Processor Reset State Alteration via Controller Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microcontrollers have a hardcoded reset state that is unchangeable, posing challenges for applications requiring alternative reset states without modifying the processor's hardware or reset vector.
Innovation Solution
A processor is designed to execute instructions based on content stored at a predetermined address, with a controller providing alternative content at reset, allowing for execution of an alternative reset routine by altering the reset state without changing the hardware-defined reset vector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processor uses a hardcoded reset state with fixed content at the predetermined address, then the processor structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability is poor and alternative reset routines cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
A controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the memory and the processor. The controller intercepts reset requests and dynamically provides alternative content for the predetermined address based on reset cause analysis, enabling reset state flexibility without modifying the processor's internal hardcoded structure. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by adding adaptability while maintaining processor structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-analyzes the reset cause before the processor executes reset instructions, and pre-selects appropriate alternative content to be provided at the predetermined address. This preliminary action enables the processor to execute alternative reset routines without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the reset process, thereby maintaining system reliability while improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the processor executes alternative reset routines by modifying hardware or reset vector, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as a software-based intermediary that provides alternative content dynamically without requiring any hardware modifications to the processor. Different reset routines can be implemented by simply changing the content provided by the controller, eliminating the need for costly hardware reconfiguration or multiple processor variants, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reset routine variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the content parameter at the predetermined address based on reset causes, rather than changing hardware parameters. By dynamically adjusting which content is provided from memory to the processor during reset, the system achieves multiple reset routine capabilities without modifying hardware, keeping manufacturing simple and cost-effective.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the processor always executes the stored reset routine at the predetermined address, then the reliability is high, but the ability to perform accuracy checks or communication operations at reset is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of reset causes before directing the processor to execute reset instructions. Based on this preliminary action, the controller determines whether to provide alternative content that enables accuracy checks, communication operations, or standard reset routines. This ensures that alternative operations are only executed when appropriate, maintaining reliability while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller analyzes reset causes and provides feedback by selecting appropriate content to be executed. This feedback mechanism ensures that alternative reset routines are only activated when specific conditions are met (such as communication requirements or accuracy check needs), while maintaining consistent execution of standard reset routines for normal operations, thus balancing adaptability with reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a memory, a processor and a controller. The processor is adapted to begin executing instructions based on content stored starting at a predetermined address in the memory upon reset of the processor. The controller is adapted to, in response to the reset of the processor, provide to the processor content for the predetermined address other than the content that is stored starting at the predetermined address.