Dual Microcomputer Interface Segmentation for Firmware Development Speed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information devices face development slowdowns due to the heavy processing load on microcomputers, which must control both interface and main processing circuits, leading to increased development complexity and labor.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a separate microcomputer for controlling the interface circuit, allowing firmware development for the interface and main processing circuits to occur in different environments, with the option to integrate the interface circuit and microcomputer as an IP core on a single semiconductor chip, reducing processing load and development time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microcomputer controls both the interface circuit and main processing circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but the processing load on the microcomputer increases and firmware development becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent microcomputers: a first microcomputer dedicated to controlling the main processing circuit and a second microcomputer dedicated to controlling the interface circuit. This segmentation allows firmware for each microcomputer to be developed independently in different environments, significantly improving firmware development speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through clear functional separation.
2Quantity of substance
If a single microcomputer controls both circuits, then the number of components is reduced, but the processing load on the microcomputer becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented between two microcomputers to distribute the processing load. The first microcomputer handles main processing circuit control while the second microcomputer handles interface circuit control, allowing both to operate in real-time without overwhelming a single processor, thus improving overall real-time processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The two microcomputers act as intermediaries that divide and specialize in different control tasks. This intermediary arrangement allows complex control operations to be distributed across multiple specialized processors rather than concentrated in one, improving real-time processing throughput.
3Device complexity
If firmware for interface and main processing circuits is developed in the same environment, then development coordination is simplified, but development load increases and development speed slows down
Solution Approach 1:
Firmware development is segmented into two independent projects: one for the first microcomputer controlling the main processing circuit and another for the second microcomputer controlling the interface circuit. Each firmware can be developed in different environments by different teams simultaneously, dramatically reducing development time while maintaining coordination through well-defined interface protocols between the two microcomputers.
Data Source
AI summary
An information device packaged in one package includes a main function unit and an interface function unit. The main function unit includes a main processing circuit for executing signal processing related to a main function in the information device and a first microcomputer for controlling the main processing circuit by executing a first firmware program. The interface function unit includes an interface function unit including a first interface circuit for receiving data from an exterior device located outside of the information device to provide to the main function unit, a second interface circuit for performing an authentication operation with the exterior device, a second microcomputer for controlling the first interface circuit, and a memory for storing a second firmware program for controlling the first interface circuit.