Programmable I/O Circuit with External Reference Threshold Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input/output circuits are limited in programmability, unable to dynamically adjust voltage levels for input and output signals, and lack the ability to enable analog and digital signal paths without CPU intervention, restricting their versatility in communication with external devices.
Innovation Solution
A programmable input/output circuit that includes adjustable output and input buffers with user-selectable reference voltages, enabling dynamic control of voltage levels and independent operation of signal paths, allowing for multiple voltage levels and dynamic switching without CPU intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional CMOS input/output circuits are used with fixed voltage levels, then the circuit structure is simple, but the adaptability to different voltage levels is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage level selection by allowing the I/O circuit to switch between different voltage levels (e.g., 1.8V, 3.3V, 5V) based on configuration settings. The circuit transitions from a fixed voltage architecture to a dynamically adjustable one, enabling adaptation to various external devices while maintaining a relatively compact structure through shared buffer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage level parameter of the I/O circuit from a fixed value to a programmable parameter. By introducing voltage selection logic and configurable reference voltages, the circuit can operate at multiple voltage levels, significantly improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard CMOS input/output circuits with fixed high output level are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the programmability of voltage levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal I/O buffer structure that can serve multiple voltage level requirements through configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated circuits for each voltage level. The same physical buffer can be programmed to operate at different voltages, enhancing programmability while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of multiple specialized buffer designs.
3Productivity
If conventional input/output circuits require CPU intervention for enabling signal paths, then the control is simple, but the productivity is reduced due to CPU overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O circuit is equipped with self-control capabilities through configuration registers and internal control logic that can enable or disable analog and digital signal paths autonomously. Once configured, the circuit manages its own signal path switching without requiring continuous CPU intervention, thereby improving productivity while the initial configuration setup remains manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of signal path settings through programmable registers before actual operation. The control logic is pre-programmed with the necessary parameters to enable analog or digital modes as needed, allowing rapid switching without real-time CPU involvement during signal path transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A apparatus, having a processing system and an input buffer coupled with both the processing system and one of two IO pads, and a reference buffer coupled to both the input buffer and the second of the IO pads such that the reference generator controls the input threshold of the input buffer in response to an analog voltage received from an external circuit on the second of the IO pads.