Partial-Reconfiguration FPGA for Multi-Instrument Test Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

The cost and complexity of test and measurement systems for electronic device development are exacerbated by the need for multiple discrete instruments, which can be cumbersome and costly, especially as device complexity increases.

Innovation Solution

A multi-instrument device with static and dynamic reconfigurable portions, controlled by a processor, allows for the dynamic reconfiguration of test and measurement functions using bitstreams, enabling the same device to operate as different instruments without the need for physical changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete test and measurement instruments are used, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete test and measurement instruments into a single integrated device using an FPGA platform. The FPGA consolidates functionality of oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, and other instruments into one hardware unit, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The FPGA-based instrument is designed to perform multiple test and measurement functions through software reconfiguration. A single physical device can be dynamically reconfigured to provide different instrument functionalities, making the system universal and adaptable to various measurement requirements without needing separate specialized instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete test and measurement instruments are used, then measurement precision and functionality are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete test and measurement instruments into a single integrated device using an FPGA platform. The FPGA consolidates functionality of oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, and other instruments into one hardware unit, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The FPGA-based instrument is designed to perform multiple test and measurement functions through software reconfiguration. A single physical device can be dynamically reconfigured to provide different instrument functionalities, making the system universal and adaptable to various measurement requirements without needing separate specialized instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single device provides multiple functions through reconfiguration, then device complexity is reduced, but reconfiguration time and productivity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplexityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pre-configured bitstream files that contain the configuration data for different instrument functionalities. These bitstreams are prepared in advance and stored in memory, allowing the FPGA to quickly switch between functions by simply loading the appropriate pre-prepared configuration data, thereby minimizing reconfiguration time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the FPGA can change its functionality during operation. The controller manages multiple bitstream files and can switch between different instrument configurations on-demand, enabling the device to adapt dynamically to different measurement tasks without requiring physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240159799A1Multi-instrument device based on partial reconfiguration FPGA

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 LIQUID INSTR PTY LTD

AI summary

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for implementing multiple test and measurement devices into a single multi-instrument device (102). The device can include at least one field programmable gate array, FPGA (112), that allows partial reconfiguration. One or more dynamic reconfigurable portions of the FPGA can be configured to function as one or more test and measurement devices. The device can provide outputs of each of the test and measurement instruments to a client device, which can display the outputs to a user. The device can be reconfigured by loading bitstreams (122,136) associated with the desired test and measurement device. The bitstreams can be loaded from the client device (104), a server (106), or from a memory storage unit (114) of the device itself.