Processor Interface Assembly Address Space Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When a program developed for one type of processor is applied to another type of processor, the addresses occupied by peripheral devices need to be modified, increasing development workload due to differences in processor architectures, such as X86 and ARM architectures.
Innovation Solution
A processor interface assembly with a controller and sub-interface circuits that set sub-address spaces for peripheral devices based on data stored in a register, allowing the sub-address spaces to be adjusted to match the target processor, reducing the need for manual address modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral devices are coupled through a fixed address space configuration, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different processor architectures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the address space configuration changeable through register settings. The controller can dynamically assign different sub-address spaces to peripheral devices by modifying register values, allowing the same hardware interface assembly to adapt to different processor architectures (X86, ARM, MIPS) without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the address space parameters by allowing the base address and sub-address space assignments to be modified through register configurations. This enables the system to adjust address mapping parameters to match different processor architectures, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual address modification is performed for porting programs between architectures, then compatibility is achieved, but the development workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically handling address space configuration through pre-defined register settings. When porting a program to a different architecture, the developer only needs to modify register values rather than manually changing address references throughout the code, allowing the system to self-adapt to different architectures with minimal human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple sub-address spaces that can be selectively activated through register settings. The address mapping framework is prepared in advance, and the appropriate configuration is selected before program execution, eliminating the need for runtime address modifications and reducing development time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a unified address space is used for all peripheral devices, then the interface design is simple, but the flexibility in assigning address spaces to different device types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the unified address space into multiple sub-address spaces (first sub-address space, second sub-address space, etc.). Each sub-address space can be independently assigned to different types of peripheral devices through controller configuration, providing flexibility while maintaining a unified overall address space structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface assembly achieves universality by using a single unified address space framework that can serve multiple different peripheral device types. Through the controller's ability to configure different sub-address space assignments, the same interface assembly can universally support various device types without requiring separate dedicated address spaces for each device.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor interface assembly includes: a first interface circuit including a plurality of sub-interface circuits and configured to couple with a plurality of peripheral devices, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices is configured to occupy a pre-determined address space, and the pre-determined address space includes multiple sub-address spaces; and a controller including a register and configured to set a sub-address space occupied by at least one type of peripheral devices among the plurality of peripheral devices based on at least a portion of data stored in the register.