Register-Configurable Output Driver ASIC for Reusable ECM Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic control modules (ECMs) are often designed for specific applications and have output drivers that are not adaptable to new or alternate applications, leading to inefficiencies and the need for costly hardware redesigns.
Innovation Solution
A configurable output driver circuit that allows for software-based adaptation of ECM outputs through a register-based configuration, enabling the same ECM to be reused across various systems by selecting different circuit configurations, including high-side, low-side, and boost drives, and supporting multiple load types such as solenoids, motors, and HBridge configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ECMs are designed for specific applications with dedicated ASICs, then the output drivers are optimized for those specific functions, but the modules cannot support alternate or new applications requiring different output driver types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal output driver ASIC that can be configured to perform multiple functions (high-side driver, low-side driver, boost driver, H-bridge, half-bridge, motor control) through software configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated ASICs for each function. This is achieved through configurable circuit elements that can be programmed via register circuits to adapt the same hardware to different application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The output driver ASIC incorporates dynamically reconfigurable circuit elements that can change their behavior and configuration based on software instructions. The register circuits allow the hardware to be reprogrammed and adapted to different configurations, making the device dynamic rather than static in its functionality.
2Reliability
If separate ASICs are used for different functions in conventional ECMs, then each function has dedicated optimized hardware, but hardware redesigns are required for new applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple function-specific ASICs into a single universal output driver ASIC that can be configured to perform high-side driving, low-side driving, boosting, H-bridge configurations, half-bridge configurations, and motor control functions. This eliminates the need for hardware redesigns when transitioning between applications, as the same hardware can be reconfigured through software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the circuit configuration through register circuits to adapt the output driver behavior. By changing the configuration parameters stored in registers, the same hardware can be optimized for different functions without physical redesign, maintaining reliability while reducing manufacturing costs.
3Productivity
If conventional ECMs use dedicated output drivers for specific applications, then the output performance is optimized for those applications, but the modules cannot be reused across different systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal output driver platform that maintains optimized performance for different applications while enabling system reusability. The configurable architecture allows the same ECM to be deployed across multiple systems and applications by reconfiguring the output drivers through software, eliminating the need for application-specific hardware variants.
4Reliability
If multiple dedicated ASICs are used for different output driver types, then each driver type is optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and ECM proliferation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated output driver ASICs into a single integrated universal output driver ASIC. This consolidation combines high-side drivers, low-side drivers, boost drivers, and bridge configurations into one device, reducing ECM proliferation while maintaining the reliability of each driver function through dedicated configurable circuit paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel system includes an electronic control module (ECM), at least one injector coupled to the ECM, and a configurable output driver circuit coupled to the at least one injector. The configurable output driver circuit includes a channel that enables adaptation of ECM outputs. The configurable output driver circuit is configurable based on a value stored in a register circuit.