Display Controller Chip Programming via Sub-PCB Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for programming display controller chips are either slow and inconvenient due to cable connections or risk damaging the pins during insertion and removal from sockets.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for programming display controller chips mounted on sub-PCBs connected to a main PCB, utilizing a micro-controller unit, write buffer, and control circuit to prevent pin damage and enhance programming speed by buffering data before writing to non-volatile memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If display controller chips are inserted into sockets on the programming apparatus for code programming, then code programming can be performed, but the connecting pins of the controller chips might be damaged when being inserted into or removed from the sockets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode programming capabilityVSAvoidpin damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a main PCB and multiple sub-PCBs, each sub-PCB holding one or more display controller chips. This segmentation allows the chips to be mounted on sub-PCBs rather than directly inserted into sockets on the main PCB, reducing pin damage risk while maintaining programming capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sub-PCBs serve as intermediary carriers between the main PCB and the display controller chips. The sub-PCBs are connected to the main PCB through connectors, allowing code programming to be performed while the chips remain mounted on sub-PCBs, thus avoiding direct socket insertion and pin damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a cable is connected to a cable interface of the LCD monitor for programming the controller chip, then the controller chip can be programmed, but the programming process becomes slow and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming convenienceVSAvoidprogramming speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable connection method is replaced with a direct PCB-to-PCB connection system. The sub-PCBs are mounted on the main PCB and connected through integrated connectors, eliminating the need for external cables and manual connections, thereby improving both convenience and programming speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If only a single LCD display controller chip is programmed at one time using cable connection, then the programming process is simple, but the productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming setup simplicityVSAvoidnumber of chips programmed simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The main PCB is designed with multiple sub-PCB mounting locations and connectors, allowing multiple display controller chips to be programmed simultaneously. The system maintains operational simplicity while enabling batch programming of multiple chips through the universal sub-PCB interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7831751B2System and method for programming a display controller chip

Publication Date: 2010.11.09 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A system for programming at least a controller chip is disclosed. The system includes a programming apparatus and at least a programmable device mounted on the programming apparatus. The programming apparatus has at least a first connection interface and a micro-controller. The programmable device has the monitor controller chip mounted thereon and a second connection interface coupled between the first connection interface and the controller chip. The micro-controller controls the programming of the controller chip.