual purposes by enabling both normal analog signal routing and calibration data transfer, combining multiple functions into unified circuitry.
2Reliability
If microcontroller and flash memory are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable analog blocks perform calibration autonomously using embedded control logic within the blocks themselves. The blocks can initiate and execute calibration routines without requiring the microcontroller to be active, enabling self-calibration that consumes minimal power by avoiding the activation of high-power components like flash memory and the microcontroller CPU.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration is performed periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, and can be executed during low-power states when the microcontroller is inactive. The system allows calibration to occur at appropriate intervals without requiring continuous operation of power-intensive calibration components.
3Reliability
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but dynamic calibration during operation is prohibited
Solution Approach 1:
The routing fabric is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to switch between normal operational routing and calibration routing during system operation. This dynamic reconfiguration enables calibration to be performed at any time without requiring system shutdown or mode changes, making the calibration process adaptable to real-time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing fabric serves multiple functions by being capable of both normal analog signal routing during operation and calibration data routing when needed. This multi-functional design allows the same physical infrastructure to support both operational and calibration modes without requiring separate dedicated pathways.
4Reliability
If flash memory is used to store calibration values, then calibration data can be stored, but the system requires additional external components and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data storage function is extracted from external flash memory and implemented using on-chip non-volatile memory cells. These memory cells are integrated directly into the programmable analog blocks, eliminating the need for separate flash memory components while maintaining non-volatile storage capability for calibration values.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the calibration of a programmable system-on-a-chip is described. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a system that calibrates a programmable analog block in a system-on-a-chip without the use of external components.