Reconfigurable Logic Circuit Switching for Fewer Configuration Stores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses with reconfigurable logic circuits, such as FPGAs, require a large number of storage portions to handle multiple functions, leading to complex configurations and increased storage needs.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a logic circuit, multiple first storage portions, a switching portion, an acquisition processing portion, and a storage processing portion, where the configuration data is acquired from a second storage portion and stored in a non-connected first storage portion, allowing for reduced storage portions without compromising functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage portions are provided to store different configuration data for multiple functions, then the logic circuit can achieve multiple functions, but the number of storage portions increases and configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making a single storage portion capable of serving multiple functions. The storage portion can store different configuration data corresponding to different functions, and the switching portion enables this single storage portion to be universally connected to the logic circuit for various functions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated storage portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching portion acts as an intermediary between the logic circuit and the storage portions. It mediates the connection by selectively routing configuration data from appropriate storage portions to the logic circuit, enabling multiple functions to be accessed through a unified interface rather than requiring direct connections to multiple storage portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage portions are provided to store different configuration data, then various functions can be stored, but the storage requirements and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoidnumber of storage portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple storage portions into a single storage portion that can hold multiple sets of configuration data. Instead of having separate physical storage devices for each function, the configuration data for multiple functions is combined and stored in one storage portion, reducing the total quantity of storage components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single storage portion is designed to serve multiple functions by storing different configuration data sets. This multi-functional storage portion replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated storage portions, thereby reducing the overall number of storage components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If configuration data is stored in connected storage portions, then the logic circuit can access it, but switching between storage portions increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration data accessVSAvoidswitching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching portion serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of switching between storage portions. It provides a unified interface for accessing configuration data, handling the switching logic internally while presenting a simple access mechanism to the logic circuit, thus maintaining ease of operation despite the underlying switching complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4572147A1Electronic apparatus and data storage method capable of reducing the number of storage portions connectable to logic circuit
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4572147A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4572147A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4572147A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus (100) includes a logic circuit (63), a plurality of first storage portions (64A), a switching portion (65), and a storage processing portion (51B). The internal configuration of the logic circuit (63) is reconfigurable based on configuration data corresponding to one or more functions. The plurality of first storage portions (64A) separately store the configuration data. The switching portion (65) switches the first storage portion (64A) connected to the logic circuit (63). The storage processing portion (51B) stores, in a first storage portion (64A) not connected to the logic circuit (63) among the first storage portions (64A), the configuration data acquired from a second storage portion (54), instead of the configuration data stored in the first storage portion (64A).