Embedded Programmable Logic for IC Interface Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits face challenges in adapting to changing standards and protocols, leading to increased costs and incompatibility issues when upgrading from older universal interface blocks (UIB1) to newer ones (UIB2), and varying functional requirements across different devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating embedded programmable logic within integrated circuits that can be programmed to enhance functionality, enabling data/address manipulation, configuration/testing, and computational functions, allowing for adaptability to different applications and facilitating interfacing with newer technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated circuits are redesigned to utilize newer universal interface blocks (UIB2) instead of older ones (UIB1), then compatibility with newer standards is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with newer standardsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds a programmable logic device within the integrated circuit that can be configured to support multiple interface block standards (UIB1, UIB2, and future standards). This allows a single circuit design to serve multiple functions and remain compatible with different standards without requiring physical redesign, thereby maintaining production cost efficiency while improving adaptability to newer standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable logic device can be dynamically reconfigured through configuration data stored in memory to adapt to different interface standards. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the integrated circuit to transition between UIB1 and UIB2 modes without physical changes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining current functionality and adapting to newer standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire integrated circuit is redesigned to meet specific functional requirements, then functionality is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated circuit into fixed functional components and a separate programmable logic device. This segmentation allows the base circuit to remain simple and cost-effective to manufacture, while specific functional requirements are met through software configuration of the programmable logic portion, avoiding the need to redesign the entire circuit for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable logic device provides universal functionality that can be configured to meet different specific requirements through configuration data. This allows a single base integrated circuit design to serve multiple applications with different functional needs without requiring separate redesigns for each application, thereby maintaining production cost efficiency while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If integrated circuits are redesigned frequently to keep up with technology advances, then adaptability is improved, but time and resources are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to technology advancesVSAvoidredesign time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a programmable logic device and associated configuration memory in advance within the integrated circuit design. This preliminary action enables the circuit to adapt to technology advances through software updates rather than physical redesign, eliminating the time loss associated with frequent redesign cycles while maintaining high adaptability to new standards and requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9589612B1Integrated circuit device with embedded programmable logic

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided to enhance the functionality of an integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit may include a primary circuitry and an embedded programmable logic programmable to adjust the functionality of the primary circuitry. Specifically, the embedded programmable logic may be programmed to adjust the functionality of the primary circuitry to complement and/or support the functionality of another integrated circuit. Accordingly, the embedded programmable logic may be programmed with functions such as data/address manipulation functions, configuration/testing functions, computational functions, or the like.