DSP Unit Segmentation for ADC Signal Preprocessing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicle control systems, conventional microcontrollers face inefficiencies in digital signal processing, as they require significant computing power and energy, especially in areas where resources are limited, leading to inefficient task scheduling and resource-intensive data transmission.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit design where a separate DSP unit processes measurement values downstream from an analog-digital converter, relieving the central computing unit of DSP tasks and allowing direct communication via internal buses, enabling independent configuration and preprocessing of signals without involving the central unit, thus optimizing computing power and reducing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a microprocessor controls a DSP unit for digital signal processing, then signal processing functions can be performed, but the microprocessor is stressed and computing resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidcomputing power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit is segmented into distinct functional units: an analog-digital converter path for ADC operations, a separate DSP unit for digital signal processing, and a central computing unit for control tasks. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently, with the DSP unit handling signal processing without burdening the microprocessor, thus reducing overall computing power consumption while maintaining full signal processing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A circuit-internal bus serves as an intermediary communication channel between the analog-digital converter, DSP unit, and central computing unit. This dedicated internal bus enables direct data transfer without involving the microprocessor in routine communication tasks, allowing the DSP unit to process signals independently while the microprocessor focuses on higher-level control functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the microprocessor controls the DSP unit, then DSP functions can be executed, but task scheduling becomes inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDSP function executionVSAvoidtask scheduling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control architecture into an autonomous DSP unit with its own control capabilities, the system eliminates the need for the microprocessor to schedule and manage DSP tasks. The DSP unit can execute digital signal processing functions independently, removing task scheduling overhead and reducing the time loss associated with microprocessor intervention in routine DSP operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DSP unit is designed to be self-sufficient, with its own control interface and ability to process signals autonomously. It can receive control parameters from the central computing unit via the internal bus and execute DSP functions without requiring continuous microprocessor supervision, thereby eliminating task scheduling delays and improving real-time processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If data is transmitted between ADC and DSP unit via the microprocessor, then data can be communicated, but resource-intensive transmission occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidtransmission resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated circuit-internal bus acts as an intermediary communication channel between the analog-digital converter and DSP unit, enabling direct data transfer without microprocessor involvement. This internal bus provides a low-overhead communication path that reduces both energy consumption and resource usage compared to microprocessor-mediated data transmission, while ensuring complete data transfer reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10133684B2Integrated circuit having ADC, DSP and computing units
Publication Date: 2018.11.20 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US10133684B2 patent drawing
  • US10133684B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated circuit, preferably for controlling vehicle functions, having an analog-digital converter for converting an analog signal into digital measurement values, a DSP unit, connected downstream from the analog-digital converter, for pre-processing the digital measurement values, a central computing unit, connected to the DSP unit so as to transmit data, for further processing of the digital measurement values, the DSP unit being set up to control the analog-digital converter during operation.