DMA-Based ADC Sequencing Without CPU Intervention

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing systems require central processing unit (CPU) intervention for analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sequencing operations, leading to CPU resource utilization and increased power consumption, even when the CPU is not performing the conversions.

Innovation Solution

A computing system architecture that utilizes a Direct Memory Access (DMA) system to autonomously manage ADC conversion operations, transferring configuration data and results directly between memory and the ADC controller without CPU intervention, allowing the CPU to be idle during ADC sequencing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If CPU intervention is used for ADC sequencing operations, then control and management of conversion operations is achieved, but CPU resource utilization increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveADC sequencing automationVSAvoidCPU power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ADC sequencing control function from the CPU and relocates it to a dedicated DMA controller. The DMA controller independently manages memory descriptor retrieval, ADC configuration parameter extraction, conversion operation triggering, and result data retrieval, eliminating the need for CPU intervention in the ADC conversion process while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling the DMA controller to autonomously manage the entire ADC conversion workflow without CPU involvement. The DMA controller automatically sequences through multiple conversion operations, manages parameter configurations, and handles data transfer between ADC and memory, allowing the system to service itself for ADC operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If CPU intervention is used for ADC sequencing operations, then control and management of conversion operations is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveADC sequencing automationVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ADC sequencing control function from the CPU and relocates it to a dedicated DMA controller. The DMA controller independently manages memory descriptor retrieval, ADC configuration parameter extraction, conversion operation triggering, and result data retrieval, eliminating the need for CPU intervention in the ADC conversion process while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The DMA controller serves as an intermediary between the CPU and ADC, handling all communication and control operations. It retrieves memory descriptors from memory, extracts configuration parameters, triggers ADC conversions, and retrieves conversion results, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a dedicated mediation layer that eliminates complex CPU-ADC interaction protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If CPU intervention is used for ADC sequencing operations, then control and management of conversion operations is achieved, but ADC sequencing throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveADC sequencing throughputVSAvoidCPU availability time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ADC sequencing control function from the CPU and relocates it to a dedicated DMA controller. The DMA controller independently manages memory descriptor retrieval, ADC configuration parameter extraction, conversion operation triggering, and result data retrieval, eliminating the need for CPU intervention in the ADC conversion process while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves continuous useful action by enabling parallel operation of the CPU and DMA controller. While the DMA controller continuously manages ADC conversion sequences without interruption, the CPU can simultaneously perform other computational tasks, ensuring that productive work continues across the entire system without idle time caused by ADC sequencing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8775694B2ADC sequencing

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 ATMEL CORP

AI summary

A device comprises a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory configured for storing memory descriptors. The device also includes an analog-to-digital converter controller (ADC controller) configured for managing an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) using the memory descriptors. In addition, the device includes a direct memory access system (DMA system) configured for autonomously sequencing conversion operations performed by the ADC without CPU intervention by transferring the memory descriptors directly between the memory and the ADC controller for controlling the conversion operations performed by the ADC.