Two-Phase FPGA Configuration for Programmable MCU Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microcontrollers require specific configurations for different interface communication standards, limiting their flexibility and adaptability in handling diverse digital computing and network industries.

Innovation Solution

A two-phase configuration process for a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to include a configurable microcontroller unit (CMU), which receives configuration data via a communication bus, allowing programmable microcontrollers to facilitate communication through multiple interface standards using programmable microcode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional MCUs use specific configurations for different interface communication standards, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterface standard adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configurability by allowing the MCU to switch between different interface communication standards (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.) through software configuration rather than fixed hardware design. The interface configuration can be changed at runtime through the two-phase configuration process, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different communication protocols as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal MCU platform that can handle multiple interface communication standards through a single device. By implementing programmable interface controllers that support multiple protocols, the system eliminates the need for different specialized MCUs for different interfaces, achieving multi-functionality in a single unified platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional MCUs are designed for specific interface standards, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface configuration precisionVSAvoidcommunication standard versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing interface configuration parameters (such as baud rate, data format, clock speed) to be modified through software configuration rather than being fixed during manufacturing. The two-phase configuration process separates hardware initialization from software-based parameter setting, enabling precise control of communication parameters while maintaining hardware versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple specialized MCUs are used to handle various interface standards, then interface performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface communication performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple interface communication capabilities into a single MCU platform. By integrating support for I2C, SPI, UART, and other interface standards within one device using shared hardware resources and programmable controllers, the system reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the performance characteristics of each interface type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11550281B2Method and system for providing programmable microcontroller unit (MCU) using two-phase configuration process

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 GOWIN SEMICON CORP LTD

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.