Peripheral Trigger Generator for Microcontroller Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microcontrollers face inaccuracies and timing inconsistencies when generating complex signals for peripheral devices due to processor latencies and significant processor overhead, making it challenging to coordinate time-critical events effectively.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller with a peripheral trigger generator that includes a user-programmable state machine and programmable step queue, allowing for independent generation of trigger signals and timing coordination for peripheral devices without CPU intervention, reducing processor workload and enhancing timing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If processor driven timing solutions are used to generate trigger signals, then the microcontroller can control timing functions, but processor latencies and overhead cause inaccuracies and timing inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The timing control function is segmented from the processor by introducing a dedicated peripheral trigger generator unit. This separate unit handles time-critical timing operations independently, eliminating processor latency while maintaining ease of operation through automated trigger generation based on peripheral events.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral trigger generator acts as an intermediary between peripheral events and trigger signal generation. It receives events from peripherals and automatically generates appropriately timed trigger signals without requiring processor intervention, thus eliminating latency while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If processor core is used to control timing functions, then timing coordination can be implemented, but processor overhead becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The timing coordination function is extracted from the processor and implemented as a dedicated peripheral trigger generator. This separate unit handles timing coordination autonomously based on peripheral events, eliminating processor overhead while maintaining full timing coordination capability for multiple peripherals.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral trigger generator operates autonomously to coordinate timing functions for peripheral devices without requiring processor intervention. It self-manages timing coordination by automatically generating trigger signals in response to peripheral events, thereby eliminating processor overhead while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional microcontroller architecture is used, then simple control is maintained, but complex timing sequences for coordinated peripheral actions cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral trigger generator provides universal functionality to generate complex timing sequences for various peripheral devices through a unified architecture. It handles multiple peripheral types and complex timing coordination tasks using a single dedicated unit, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A microcontroller includes a central processing unit (CPU); a plurality of peripheral units; and a peripheral trigger generator comprising a user programmable state machine, wherein the peripheral trigger generator is configured to receive a plurality of input signals and is programmable to automate timing functions depending on at least one of said input signals and generate at least one output signal.