Connector Pin Assignment Reconfiguration via Dynamic Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proprietary pin assignments on connectors often restrict upgradeability and compatibility with different accessories, leading to space, cost, and form factor constraints, as well as limitations in interfacing with various standards.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for reconfiguring pin assignments on a connector by using programmable flags on a processor board to dynamically associate signals with pins, allowing for compatibility with different accessories by reading and writing configuration data from accessory memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If proprietary pin assignments are used on connectors, then space and cost constraints are addressed, but upgradeability and compatibility with different accessories are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pin assignment reconfiguration through software control. The processor board reads accessory identification data through the connector and dynamically reassigns pin functions via reconfiguration data stored in non-volatile memory, allowing the same physical connector to adapt to different accessory types without physical changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical configuration parameters of the connector by reassigning pin assignments based on accessory type. The processor modifies which pins are assigned to which signals (e.g., power, data, control lines) by loading different reconfiguration data sets from memory, thereby adapting the connector's electrical characteristics to match the connected accessory
2Reliability
If connectors are designed for specific standards with known pin assignments, then interoperability is ensured, but the connectors become large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connector design that can interface with multiple different accessory standards through software-based pin assignment reconfiguration. A single physical connector layout supports various protocols (USB, SCSI, PCM, etc.) by dynamically changing which pins perform which functions based on the connected accessory type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors
3Area of stationary object
If proprietary pin assignments fully utilize all pins on small connectors, then form factor constraints are met, but flexibility for future upgrades is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic reconfiguration of pin assignments stored in non-volatile memory on the processor board. When an accessory is connected, the processor reads the accessory type and loads the appropriate reconfiguration data, dynamically changing which pins are assigned to which signals. This allows the same compact connector to serve multiple accessory types over time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sets of reconfiguration data are pre-stored in the non-volatile memory for different accessory types. The system prepares these alternative pin assignment configurations in advance, allowing rapid switching between different accessory support modes without requiring physical connector changes or additional hardware
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (700) for reconfiguring pin assignments on a connector (100) is provided. The method (700) includes reading a present accessory type (34a) from an accessory (30) coupled to the connector (100) having a plurality of pins (110) wherein the present accessory type (34a) is associated with an accessory pin assignment (31) of the connector (100), and comparing the present accessory type (34a) to a stored accessory type (18a) associated with a connector pin assignment (17) to determine if the accessory pin assignment (31) is compatible with the connector pin assignment (17).