IO Pad Configuration via Boundary Scan Register
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring input/output (IO) pads in integrated circuits require complex and area-consuming IO channels to manage multiple configuration control signals, which are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a boundary scan register to provide configuration information to IO pad circuits, allowing for efficient configuration through multiple write sessions and comparison of boundary scan words to optimize configuration bit distribution across IO pad control circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated IO channels are used to route multiple IO pad circuit configuration control signals, then configuration control capability is improved, but area consumption increases and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing IO channels are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data signals and configuration control signals. The boundary scan register serves dual purposes: normal test/data operations and configuration distribution to IO pad circuits. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated configuration channels, reducing area consumption while maintaining full configuration control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated IO channels are used to route multiple IO pad circuit configuration control signals, then configuration control capability is improved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing IO channels are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data signals and configuration control signals. The boundary scan register serves dual purposes: normal test/data operations and configuration distribution to IO pad circuits. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated configuration channels, reducing area consumption while maintaining full configuration control capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple writing cycles are used to configure IO pad circuits through boundary scan register, then configuration precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data is prepared and loaded into the boundary scan register in advance during normal test mode operations. This preliminary action allows the configuration information to be ready and staged before actual IO pad configuration is needed, enabling precise multi-bit configuration to be applied in a single coordinated action rather than requiring multiple sequential writing cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring IO pads, the method includes determining a current configuration of multiple IO pads of an integrated circuit and whereas the method is characterized by generating multiple boundary scan register words that comprise Configuration information; and repeating the stage of serially writing a certain boundary scan register word to a boundary scan register and outputting the boundary scan register word to multiple IO pad control circuits. A device that includes a core, connected to a boundary scan register, a TAP controller and multiple IO pad circuits, the device is characterized by including a control circuit adapted to determine a current configuration of the IO pads, to generate multiple boundary scan register words that comprise configuration information; and to control a repetition of: writing a certain boundary scan register word to the boundary scan register and outputting the boundary scan register word to multiple IO pad control circuits.