Integrated Circuit Configuration Setting Using Signal and Voltage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional integrated circuits require a large number of pins for configuration setting, limiting their design flexibility and increasing manufacturing costs, as pins used for configuration cannot be utilized for other functions.

Innovation Solution

A configuration setting device for integrated circuits comprising a signal receiving terminal, a voltage output unit, and a detector that reduces the number of pins needed by using a combination of signal and voltage signals to determine configuration settings, allowing for reduced pin count and cost through efficient use of existing pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pins are used for configuration setting in conventional integrated circuits, then the configuration can be properly set for multiple operation modes, but the number of pins increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidnumber of pins

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The signal receiving terminal is designed to serve dual purposes: it receives configuration signals during the configuration phase and can also function as a general input signal terminal during normal operation. This multi-functionality allows the same pin to be used for both configuration setting and application signals, reducing the total number of pins required while maintaining full configuration capability for multiple operation modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple pins are used for configuration setting, then configuration can be properly set, but the pins cannot provide other functions and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration settingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration setting mechanism is integrated into the existing signal receiving terminal structure, allowing the terminal to perform both configuration reception and normal signal reception functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated configuration pins, thereby reducing pin count and associated manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable configuration setting through the detector that monitors terminal states during power-on

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If configuration is determined during power on period, then correct operation mode is ensured, but software or firmware adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode correctnessVSAvoidsoftware adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration is automatically determined during the power-on period before the integrated circuit begins normal operation. The detector monitors the signal receiving terminal states during this initial phase and automatically generates configuration signals based on detected voltage levels or floating states. This preliminary configuration action ensures correct operation mode is established before software takes control, while still allowing software to read and respond to the configured mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If pins are increased to support more operation modes, then more configuration options are available, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation modesVSAvoidpin structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the configuration signal reception function with the general input signal terminal function. Instead of having separate dedicated configuration pins for each operation mode, the same signal receiving terminals are used for both purposes. The detector intelligently determines configuration based on the terminal states (floating or voltage levels) during power-on, allowing multiple operation modes to be supported through combinations of terminal states rather than requiring separate pins for each mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8294487B2Configuration setting device of integrated circuit and the configuration setting method thereof

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides an configuration setting device of integrated circuit and the configuration setting method thereof, in which the configuration setting device comprises a signal receiving terminal, a voltage output unit coupled to the signal receiving terminal, and a detector coupled to the signal receiving terminal. The signal receiving terminal is used to receive the input signal at the outer of the integrated circuit, and the voltage output unit generated at the inner of the integrated circuit is used to output a voltage signal based on the enable signal, and the detector is used to detect a level at the signal receiving terminal to output a configuration signal; wherein, the signal level generated at the signal receiving terminal is determined by the input signal and the voltage signal.