Microprocessor Reset Management Module Preventing Cycling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microprocessor reset schemes often lead to reset cycling, where the root cause of the error remains uncorrected, causing the device to run in an unsafe state and increasing power consumption, due to the inability to maintain the device in a reset state after a destructive reset.

Innovation Solution

A microprocessor device with a reset management module that includes a reset controller capable of detecting reset events and maintaining components in a reset state upon meeting predetermined conditions, preventing reset cycling by configuring a 'stay in reset' mode until power cycle or software initialization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional reset scheme is implemented where the device always exits reset state after a reset sequence, then the device can resume operation quickly, but reset cycling occurs when the root cause of the error is not corrected, leading to unsafe states and increased power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operational continuityVSAvoidsystem safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reset management module monitors reset events and system state to determine whether the root cause of a reset has been corrected. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent decision-making about whether to exit reset or maintain reset state, preventing reset cycling while ensuring safe operation resumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the reset exit behavior based on real-time conditions. Instead of a fixed reset exit protocol, the system can transition between different states (exit reset, maintain reset, or initiate another reset sequence) based on whether error conditions persist, making the reset management adaptive to system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the device exits reset state after every reset sequence, then operational resumption is achieved, but power consumption increases due to reset cycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic operation resumptionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reset management module uses feedback from error condition monitoring to intelligently control reset exit timing. By detecting whether the root cause has been corrected, the system avoids unnecessary reset cycles that would increase power consumption, while still automatically resuming operation when safe to do so.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a simple reset exit protocol is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot prevent reset cycling or detect when error conditions persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset management structureVSAvoidreset cycling prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reset management module acts as an intermediary between the reset controller and the rest of the system. It monitors reset events, evaluates error conditions, and controls the transition out of reset state, providing intelligent reset management without requiring complex changes to the core processor architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2783266B1Microprocessor, and method of managing reset events therefor
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 NXP USA INC
  • EP2783266B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2783266B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2783266B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A microprocessor comprises at least one reset management module. The at least one reset management module is arranged to detect a reset event, determine if at least one reset condition has been met upon detection of the reset event, and cause at least a part of the microprocessor to remain in a reset state upon determining that the at least one reset condition has been met.