DAC Data Generator Circuit for MCU-Independent Waveform Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital-to-analog converters (DACs) require significant MCU memory and runtime core utilization due to their reliance on look-up tables and frequent MCU core interruptions for calculations.
Innovation Solution
A DAC data generator circuit with processor-independent functionality is introduced, which includes a DAC circuit that generates analog waveform signals from digital data. This circuit performs functions such as synchronous cloning of registers, behavioral event linking, and controlled step increments, allowing the DAC to operate independently of the MCU core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional DAC uses a look-up table for digital input values, then the DAC can generate analog waveforms, but it requires substantial memory resources and significant interrupt time usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the look-up table functionality from the conventional DAC system and replaces it with a direct mathematical generation approach using sine, cosine, and exponential functions. This eliminates the need for substantial memory resources while maintaining waveform generation capability through processor-independent hardware functions at the input data register.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/memory-based look-up table system with a mathematical function-based system. Instead of retrieving pre-stored values from memory, the system generates digital input values through hardware-based mathematical functions, reducing memory dependency and interrupt requirements.
2Reliability
If a conventional DAC uses a look-up table, then the DAC can operate, but it requires frequent MCU core interruptions for calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by providing processor-independent functionality directly at the DAC peripheral. The hardware-based mathematical functions generate digital input values autonomously without requiring MCU core intervention, allowing the DAC to operate independently and reducing interrupt time usage significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the hardware functions and registers with necessary parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase, waveform type) before operation. This allows the DAC to generate waveforms continuously without frequent interruptions for calculations, as all computational parameters are预先 set in hardware registers.
3Device complexity
If a conventional internal DAC peripheral cannot be linked dynamically, then the system structure is simple, but the DAC requires continuous MCU core intervention during run-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by enabling configurable and changeable parameters through hardware registers that can be modified without MCU core intervention. The system allows dynamic adjustment of waveform characteristics (amplitude, frequency, phase, waveform type) through direct register manipulation, providing adaptability while maintaining processor independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional DAC peripheral that can generate various waveform types (sine, cosine, exponential, custom) through a unified hardware architecture. The same hardware functions and registers serve multiple waveform generation purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function while maintaining MCU independence.
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) data generator circuit to perform a function upon an event and generate digital DAC data based on the function and the event, and a DAC circuit to generate an analog waveform signal from the digital DAC data.