Automated Electronics Design With Compatibility-Based Port Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Engineering Design Automation tools require manual configuration of physical connections between electronic components, lack the capability to automatically identify compatible hardware components, and face inefficiencies in solving the non-deterministic polynomial-time hard problem of selecting a set of hardware components, leading to lengthy computation times.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that automates the electronics design process by querying a database with query parameters, identifying compatible hardware components, assigning port types, and applying a port allocation algorithm to resolve connections efficiently, using algorithms like Edmonds-Karp and greedy algorithms to reduce search options and complete computations in seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated component selection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for sophisticated algorithms and database systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the component selection process into distinct modules: database querying module, compatibility checking module, port allocation module, and conflict resolution module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the selection process, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary data structures and algorithms that mediate between the user's high-level specifications and the detailed hardware component selection. The port allocation algorithm acts as an intermediary that automatically resolves the complex mappings between component ports and connection requirements without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If comprehensive compatibility checking is performed, then reliability is improved, but computation time increases due to the non-deterministic polynomial-time hard nature of the problem
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and storing compatibility information in a structured database during system initialization. Component specifications, port types, and compatibility rules are pre-validated and organized before actual component selection occurs, enabling rapid querying and comparison during the selection process without performing exhaustive checks from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex compatibility checking problem by changing parameters from checking all possible component combinations to checking against pre-defined compatibility criteria stored in the database. The system uses parameter-based filtering (category types, port types, electrical characteristics) to reduce the search space while maintaining comprehensive compatibility verification.
3Device complexity
If manual configuration is required, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to lengthy manual setup processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling automated component selection and configuration without requiring manual expert intervention. The algorithm autonomously queries the database, evaluates compatibility, allocates ports, and resolves conflicts based on the specifications provided by the user, making the system serve itself in the complex selection and configuration tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual configuration process with an automated computational system. Instead of manually examining component specifications and making selection decisions, the system uses computer-based algorithms to automatically perform querying, comparison, selection, and configuration, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical/computational processes.
4Manufacturing precision
If exhaustive component search is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved in terms of finding the best match, but loss of time increases due to searching through large databases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by focusing the search on components that match the specific local requirements of each connection point. Instead of searching the entire database uniformly, the algorithm queries for components with specific category types and characteristics relevant to each port's electrical and functional requirements, finding the best local match without exhaustive global search.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent improves search efficiency by changing the search parameters from exhaustive enumeration to targeted querying based on electrical characteristics, category types, and compatibility criteria. The system transforms the search problem into a parameter-based filtering and ranking task, where components are retrieved and evaluated based on relevant parameters rather than checking all possible components.
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods are provided for automated system design. The system receives input requirements and applies an algorithm to automatically identify hardware components that satisfy the requirements. The recommended components are presented in a graphical user interface. If there are no hardware components to satisfy the design, then the system presents error messages.