Peripheral Device Microcontroller Emulating Memory Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in communicating with peripheral devices that lack dedicated non-volatile memory for storing basic device information, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for dedicated memory and standard protocol compliance.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller in the peripheral device retrieves and formats basic device information from a general-purpose non-volatile memory, emulating a memory controller to respond to computing system requests in a standard format, eliminating the need for dedicated memory and minimizing changes to the computing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated non-volatile memory (EPROM) with controller is used to store basic device information, then the computing system can obtain device information reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microcontroller unit (MCU) and general-purpose memory into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated EPROM and its controller. The MCU directly accesses the general-purpose memory to retrieve device information, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable information retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The general-purpose memory serves multiple functions: it stores both device information and operational code/instructions for the MCU. This multi-functional approach replaces the dedicated EPROM that only stored device information, reducing component count and device complexity while ensuring reliable information access.
2Reliability
If a dedicated EPROM is used to store basic device information, then the information storage is reliable, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate EPROM and MCU into a single integrated unit where the MCU accesses device information directly from its internal or externally coupled general-purpose memory. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining non-volatile information storage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The general-purpose memory in the MCU serves dual purposes: storing device information and storing operational instructions. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated EPROM, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable non-volatile storage of critical device information.
3Device complexity
If the peripheral device uses general purpose memory without dedicated memory, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the compatibility with standard protocols may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller unit acts as an intermediary between the general-purpose memory and the computing system. It retrieves device information from the general-purpose memory and formats/transmits it in the standard protocol expected by the computing system, ensuring protocol compatibility while allowing the use of simpler general-purpose memory instead of dedicated EPROM.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for interfacing with a peripheral device is provided. A microcontroller of the peripheral device is used to respond to a standard request for basic device information from a computing system. When the request for basic device information is received, the microcontroller reads the basic device information from a general purpose memory instead of a dedicated memory. The microcontroller emulates a memory controller by formatting the information and then sending a response to the computing system in a standard, expected format.