Configurable Performance Module for Post-Manufacturing IC Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuits are priced based on fixed performance levels, leading to unnecessary costs when additional performance is required in the future, as predicting future performance needs is difficult and often results in over-purchasing premium capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system to remotely configure integrated circuit performance using a configurable performance module with a performance control circuit that allows changing the performance level from a initial to a higher level after manufacturing, enabling activation of dormant capabilities on an as-needed basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If integrated circuits are priced based on fixed performance levels at manufacturing, then pricing and quantity commitments can be established, but customers must over-purchase premium capabilities to accommodate future performance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic performance configuration by introducing a performance control circuit that can change the operational state of circuit elements (such as transistors) from inactive to active states after manufacturing. This allows the integrated circuit to adapt its performance level dynamically based on customer needs and usage conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed pricing and future performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the integrated circuit with dormant high-performance capabilities during manufacturing, but keeping these capabilities inactive initially. The performance control circuit is pre-installed to enable future activation of additional performance levels when needed, allowing customers to start with basic performance and upgrade later without over-purchasing initially.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processors are binned to fixed performance levels during manufacturing, then quantity commitments can be made, but processors cannot be upgraded later without purchasing new hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the integrated circuit universal by designing it to perform multiple performance levels using the same hardware platform. The performance control circuit enables the same physical device to operate at different performance levels (e.g., initial lower performance and upgraded higher performance) without requiring different hardware versions, thus providing multi-functionality across performance tiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a performance control circuit as an intermediary component that mediates between the fixed manufacturing binning and the desired post-manufacturing performance changes. This control circuit acts as a mediator that can reconfigure the state of circuit elements to achieve different performance levels, simplifying the upgrade process compared to replacing entire processors.
3Reliability
If high performance processors are manufactured, then future performance needs can be met, but customers pay premium prices for capabilities they may not immediately need
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of circuit elements (such as switching transistors between active and inactive states) rather than changing the physical hardware. This allows the same processor to deliver different performance levels by changing configuration parameters, ensuring performance availability when needed while avoiding the need to purchase expensive high-performance processors immediately.
4Ease of manufacture
If processors are locked to initial performance levels through fuse blowing, then manufacturing binning is simplified, but remote reconfiguration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/fuse-based performance locking mechanism with an electronic control system. Instead of permanently blowing fuses to lock performance levels, the patent uses a performance control circuit with electronic switches (such as transistors) that can be remotely reconfigured through electrical signals. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling remote adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable performance module for use in an integrated circuit. The configurable performance module includes a performance control circuit which controls a performance level of the integrated circuit to enable changing the performance level of the integrated circuit from a first performance level to a second performance level after manufacturing of the integrated circuit is complete.