Configurable Counter-Timer Circuit for Multi-Application Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuits require unique designs for specific applications, leading to increased development costs due to the need for separate circuits for each application, which limits their versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A universal counter/timer circuit with configurable multiple counters, a state logic module, an event generation module, and control logic circuitry that allows for customizable operation across various applications by generating timed output signals based on input, output, and counter match signals, qualified by state values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unique circuit is designed for each specific application, then the circuit can perform the required operations for that application, but the development cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal counter/timer circuit that can be configured to perform multiple different functions across various applications. The circuit includes configurable counters, event generation modules, and control logic that can be programmed to handle different timing and counting operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each application while maintaining application-specific functionality
2Device complexity
If a universal circuit is designed to work across different applications, then development cost is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal circuit is divided into distinct functional modules including counter units, event generation modules, control logic circuitry, and state logic modules. Each module can be independently configured and controlled, allowing the circuit to adapt to different applications through modular configuration rather than requiring a completely redesigned circuit for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs dynamic configuration capabilities where counters can be programmed with different initial values, event generation can be triggered by various conditions, and control logic can be modified through control signals. This dynamic reconfigurability allows a single circuit design to serve multiple applications without physical redesign
Data Source
AI summary
A counter/timer circuit and method of generating timed output signals using the counter/timer circuit, uses multiple counters that are configurable to operate as one or more counters. The counters are controlled by control signals from a control logic circuitry of the counter/timer circuit, where at least some of the control signals are dependent on event signals generated by an event generation module of the counter/timer circuit. The generated event signals are based on at least one of: an input signal, an output signal, and a counter match, qualified by a state value associated with the counters.