Configurable MCU in FPGA for Multi-Interface Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MCUs require specific configuration for specific types of interface communication, limiting flexibility and adaptability to diverse peripheral environments.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase configuration process is employed to configure a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to include a configurable microcontroller unit (CMU), where phase I involves configuring the FPGA to contain a CMU, and phase II involves programming the CMU with specific attributes, utilizing a communication bus to receive and store configuration data in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional MCUs use specific configuration for specific interface communication, then interface communication reliability is improved, but device adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-phase configuration process that enables a single MCU to perform multiple interface communication functions. Phase 1 configures the MCU as a universal device, while Phase 2 programs it for specific interface standards (SPI, I2C, UART, etc.), allowing one hardware design to serve multiple communication purposes without sacrificing reliability in any specific interface mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration process is divided into two distinct phases: Phase 1 establishes the fundamental MCU architecture and universal capabilities, while Phase 2 introduces specific interface communication protocols. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable specific interface communication while also supporting multiple interface types through sequential configuration steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of MCUs are employed to handle various interface standards, then interface versatility is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of employing multiple different MCU types for various interface standards, the patent uses a single universal MCU that can be configured through a two-phase process to handle SPI, I2C, UART, and other interface standards. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized MCUs while maintaining full interface versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCU transitions from a static, fixed-function design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Phase 1 establishes the base architecture, and Phase 2 dynamically programs the specific interface communication protocols needed, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different interface requirements without physical changes or additional components.
3Device complexity
If a single MCU is used for various peripherals, then hardware complexity is reduced, but interface adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static single-MCU design into a dynamic, reconfigurable system through two-phase configuration. Phase 1 sets up the universal MCU architecture with reduced hardware complexity, while Phase 2 dynamically programs the specific interface adaptability needed for different peripherals, achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Phase 1 performs preliminary configuration of the MCU architecture and universal capabilities before Phase 2 programs the specific interface protocols. This preliminary setup reduces hardware complexity by establishing a universal base, while subsequent programming adds the necessary interface adaptability for specific applications.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention discloses a two-phase configuration process (“TCP”) to configure a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”) to include a configurable microcontroller unit (“CMU”) during a phase I configuration and configuring the CMU during a phase II configuration. TCP, in one aspect, is able to receive first configuration data from a first external storage location via a communication bus. After storing the first configuration data in a first configuration memory for configuring FPGA to contain a CMU for the phase I configuration, second configuration data with MCU attributes is obtained from a second external storage location via the communication bus. The second configuration data is subsequently stored in a second configuration memory for programming the CMU for the phase II configuration.