Topologically Unique IC Identification via Bus Stimuli
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit systems, the inability to topologically distinguish between identical or functionally different integrated circuits connected to a common communication bus hinders the host's ability to communicate unique data, leading to inefficiencies and the need for additional physical pins or complex wiring.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit that can derive a topologically unique identifier by performing input measurements of stimuli provided by a host circuit, allowing the host to communicate uniquely with each integrated circuit without requiring additional pins or complex wiring, using a method that involves repurposing existing signals and pins for identification purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional physical pins or complex wiring are used to distinguish integrated circuits, then topological identification capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of additional pins and wiring with an electrical/software-based system. Integrated circuits use existing communication bus signals to perform input measurements and derive topologically unique identifiers through software processing, eliminating the need for additional physical identification hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuits autonomously derive their own topologically unique identifiers by performing input measurements of stimuli provided by the host circuit. Each IC independently determines its topological position on the communication bus without requiring external identification hardware or complex wiring from the host side.
2Device complexity
If existing signals and pins are repurposed for identification, then device complexity is reduced, but signal functionality and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing communication bus signals multi-functional. The same signals used for data communication are also used for topological identification by having integrated circuits perform input measurements on these signals. This allows existing pins to serve both their original communication purpose and the new identification purpose without requiring additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the input measurements of existing signals to derive topologically unique identifiers. The integrated circuits monitor the stimuli provided by the host circuit through the communication bus and use this feedback information to determine their topological position, ensuring reliable identification without compromising signal functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product provide for dynamically reprogrammable topologically unique integrated circuit identification. In an example embodiment, an integrated circuit may be arranged among multiple integrated circuits. The integrated circuit may be configured to derive a topologically unique identifier by performing input measurements of stimuli provided by a host circuit. The integrated circuit may be topologically indistinguishable from at least one other integrated circuit of the multiple integrated circuits from a perspective of the host circuit.