IC Mapping Circuit for Automatic Data Connection Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in automatically reconfiguring input and output data connections to accommodate various circuit board trace configurations, particularly for high-speed serial point-to-point connections, which requires efficient mapping of serial data streams to parallel data buses while ensuring valid data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an automatically reconfigurable receive (RX) and transmit (TX) port system within the integrated circuit (IC) device, utilizing a mapping circuit and data organizer to reorder data connections based on order-dependent values (ODVs) and configuration data, allowing for flexible mapping of serial data streams to parallel data buses and synchronization of unsynchronized data lanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of data connections is used, then circuit board trace configurations are fixed and simple, but adaptability to different connection configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by allowing the mapping circuit to change its connection mapping based on detected circuit board configurations. The system transitions from a static fixed mapping to a dynamic adaptive mapping that can be reconfigured during operation to match different trace configurations on the circuit board, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping circuit automatically detects the circuit board trace configuration and self-configures the appropriate data connection mapping without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to different configurations autonomously, improving adaptability while minimizing the complexity of external configuration systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic reconfiguration is implemented, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but device complexity increases due to mapping circuit and configuration system
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can map data connections in various configurations, detect circuit board trace arrangements, and self-configure based on detected configurations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate circuits into a single universal mapping circuit, thereby improving adaptability while controlling the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If serial data streams are mapped to parallel data buses, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but synchronization of data lanes becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the mapping circuit receives information about the actual circuit board configuration and adjusts its mapping accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the serial-to-parallel mapping is optimized for the specific trace configuration being used, maintaining both high data transmission efficiency and proper synchronization of data lanes by adapting to the actual physical constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated circuit devices are disclosed with receive ports having mapping circuits automatically configurable to change a logical mapping of data received on receive-data connections. Automatic configuration can be based on a data value included within a received data set. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.