Electronic Equipment Parameter Access Control via Segmented Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic equipment, such as frequency synthesizers, face issues with unintended changes to operation parameters, which can lead to unsatisfactory performance, as users may inadvertently modify settings not intended by the manufacturer, necessitating a solution to prevent unnecessary rewriting of these parameters.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes writable non-volatile memory and multiple volatile memories with distinct addresses, accessible only through secret codes, allowing controlled reading and writing of operation parameters, thereby preventing unauthorized changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operation parameters are made freely accessible for user modification, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended changes by users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments operation parameters into multiple groups with different access rights. Some parameter groups are made freely accessible to users for modification, while other critical parameter groups are protected and require secret codes for access. This segmentation allows the system to provide ease of operation for non-critical parameters while maintaining reliability for critical parameters through selective protection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If all operation parameters are protected with secret codes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple access control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different access control characteristics to different parameter groups based on their criticality. Rather than uniformly protecting all parameters with secret codes, the system selectively applies protection only to specific parameter groups that require it. This approach maintains reliability for critical parameters while avoiding the added complexity of protecting all parameters equally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple volatile memories are used to store different parameter sets, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional memory components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parameter storage system into multiple volatile memory units, each capable of storing different parameter sets. This segmentation enables the system to load different parameter configurations based on operational requirements, improving adaptability. The complexity of having multiple memory units is justified by the significant gain in operational flexibility and the ability to quickly switch between different parameter sets without rewriting entire configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic equipment according to the present disclosure includes a writable non-volatile memory, a plurality of volatile memories, and a sequencer. The writable non-volatile memory stores an operation parameter group required to operate the electronic equipment. Respective addresses are assigned to the plurality of volatile memories. The plurality of volatile memories includes a specified volatile memory. The specified volatile memory stores a part of the operation parameters among the operation parameter group. The specified volatile memory is accessible by inputting an Enable signal. The sequencer can read and write the non-volatile memory when the Enable signal allows an operation parameter stored in the volatile memory to be written to the non-volatile memory.