Mixed-Signal Array Reconfiguration for Single-Chip Analog-Digital Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcontroller designs lack the ability to dynamically program both analog and digital circuits, requiring pre-programming and necessitating multiple semiconductor chips for complex communication between analog and digital circuits, which increases area and cost on a semiconductor chip.
Innovation Solution
A Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC) architecture that integrates programmable universal digital blocks (UDBs), switched-capacitor/continuous time (SC/CT) analog blocks, and digital-to-analog converters, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of digital and analog functions within a single chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general purpose digital circuits are included in microcontroller implementation, then digital functions such as logical operations and arithmetical functions can be realized, but the device occupies a large area on semiconductor chip and increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital block (UDB) that can be dynamically reconfigured to perform multiple digital functions including logical operations, arithmetical functions, and data processing. Instead of dedicating separate circuit areas for each function, a single UDB structure serves multiple purposes through programmable logic elements, thereby reducing overall chip area while maintaining full digital functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital circuits are made dynamically reconfigurable through programmable logic arrays and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) techniques. The UDB can be programmed at runtime to change its functionality, allowing the same physical circuit to adapt to different digital operations, thus eliminating the need for large static areas dedicated to various specialized digital circuits.
2Reliability
If pre-programming is used for analog and digital circuits, then circuit functions can be realized, but the circuits cannot be dynamically programmed and require multiple semiconductor chips for complex communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability in both analog and digital circuits through a unified programmable architecture. The UDB can be reprogrammed at runtime to change its function, and this capability extends to analog blocks through programmable control interfaces. This dynamic nature allows a single chip to replace multiple fixed-function chips while maintaining reliable operation through controlled reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate analog and digital programming capabilities into a unified reconfigurable architecture. Both analog blocks and digital UDBs can be programmed through integrated control mechanisms, allowing complex communication and coordination between analog and digital functions on a single chip, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate chips.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CT and SC analog circuits are incorporated into microcontroller designs, then analog functions can be realized, but programming is required before utilization and neither can be dynamically programmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both CT and SC analog circuits dynamically reconfigurable through programmable control interfaces. The analog blocks can have their parameters and functions changed at runtime by writing to control registers, allowing the same analog hardware to serve multiple different analog functions without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple dedicated circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller comprises a plurality of digital peripheral blocks and a direct memory access (DMA) controller coupled thereto. The plurality of digital peripheral blocks includes a digital peripheral block that is configured to issue a DMA request. Upon receipt of the DMA request, the DMA controller is configured to retrieve configuration information and to write the configuration information to a configuration register associated with a circuit element of the microcontroller.