Byte Enable Signal Generation for Hardware Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In circuit systems, data format incompatibility between different integrated circuits, particularly between old peripheral controlling circuits and new processors, limits the functionality and compatibility of data transmission, as the command formats may not be compatible, leading to unsuccessful command reception and execution.
Innovation Solution
A controlling apparatus with a storage device and a controlling circuit that determines the Byte Enable property of slave processing circuits based on assigned address ranges and generates compatible Byte Enable signals, allowing for the transmission of data signals with appropriate Byte Enable formats to ensure compatibility between different integrated circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transmission is performed between different versions of integrated circuits, then data transmission capability is improved, but compatibility between different hardware versions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a format converting circuit as an intermediary component between the processor and peripheral controlling circuit. This converter receives data in one format (e.g., first Byte Enable format from new processor) and converts it to another format (e.g., second Byte Enable format for old peripheral circuit), enabling communication between incompatible hardware versions without requiring both devices to support the same format
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data format parameter (Byte Enable format) dynamically based on the hardware version being communicated with. The system detects the version of the peripheral controlling circuit and adjusts the Byte Enable format accordingly, transforming the same data transmission mechanism to work with different hardware versions by modifying its format parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If format converting circuits are added to ensure compatibility, then compatibility between different hardware versions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the format converting circuit with the existing data transmission pathway between the processor and peripheral controlling circuit. Rather than adding a completely separate conversion system, the converter is integrated into the bus interface layer, combining multiple functions (data routing, format conversion, and protocol handling) into a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If format converting circuits are used to ensure compatibility, then compatibility between different hardware versions is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the format converting circuit with universal functionality that can handle multiple Byte Enable formats (first format, second format, and potentially other formats). This multi-functional converter can serve different hardware versions through a single component design, eliminating the need to manufacture separate conversion circuits for each hardware version combination, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling apparatus includes: a storage device arranged for storing at least one Byte Enable property compatible to a processing device; and a controlling circuit coupled to the storage device for generating at least one Byte Enable signal to the processing device according to the Byte Enable property compatible with the processing device.