Interchangeable MCU Module Interface for Unified PCB Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building equipment controllers face challenges in compatibility due to disparate configurations of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and microcontroller units (MCUs), limiting the ability to interchangeably use different MCU modules with a single circuit board design.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller module with interchangeable MCU modules that can connect to a circuit board, allowing for different MCU modules to be used with a single board design, featuring a first set of connection points that is a subset or overlaps with a second set, and providing additional functionalities such as UART, I2C bus, CAN bus, GPIO, or ethernet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single circuit board design is used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but compatibility with different MCU configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate multiple MCU module types. The board includes a standardized array of connection points that can interface with different MCU pin configurations, allowing a single board design to support various MCU modules through selective connection point usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection points on the circuit board are segmented into multiple groups or sets, where each set corresponds to different MCU configurations. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the relevant connection points for a given MCU module, enabling compatibility across different MCU types while maintaining a unified board design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MCU modules with different pin configurations are supported, then adaptability and functionality are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single unified connection interface is designed to serve multiple MCU configurations. The same physical connection points on the circuit board can be selectively activated to match different MCU pinouts, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board acts as an intermediary layer between the standardized connection interface and the various MCU modules. This intermediary design absorbs the complexity of multiple configurations by providing a translation layer that adapts different MCU pin configurations to a unified connection standard.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional features such as UART, I2C, CAN bus, GPIO, or ethernet are provided, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board incorporates a universal set of communication interface components that can support multiple protocols (UART, I2C, CAN bus, GPIO, ethernet) through a single standardized interface. This allows the system to enable only the required communication features for each application, avoiding the complexity of implementing all features simultaneously while maintaining the capability to provide any combination.
Data Source
AI summary
A building device including a circuit board having a plurality of connection points, and a microcontroller (MCU) module having a plurality of pads and a plurality of receivers, the plurality of pads configured to connect to a first set of connection points of the plurality of connection points of the circuit board, and the plurality of receivers to connect a first set of pins of a plurality of pins of a microcontroller. The MCU module configured to route a signal from a pin of the plurality of pins of the first microcontroller to a connection point of the plurality of connection points of the circuit board, via a pad of the first plurality of pads and a first interface of the first MCU module.