Embedded System Microcontroller Pin Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional embedded systems, such as DVD-ROMs, lack flexibility and compatibility due to the requirement of additional control pins for programming, making it difficult to upgrade programmable devices without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
An embedded system architecture that utilizes a microcontroller to control a programmable device via a reduced pin set, with an I/O interface receiving and storing program codes and command sequences, allowing for flexible programming and adaptation to different device types without additional control pins, using either volatile or nonvolatile memory devices for command sequence storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional control pins are used for programming the programmable device, then the programming functionality is achieved, but the device complexity and pin count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the programming function with the existing I/O pins by implementing a multiplexer that can switch between normal I/O operations and programming mode. The microcontroller uses the same pin set for both regular operations and programming, merging two functions into a single pin infrastructure without requiring additional control pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin set is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as general-purpose I/O pins during normal operation and as programming pins when programming mode is activated. The multiplexer enables each pin to be dynamically reconfigured for different purposes, achieving universality without increasing pin count.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed pin architecture is used for programming, then the programming interface is stable, but the adaptability to different programmable device types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin architecture transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The multiplexer allows the pin functions to be dynamically switched between I/O mode and programming mode based on the operational state. Additionally, the microcontroller can be programmed with different command sequences to adapt to various programmable device types, providing dynamic compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (pin configuration, control signals, command sequences) to adapt to different programmable device types. By modifying the command sequence stored in memory and the multiplexer control signals, the same physical pin architecture can interface with different device types without hardware changes.
3Measurement precision
If separate control pins are dedicated for programming operations, then the programming control is precise, but the overall system integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for programming are merged into the microcontroller that already manages the I/O operations. The multiplexer is controlled by the same microcontroller, allowing unified control logic that maintains precision while improving integration. The microcontroller dynamically controls the multiplexer to switch between I/O and programming modes using the same control infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An embedded system for programming a programmable device including a micro controller and an I/O interface. The programmable device includes a pin set for signal delivery. The micro controller device controls the programmable device via the pin set. The I/O interface receives a program code provided externally. The micro controller executes a command sequence to program the program code into the programmable device via the pin set, and the programmable device uses the program code to provide the specific function. The command sequence may also be provided externally and sent to the micro controller via the well-known general I/O interface.