Configuration Pin Resistance Detection for Flexible IC Boot Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pin-constrained integrated circuits face limitations in configuration flexibility due to the finite number of pins, leading to increased complexity and cost when additional pins are used for configuration, and existing methods like resistive detection schemes offer limited configuration options without the ability to reconfigure after initial setup.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism using an external memory device connected via resistors to configuration pins allows for multiple configurations to be loaded onto the integrated circuit without requiring additional pins, leveraging resistive detection to trigger configuration retrieval from the memory based on detected resistance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins are used for configuration, then configuration flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration pin serves multiple functions: it is used for both normal I2C communication and for resistive detection to select configuration modes. The pin can detect resistance values to determine whether to operate in internal configuration mode or external configuration mode, eliminating the need for dedicated configuration pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (resistance) detected at the configuration pin to encode configuration mode selection. By detecting different resistance values (e.g., first resistance value vs. second resistance value), the system determines whether to load configuration from internal memory or external memory device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins are used for configuration, then configuration flexibility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration pin is reused for both standard I2C operations and configuration mode selection through resistive detection. This multi-functional approach reduces the total pin count required, lowering manufacturing costs without sacrificing configuration flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resistive detection is used for configuration selection, then configuration options are limited, but reconfiguration after initial setup is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is pre-loaded into internal memory during manufacturing. The resistive detection mechanism then selects whether to use this pre-loaded configuration or override it with external configuration data, enabling both initial setup and later reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between static internal configuration and dynamic external configuration based on the detected resistance value. This allows the device to adapt its configuration source at runtime, enabling reconfiguration capabilities while maintaining a simple detection mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances configuration flexibility and reduces complexity and cost by allowing multiple configurations without additional pins, providing secure and adaptable settings that can be updated later, while maintaining compatibility with existing interfaces like I2C.
Implementation Method 1
configuration circuitry to determine a resistance value between the configuration pin and a reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
In an example there is provided a configurable integrated circuit. The configurable integrated circuit comprises a configuration pin, configuration circuitry, and a controller. The configuration pin is for coupling with an external memory device. The configuration circuitry is to determine a resistance value between the configuration pin and a reference voltage. The controller configured to select a configuration mode for the integrated circuit based on the resistance value determined by the configuration circuitry. The configuration mode is one of an internal configuration mode in which the integrated circuit is configured based on data stored in the integrated circuit, and an external configuration mode in which the integrated circuit is configured based on data read from an external memory device coupled to the configuration pin.