One-Time Programmable Memory Programming for Integrated Circuit Proofreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits require a complex and costly proofreading process for measuring devices, involving additional components like EEPROM for storing proofreading coefficients, which increases the cost and complexity of the circuit and wastes system memory.
Innovation Solution
A method for programming one-time programmable memory in integrated circuits that allows for a simple proofreading process by writing an instruction set and proofreading values using two programmable interfaces via a multiplexer, eliminating the need for external storage devices like EEPROM and optimizing memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EEPROM is used to store proofreading coefficients, then the integrated circuit can store proofreading data, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the proofreading data storage function into the existing system memory by utilizing unused memory spaces. Instead of adding a separate EEPROM component, the proofreading coefficients are stored in the same memory system that already stores instruction sets, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware components and reducing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system memory is designed to serve multiple functions: storing both instruction sets for the MCU and proofreading coefficients. This multi-functional approach allows the same memory resource to fulfill different purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated EEPROM storage and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If additional peripheral memory is added for storing standard values, then the proofreading process can be performed, but the cost and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage of standard values and proofreading coefficients with the existing system memory. By utilizing unused memory spaces within the system memory, the patent eliminates the need for separate peripheral memory components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs the proofreading process using its own internal memory resources without requiring external peripheral memory. The system memory serves itself by storing both operational instructions and proofreading data, eliminating the need for additional memory components and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Productivity
If system memory stores only instruction sets, then the MCU can operate, but unused memory space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system memory is designed to serve dual purposes: storing instruction sets for MCU operation and storing proofreading coefficients. This multi-functional utilization ensures that the memory space is fully exploited, eliminating waste while maintaining MCU operational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers unused memory space within the system memory and repurposes it for storing proofreading coefficients. Instead of leaving the memory space idle, the system reclaims and utilizes the available capacity for an additional function, thereby eliminating waste and improving resource efficiency.
4Reliability
If a burner is used to write proofreading data in EEPROM, then the data can be written, but the process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the proofreading data writing process from the complex external burner device and integrates it into the MCU's native programming capability. By using the existing programmable interface and multiplexer already present in the system, the patent eliminates the need for separate burner hardware and reduces the overall process time.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs the proofreading data writing operation using its own internal resources - the MCU and existing programmable interface - without requiring an external burner device. This self-service approach eliminates the additional time required for external programming operations and simplifies the overall process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for programming a one-time programmable memory of an integrated circuit includes the following steps: writing an instruction set into the one-time programmable memory via a first programmable interface, running a programmable self-instruction of the instruction set, and writing a proofreading value of the integrated circuit into the one-time programmable memory via a second programmable interface. The present method takes full advantage of the one-time programmable memory. Manufacturers for manufacturing integrated circuits don't write various proofreading values corresponding to different applications. A producing efficiency can be increased, and a producing cost can be decreased. The present integrated circuit needs not to be communicated with an addition storing device, so the present integrated circuit has a simple construction, and the cost can be decreased. Since the present integrated circuit can write perform a proofreading self-instruction, the producing cost can be decreased.