DAC Readback Register Banks for Sync-Safe Serial Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital to analog converter (DAC) units face inefficiencies in handling synchronization signals, particularly in serial data reception and output, leading to potential data loss and increased load times due to the need for re-loading commands during synchronization transitions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a DAC unit with a readback bank and serial bank system, where register values are stored in the readback bank if an indicator is received before synchronization completion, allowing for sequential output and reducing the need for re-loading commands by utilizing a count register to compare clock periods to a threshold, enabling efficient data transfer and maintaining data integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If register values are output sequentially from the serial bank during synchronization transitions, then data loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for readback bank and indicator monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidbank structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the register bank into two separate banks: a serial bank for receiving and outputting commands, and a readback bank for storing backup register values. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data integrity by having a dedicated backup storage area without complicating the command processing path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The readback bank pre-stores register values before they are needed during synchronization transitions. By having backup values ready in advance, the system can quickly reload commands without waiting for re-transmission, thus preventing data loss while maintaining a relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If commands are re-loaded during synchronization transitions, then data integrity is maintained, but the load time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidcommand loading time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The readback bank pre-stores register values before synchronization transitions occur. When a synchronization transition is detected, the system can immediately load commands from the pre-populated readback bank rather than waiting for re-transmission, thus maintaining data integrity while minimizing loading time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors synchronization indicators and uses this feedback to determine when to load commands from the readback bank. This feedback mechanism ensures commands are reloaded at the appropriate moments without unnecessary delays, balancing data integrity with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the serial bank waits for complete command reception before outputting, then data accuracy is ensured, but the productivity decreases due to idle time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand reception accuracyVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The readback bank is pre-filled with register values before the serial bank completes receiving commands. This preliminary action allows the serial bank to output commands without waiting for complete reception confirmation, as the readback bank already contains valid backup values, thus improving productivity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous operation by allowing the serial bank to output commands while the readback bank simultaneously prepares backup values. This overlapping of operations eliminates idle waiting time and maintains continuous data flow, improving productivity without sacrificing command reception accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS7827342B2Readback registers
Publication Date: 2010.11.02 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US7827342B2 patent drawing
  • US7827342B2 patent drawing
  • US7827342B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method reading bank register values is provided. Register values are stored in a readback bank. The register values are output sequentially from the serial bank. An indicator is received by the serial bank. A determination is then made as to whether the indicator was received by the serial bank prior to completion of the outputting of the register values. If the indicator was received prior to completion of the outputting of the register values, the register values are loaded into the serial bank from the readback bank.