Multiplexed Configuration Terminal for Integrated Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated device configurations face challenges in flexibility, complexity, and cost due to the need for additional configuration pads and supply pins, especially in stacked structures, which complicates expansion and functionality enhancements.

Innovation Solution

The configuration terminal features a symmetrical structure with independent portions connected to supply and ground voltage references, allowing optional connection through short-circuiting, minimizing layout constraints and area occupation, and enabling flexible placement without additional supply pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional configuration pads are added to expand device functionality, then device adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional supply pins and layout constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configurabilityVSAvoidlayout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the configuration pad function with existing supply pins by implementing a multiplexed terminal that can alternatively function as either a configuration input or a supply connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated configuration pads and their associated supply pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multi-functional terminals that can serve multiple purposes: supply pins can alternatively act as configuration pads, and configuration pads can alternatively serve as supply connections, allowing a single terminal to perform different functions based on device configuration needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional configuration pads are added to expand device functionality, then device adaptability is improved, but the number of supply pins increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configurabilityVSAvoidnumber of supply pins

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the configuration pad function with existing supply pins by implementing a multiplexed terminal that can alternatively function as either a configuration input or a supply connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated configuration pads and their associated supply pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multi-functional terminals that can serve multiple purposes: supply pins can alternatively act as configuration pads, and configuration pads can alternatively serve as supply connections, allowing a single terminal to perform different functions based on device configuration needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If configuration pads are placed between supply pins to maintain central positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to layout constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepad positioning accuracyVSAvoidlayout constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the configuration pad function with existing supply pins by implementing a multiplexed terminal that can alternatively function as either a configuration input or a supply connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated configuration pads and their associated supply pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic terminal assignment where terminals can be configured at fabrication time to serve different functions, allowing flexible placement without fixed positional constraints, thus eliminating the need for precise central positioning between supply pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7501705B2Configuration terminal for integrated devices and method for configuring an integrated device

Publication Date: 2009.03.10 STMICROELECTRONICS SRL

AI summary

A configuration terminal for integrated devices includes a first and a second portion structurally independent and connected to respective first and second terminals and it has at least one contact terminal suitable to be selectively connected to such first and second terminals. Also a method configures an integrated device that includes a plurality of address pads and respective supply pins. The method includes: realizing at least one configuration terminal having a first and a second portion structurally independent and connected to at least one contact terminal; providing the contact of such first and second portions with respective terminals; and configuring the device by a short-circuiting of the contact terminal with at least one of said terminals.