Microcontroller Module Coordination for EMI-Safe ADC Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microcontroller chip designers face challenges in minimizing chip size while preventing component interference and reducing power consumption, as components placed close together often experience electromagnetic interference, affecting the accuracy of analog-to-digital conversions.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller design that includes a control circuit to coordinate the operation of modules, allowing them to operate in lower power modes and switch between active and static modes to minimize interference, enabling closer placement and efficient power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If components are placed closer together to minimize chip size, then chip area is reduced and production yield improves, but electromagnetic interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operational states of modules configurable and controllable. The microcontroller allows dynamic switching between different operational modes (active, sleep, deep sleep) and enables coordinate control where one module's operation can be adjusted based on the state of another module. This dynamic control allows components to be placed closer together while preventing interference through real-time state management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of modules to prevent interference. By modifying operational states (active, sleep, deep sleep) and timing parameters, the system can reduce electromagnetic interference between closely-placed components. The coordinate control mechanism adjusts operational parameters of one module based on the state of another, allowing close placement without interference.
2Use of energy by moving object
If modules operate in lower power modes to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but operational capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management with multiple operational modes (active, sleep, deep sleep) that can be switched based on system requirements. The coordinate control mechanism dynamically adjusts the operational state of modules to optimize between power consumption and operational capability. When one module is in a high-power state, the control circuit can place another module in a lower-power mode, achieving overall power efficiency without completely disabling operational capabilities.
3Productivity
If components are placed closer together to improve production yield, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic coordinate control to enable closer component placement for improved production yield. The control circuits on modules monitor and coordinate their operational states, allowing components to function correctly despite close proximity. This dynamic coordination prevents interference while maintaining the space-efficient layout that improves manufacturing yield.
4Reliability
If control circuits coordinate module operation to prevent interference, then operational reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into separate control circuits associated with each module. Each module has its own control circuit that can independently monitor and adjust its operational state. This segmentation distributes the complexity across multiple simple control units rather than requiring one complex centralized controller, improving reliability through modular coordination while managing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller includes first and second modules. The first module can operate in a mode that causes interference with operation of the second module. A control circuit on the first module and a control circuit on the second module coordinate operation of the first and second modules to prevent the interference from causing the second module to function incorrectly.