Programmable Hardware Element Multi-Channel Configuration Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems with programmable hardware elements often require undesirable compromises for multi-channel operations, such as resource sharing and runtime loading schemes, which can interrupt channel scanning and output continuity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring a programmable hardware element to support high channel counts using a single configuration memory that can be updated during runtime without interrupting channel scanning or output, allowing for glitch-free updates and efficient resource sharing through graphical programming environments like LabVIEW.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-channel operations are implemented using prior art systems, then channel count is increased, but resource sharing conflicts and operational interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration memory into multiple independent banks (e.g., Bank 0, Bank 1, etc.), where each bank can be independently updated. This segmentation allows different channel configurations to be loaded into different banks simultaneously, enabling multi-channel operations without resource conflicts and maintaining operational continuity while increasing channel count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration memory is updated in prior art systems, then new configuration is loaded, but the system must be taken offline causing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-loads configuration data into multiple configuration memory banks before operation. When a configuration update is needed, the system switches to a pre-loaded bank while the current bank continues operating, eliminating downtime. This preliminary preparation of multiple configuration states enables seamless updates without taking the system offline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dual or multi-bank configuration memory that allows one bank to be updated while another bank continues to provide configuration data for ongoing operations. This ensures continuous useful action by maintaining operational configuration availability during update processes, preventing system interruptions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resource sharing is implemented in prior art systems, then multi-channel operations are enabled, but channel scanning is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration memory into multiple independent banks, each capable of holding configuration data for different channels. This allows the system to maintain separate configuration contexts for multiple channels simultaneously, enabling continuous channel scanning without interruptions caused by resource sharing conflicts or configuration switching.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for implementing multi-channel operations in a programmable hardware element (PHE). A hardware configuration program, including a processing function, inputs and outputs of the processing function, a plurality of channels, and channel scanning functionality for the plurality of channels, is specified. A PHE is configured with the hardware configuration program, including implementing the processing function and the channel scanning functionality on the PHE. A respective state and configuration of each of the plurality of channels is stored in a memory of the PHE to enable logic-sharing between each of the plurality of channels. The PHE is operated, including performing channel scanning on the plurality of channels, and updating the configuration of one or more of the channels in the memory of the PHE without interrupting the channel scanning, without taking any of the channels offline, and/or without interrupting a continuity of an output of the PHE.