Programmable Logic IC With Configurable I/O for Faster Order Fulfillment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variety of digital logic ICs lead to high inventory costs and delayed customer delivery due to the need for multiple specifications and large inventories, as traditional design methods are not financially feasible for generating new logic families and require significant time to manufacture specific ICs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital logic IC family with programmable digital logic transistor circuitry and input/output circuitry, using non-volatile memory and metal mask straps or fuses to select desired logic functions, allowing for efficient production of multiple functions on a single semiconductor die, reducing the number of distinct parts needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple logic IC specifications are manufactured to meet diverse customer orders, then customer delivery speed improves, but inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal logic IC platform that can be configured to perform multiple different logic functions through programmable interconnect structures and configurable logic elements. This single platform design replaces the need for maintaining separate inventories of multiple specialized logic IC families, allowing the same physical device to be customized for different customer orders while reducing overall inventory requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The logic IC incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through programmable interconnect matrices and configurable logic elements that can be programmed after manufacturing. This allows the IC to adapt its functionality based on customer orders, enabling fast delivery without requiring pre-manufactured inventories of all possible logic function variants
2Loss of time
If a large inventory of multiple logic ICs is maintained to fill customer orders immediately, then customer delivery time reduces, but inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of logic functions through programmable interconnect structures and configurable logic elements that can be programmed during or after manufacturing. This preliminary setup capability allows the IC to be prepared for specific functions without requiring separate physical inventories for each logic function, reducing both delivery time and inventory costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional design methods are used to generate new logic families, then specific IC functions can be customized, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal logic IC platform with programmable interconnect structures and configurable logic elements that can implement multiple different logic functions. This single platform design replaces the need for developing and manufacturing separate logic families for each function, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining full customization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The logic IC uses programmable parameters including interconnect matrix configurations, logic element settings, and routing patterns to customize different logic functions. By changing these programmable parameters rather than redesigning the entire circuit, the system achieves high adaptability with efficient manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A family of digital logic functions has the same specifications for input and output voltages and the same number of bond pads. A digital logic integrated circuit for the family includes a substrate of semiconductor material having a core area and a peripheral area; a certain number of bond pads formed in the peripheral area, the certain number of bond pads determining the total area of the substrate; programmable digital logic transistor circuitry formed in the core area for each of the digital logic functions in the family; programmable input and output circuitry formed in the peripheral area; programming circuitry for programming the programmable digital logic transistor circuitry into a selected digital logic function; and programmable input and output means for programming the input and output circuitry into input and output circuits for the selected digital logic function.