DAC Serial Interface for Non-Volatile Power-Up Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) devices lose configuration information and input data when power is removed, requiring reprogramming upon power-up, which delays the operation of dependent devices and reduces system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM or FLASH, to store configuration information and digital voltage values, and using a serial interface communication protocol to access both volatile and non-volatile memories, allowing for preprogrammed outputs upon power-up and reducing interface communication time and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volatile memory is used to store configuration information and input data, then the DAC device can operate with simple and fast memory access, but the configuration information and input data are lost when power is removed, requiring reprogramming upon power-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing configuration information and input data in non-volatile memory before power loss occurs. This allows the data to be preserved and automatically loaded into volatile memory upon power-up, eliminating the need for reprogramming and ensuring continuous operation without data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data storage function into a separate non-volatile memory component distinct from the volatile memory used for active processing. This separation allows the system to maintain fast access speeds while ensuring data persistence, as the non-volatile memory handles data retention while the volatile memory handles rapid access during operation.
2Reliability
If non-volatile memory is added to the DAC device, then data retention during power loss is improved, but the device complexity and interface communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a unified memory interface that handles both volatile and non-volatile memory operations through the same communication protocol. This multi-functional interface reduces overall system complexity despite adding non-volatile memory, as it eliminates the need for separate specialized interfaces and simplifies the controller's memory management tasks.
3Productivity
If the DAC register must be reprogrammed upon power-up, then the volatile memory can be kept simple and fast, but all dependent devices must wait until the DAC register contains the correct data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing all necessary configuration information and input data in non-volatile memory before power-up. Upon power-up, this data is automatically transferred to the volatile memory and DAC register, allowing the system to initialize faster and eliminating the wait time for dependent devices that need to access the DAC output.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixed signal device, e.g., digital-to-analog converter (DAC) device has a serial interface communication protocol that accesses volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and allows a preprogrammed output voltage whenever the mixed signal device is powered-up. However, unlike conventional DAC devices, DAC devices with non-volatile memory may need special interface communication protocols for effective operation of the DAC device and communications between a system master controller unit (MCU). Interface communications protocols that do not violate standard serial bus communications protocols are provided for communicating between the volatile and non- volatile memories of the DAC device so that the MCU may access the DAC device's memories (non-volatile and/or volatile memories).