Configurable Microcontroller Hardware for DSP Task Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcontrollers face high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for expensive DSP digital signal coprocessors to handle processing tasks like digital filtering, matrix operations, and fast Fourier transforms, which are not optimized for the processor.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller with a configurable hardware module that can execute specific processing tasks like digital filtering, matrix calculations, and fast Fourier transforms, parameterized by user-defined values, allowing the processor to focus on other optimized operations while reducing costs and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a DSP digital signal coprocessor is used to execute processing tasks, then processing performance is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two parts: a general-purpose processor and a dedicated hardware module for specific processing tasks. This segmentation allows the processor to handle control and coordination while the hardware module executes intensive computations, achieving high performance without the full cost of a complete DSP coprocessor.
Solution Approach 2:
A hardware module acts as an intermediary between the processor and the processing tasks. This module receives parameters from the processor, executes the configured processing operations in hardware, and returns results, providing specialized processing capability without requiring a full DSP coprocessor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processing tasks are executed in software by the processor, then versatility is maintained, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware module is dynamically configurable through software-controlled parameters. The processor can load different parameter sets to reconfigure the hardware module for different processing tasks (e.g., different filter coefficients, matrix dimensions, or FFT sizes), providing versatility while maintaining hardware execution speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Processing versatility is achieved by changing parameters delivered to the hardware module rather than changing the hardware itself. The processor configures the hardware module by delivering parameters that define the processing operation type, allowing the same hardware to perform multiple functions at hardware speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the processor executes resource-intensive processing tasks, then functionality is complete, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-intensive processing operations are extracted from the processor and implemented in dedicated hardware circuitry. This hardware module handles the computationally demanding tasks while the processor manages control and configuration, reducing the processor's energy consumption while maintaining complete functionality.
4Speed
If a dedicated hardware module is introduced, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware module is designed as a universal processing unit that can perform multiple types of operations (digital filtering, matrix calculations, fast Fourier transforms) by accepting different parameter configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized hardware components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller is capable of executing a process that is parameterizable by at least one parameter. The microcontroller includes a processor and a hardware module coupled to the processor. The hardware module is configured to hardware execute the process and the processor is configured to deliver the at least one parameter to the hardware module.