Initialization Bus Multiplexing for Device Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems face challenges in setting up initial states due to the limited number of general-function signal lines, which restricts the number of initial values that can be set and affects normal signal quality with the use of pull-up or pull-down resistors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an initialization bus to transmit initial values via a multiplexing mechanism, allowing the connection of jumpers during an initialization period to latch multiple initial values without interfering with normal operations, thereby reducing the need for additional strapping pins and minimizing the impact on signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of pins reserved for strapping functions is increased to setup initial states, then the number of initial values that can be set is improved, but the size and manufacturing cost of the device are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strapping function with existing general-function signal pins. Instead of using separate dedicated strapping pins, the invention utilizes the existing general-function signal pins to carry both their original signals and the strapping initialization values, thereby increasing the number of initial values that can be set without adding device size
Solution Approach 2:
The general-function signal pins are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as general-function signals and as strapping pins for initialization. This universality allows the same physical pins to perform multiple roles, eliminating the need for additional dedicated strapping pins
2Device complexity
If general-function signal pins are used to provide initial levels by pull-up or pull-down resistors, then the number of pins required is reduced, but the quality of the general-function signals in normal operation is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pull-up or pull-down resistors only during the initialization period before the system-power-completed signal becomes effective. Once initialization is complete, the resistors are disconnected or disabled, allowing the general-function signals to operate without interference during normal operation. This preliminary action ensures that the resistors affect only the initialization phase
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration of the general-function signal pins is made dynamic rather than static. The pins can switch between two states: during initialization, they are configured with pull-up or pull-down resistors to latch initial values; during normal operation, the resistors are disconnected to allow clean signal transmission. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between initialization requirements and signal quality
3Device complexity
If only n bits initial values are provided through general-function signals, then the signal lines remain simple, but the number of initial values that can be setup is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic or sequential nature of the initialization process to transmit multiple initial values through the same signal lines. By triggering transmission commands at different timing (before system-power-completed signal becomes effective), the system can latch multiple initial values sequentially through the general-function signals, thereby increasing the number of initial values without adding signal lines
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a first device to initialize a second device is disclosed. The initialization bus is coupled between the first device and the second device. During an initialization period, the first device triggers at least one transmission command through the initialization bus to transmit at least one initial value to the second device via the initialization bus.