Programmable Analog Subsystem Reconfiguration Without CPU Wake-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits rely on central processing unit (CPU) involvement for reconfiguring programmable analog blocks, leading to inefficient power management and delayed performance, especially in dynamic environments with frequent trigger events.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an autonomous reconfigurable low-power programmable analog subsystem (PASS) that can reconfigure itself independently of the CPU, using an autonomous controller to manage analog circuits and optimize power consumption based on trigger events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If CPU is involved in reconfiguring programmable analog blocks, then reconfiguration can be performed, but power consumption increases and response time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an autonomous controller within the analog subsystem that enables self-reconfiguration without CPU intervention. The controller monitors trigger events and automatically reconfigures analog blocks by modifying control signals, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for high-power CPU involvement in routine reconfiguration tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the system into independent functional segments: a low-power analog subsystem with its own autonomous controller, and a high-power CPU. This segmentation allows the analog subsystem to handle reconfiguration autonomously while the CPU remains in sleep mode, optimizing power distribution based on functional requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If CPU remains in sleep mode to save power, then energy consumption reduces, but task processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous controller enables the analog subsystem to perform reconfiguration tasks independently without requiring CPU wake-up. This self-service capability allows the CPU to remain in low-power sleep mode while the analog subsystem handles trigger events and reconfiguration, maintaining both power efficiency and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous controller acts as an intermediary between external trigger events and the analog blocks, handling reconfiguration tasks that would otherwise require CPU intervention. This intermediary enables the CPU to stay in sleep mode while still responding to dynamic conditions through the controller's autonomous actions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If analog blocks are made reconfigurable for multitask processing, then versatility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reconfigurable analog blocks that can perform multiple functions by changing their configuration state. The same physical analog blocks can be dynamically reconfigured to handle different signal processing tasks, measurement functions, or operational modes, providing universal functionality without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous controller automatically manages the complexity of reconfiguration by monitoring trigger events and independently adjusting analog block configurations. This self-service approach shields the system from complexity management overhead, as the controller handles configuration changes without requiring external intervention or complex control logic elsewhere in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations disclosed describe a programmable analog subsystem (PASS) having a plurality of reconfigurable analog circuits. The PASS may be coupled to an input/output device to receive an input signal and to an interface to communicate data with a central processing unit. A controller may be configured, based on a plurality of parameters stored at the controller, to configure the plurality of reconfigurable analog circuits into a first PASS state. The PASS may process the first input signal through the plurality of reconfigurable analog circuits in the first PASS state to generate a first output value based on the first input signal. Responsive to a trigger event, the controller may reconfigure the plurality of reconfigurable analog circuits into a second PASS state different from the first PASS state. The PASS may perform a function based on the first output value in the second PASS state.