Configurable Electronic Control Logic for Multi-State Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional logic circuits controlling electronic devices are complex and expensive to design, requiring significant rework for changes in operational states or customer-specific configurations, as they lack re-configurability.
Innovation Solution
A configurable controller system that uses input identifiers to map reference signals to control outputs, employing multiplexers and reference sources like registers or logic circuits to establish operational states without needing new logic circuits, allowing for easy alteration of control signals to change operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional logic circuits are used to control operational states of electronic devices, then the device can achieve stable operational control, but the design becomes complex and expensive with poor re-configurability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic controller architecture where the control logic can be re-configured through loading different truth tables or configuration data into memory elements. This allows the controller to adapt its operational states and control signals dynamically without physical redesign, resolving the contradiction between stable control and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes its operational parameters by loading different configuration data or truth tables into memory elements. This parameter-based re-configuration allows the same hardware circuit to support multiple operational states and control scenarios, reducing design complexity while maintaining control stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional logic circuits are designed for specific operational states, then the control logic is optimized for those states, but any changes require significant rework and new fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple truth tables and control logic configurations in memory elements during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the controller to be programmed with multiple operational scenarios upfront, enabling easy switching between configurations without rework during deployment or customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses memory elements to store copies of control logic and truth tables that can be loaded and switched as needed. This copying approach allows multiple optimized control logic versions to coexist in the same device, enabling easy reconfiguration without physical redesign or re fabrication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom logic circuits are designed for each customer-specific configuration, then the device meets specific customer requirements, but the development cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller architecture that can serve multiple customer-specific configurations through programmable memory elements and configurable control logic. This multi-functional design allows a single device platform to adapt to different customer requirements by loading appropriate configuration data, eliminating the need for custom logic circuit design for each customer.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed logic circuits are used, then the controller is simpler to manufacture initially, but it lacks flexibility for future modifications or error corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs dynamic memory elements and programmable logic that can be configured after manufacturing. This dynamic architecture maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling post-fabrication reconfiguration, error corrections, and future modifications through software or configuration data updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for establishing operational states of a device having a plurality of functional operating units. An input is configured to receive an identifier of a desired operational state of the device. A number of control outputs are configured to couple to one or more of the plurality of functional operating units having two or more operational states. A number of reference inputs are each configured to receive a reference signal, and at least one reference signal is mapped, based on the identifier, to at least one control output. Each control output provides a control signal that places each functional operating unit in a selected state to achieve the desired operational state of the device.