Memory-Mapped Analog Circuit Blocks for Flexible Channel Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices with digital and analog functions, such as IoT devices, face challenges in implementing programmable analog circuits due to high costs, large footprints, and complexity, particularly in configuring and managing analog operations within integrated device environments.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit device with programmable analog circuit blocks, such as analog-to-digital converters, is configured using single memory-mapped entries, allowing for enabling or disabling signal channels and executing operations through a series of configuration entries, enabling flexible and efficient configuration of analog circuit operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate configuration calls are used to program analog circuits, then configuration flexibility is achieved, but device complexity and programming overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate configuration operations into a single memory-mapped entry write operation. Instead of requiring multiple function calls to configure different aspects of an analog circuit, all configuration parameters are consolidated into one unified memory entry that can be programmed in a single operation, thereby reducing programming overhead while maintaining full configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory-mapped entry serves multiple configuration functions simultaneously. A single entry can configure signal channels, operational parameters, and other analog circuit settings all at once, making the configuration mechanism universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized configuration calls for different circuit aspects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate-function analog IC devices are used, then functional capability is achieved, but device footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The analog circuit block is designed to perform multiple different functions through a single unified structure controlled by memory-mapped entries. Instead of requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, one analog block can be reconfigured via software to perform various analog signal processing tasks, significantly reducing the device footprint while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the memory-mapped configuration entries to dynamically reconfigure the analog circuit block's behavior. By changing the parameter values written to the configuration entry, the same physical circuit can operate in different modes or perform different functions without any physical reconfiguration, enabling high functional capability in a compact footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include storing operation data in entries of memory mapped storage circuits of an integrated circuit (IC) device. The operation data of a single entry can include configuration data, an action value, and channel data having channel bits corresponding to different signal channels. Operation of the analog circuit can be configured with the configuration data. Signal channels to an analog circuit can be configured with channel data. In response to a first action value of the entry, selecting a next entry and the analog circuit and signal channels with configuration data of the next entry. In response to a second action value, ending operations of the analog circuit. Corresponding devices and systems are also disclosed.