Microcontroller Communication Circuit for CPU-Independent Peripherals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcontroller systems face challenges in efficiently connecting core independent peripherals (CIPs) without requiring additional CPU intervention, leading to increased device size, cost, and latency in communication with external peripherals.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a communication circuit, DMA controller, and configuration registers enables direct data transfer between microcontroller and external peripherals without CPU intervention, allowing CIPs to operate independently by configuring trigger, address, and count settings to manage data transfer through a peripheral communication mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional external port pins are added to enable connections between CIPs, then connection flexibility is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing existing I/O port pins to serve dual purposes: traditional CPU-controlled I/O functions and CIP-to-CIP communication functions. The PPS logic enables each pin to be dynamically assigned different functions based on configuration, eliminating the need for dedicated pins for CIP connections while maintaining full connectivity flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of existing pins through configuration. By modifying the association between pins and functions via PPS logic and configuration registers, the system transforms pins from static single-function components to dynamic multi-function components, enabling CIP connections without physical hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection selection register and multiplexer circuitry are increased to allow selection of any CIP, then connection flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing I/O port pins are made universal by implementing PPS logic that allows any pin to be assigned to any CIP connection based on configuration. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated pins for each CIP connection, reducing the number of required pins and associated multiplexer circuitry while maintaining full connectivity options.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating separate dedicated connection paths for each CIP, the patent uses configuration registers to create virtual copies of connection selections. The PPS logic software/firmware layer provides the same functionality as complex hardware multiplexers but with significantly reduced hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external peripherals are attached external to the CPU with SPI or I2C communication, then peripheral functionality is improved, but latency increases and CIP independence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from CPU control by implementing dedicated CIP communication circuits that operate independently of the CPU. Each CIP has its own communication circuitry that can directly interface with external peripherals through I/O pins without requiring CPU intervention, thereby eliminating CPU-mediated latency while maintaining peripheral functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a communication circuit as part of a microcontroller. One or more registers may be configured to enable communication between the communication circuit and one or more external peripherals without a CPU or other processor controlling the communication. The one or more registers may be configured to allow a specific trigger event to initiate communication between the communication circuit and the external peripheral. A DMA controller may transmit data from the communication circuit to a memory and may transmit data from the memory to the external peripheral.