Integrated Circuit Address Assignment via Reversed Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for changing the first address of slave devices in systems with multiple identical slave devices require additional pins or independent power, increasing the overall cost of each device and system.

Innovation Solution

The system employs at most two integrated circuits connected to a host device via a communication bus, with one circuit having a reverse connection configuration to change its address independently without additional pins, using a switching circuit and control circuit to manage address changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional pins are used to change the address of slave devices, then the address can be changed independently, but the overall cost of each slave device and system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress change capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing communication bus is made to serve multiple functions: normal data communication and address reconfiguration. By reversing the connection configuration, the same bus infrastructure performs dual purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated address change pins and reducing system complexity while maintaining address adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If independently powering slave devices is used to change the first address, then the address can be changed, but the overall cost of each slave device and system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress change capabilityVSAvoidpowering requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication bus serves dual purposes: normal operation and address reconfiguration. This eliminates the need for independent powering during address changes, as the same power infrastructure supports both operational modes through the reversible connection configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second interface is connected in a reverse manner, then unique address assignment is enabled without additional pins, but the connection configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique address assignmentVSAvoidconnection configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection configuration is inverted by reversing which interface connects to which host interface. This inversion enables the slave device to be addressed uniquely through the communication bus without requiring additional pins, as the reversed connection creates a distinct communication path that the host can recognize and address separately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10817451B1Methods and system for an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present technology may provide methods and system for an integrated circuit. The system may provide, at most, two integrated circuits (i.e., slave devices) connected to and configured to communicate with a host device (i.e., a master device). At least one of integrated circuits may comprise a first interface and a second interface, wherein the second interface is connected to the host in a manner that is opposite that of the first interface.