MCU Pin and Bus Configuration for Multi-Board Signal Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcontroller unit (MCU) configurations face complexity in dynamically connecting and controlling board parts on expansion boards due to hardware limitations and electrical incompatibilities, requiring manual analysis of schematics and datasheets, which becomes cumbersome with multiple expansion boards.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method to automatically resolve connections and electrical incompatibilities by merging netlist representations of mother and expansion boards into a virtual board, determining signal associations and mappings, and performing connection path searches to configure the MCU, while resolving conflicts through alternative hardware configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual analysis of schematics and datasheets is performed to configure MCU pins, then configuration accuracy is improved, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically analyzing schematics and generating pin mappings without requiring manual intervention. The computer-implemented method extracts connection information from schematics, identifies relevant pins, and configures the MCU automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual configuration expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis of schematics with automated computer processing. The system uses computational algorithms to parse schematic representations, identify connections, and generate configuration data, substituting human analytical work with automated digital processing that is both accurate and time-efficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple expansion boards are connected to increase functionality, then system versatility is improved, but electrical incompatibilities and connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex multi-board configuration problem into manageable segments by processing each expansion board's schematic independently, identifying its specific connection requirements, and resolving incompatibilities on a per-board basis. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple boards without being overwhelmed by the overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration system that acts as a mediator between the MCU and multiple expansion boards. This intermediary automatically analyzes schematics, identifies compatible connections, and generates appropriate pin mappings, serving as a buffer that resolves electrical incompatibilities before they reach the MCU configuration layer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pin configurations are made flexible and configurable via firmware, then adaptability is improved, but hardware limitations and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of schematic representations to pre-determine valid pin configurations before the actual MCU programming occurs. By analyzing the schematics in advance and identifying all possible valid connections, the system can generate correct configuration data automatically, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining full flexibility in pin assignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes: for each pin of a part on a physical or virtual board, determining a signal inbounding or outbounding the pin and creating an association between the signal and the pin, and determining a shortest path connection between the pin and a pin of a configuration target and creating a mapping between the pin of the selected part and the pin of the configuration target; merging the associations and the mappings to detect whether there is an incompatible signal associated with a pin of the part; and responsive to detecting an incompatible signal, searching for an alternative hardware configuration to change at least one mapping.