Auxiliary Control Board Interface for IC Configuration and Debugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing configuration modes for configurable integrated circuits, such as JTAG, require specialized hardware and cables, leading to increased complexity, scalability issues, and limited bandwidth, making them unsuitable for mass deployment and debugging.

Innovation Solution

A modular auxiliary control board with integrated configuration and diagnostic functions, including a microcontroller, power sequencing, telemetry, and security, which simplifies configuration and debugging by eliminating the need for specialized cables and scaling across platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If JTAG configuration mode is used, then configuration capability is provided, but device complexity and cable requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration capability from the main integrated circuit and places it on a separate auxiliary control board. This separation allows the main IC to focus on its primary function while the auxiliary board handles configuration tasks, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating the need for specialized JTAG cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary control board is designed to perform multiple functions including configuration, debugging, and monitoring. By making the auxiliary board universal rather than specialized for a single configuration task, the system achieves versatility without requiring multiple specialized components or cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If dedicated configuration hardware is used, then configuration precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration system is segmented into modular components: the auxiliary control board with configuration logic, the platform baseboard with necessary interfaces, and the integrated circuit. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining configuration precision through their coordinated interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If specialized cables are used for configuration, then configuration reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration reliabilityVSAvoidcable complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary control board acts as an intermediary between the host system and the integrated circuit. It provides reliable configuration capability through standard interfaces and protocols, eliminating the need for specialized configuration cables while maintaining reliability through the board's controlled environment and proper signal routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If JTAG interface is used, then debugging capability is provided, but bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging capabilityVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical JTAG interface with an electronic communication interface on the auxiliary control board. This substitution enables higher bandwidth communication for configuration and debugging operations while maintaining the essential debugging capability, as the electronic interface can transmit data at much higher speeds than the serial JTAG protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12541235B2Systems and methods with auxiliary control boards having interface devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

A circuit system includes a platform baseboard, an integrated circuit coupled to the platform baseboard, and an auxiliary control board mounted on the platform baseboard. The auxiliary control board includes an interface device that is in communication with the integrated circuit through the platform baseboard. The auxiliary control board can perform power sequencing functions for the circuit system. The auxiliary control board can also perform telemetry gathering, hardware security functions, and configuration of the integrated circuit.