Programmable Buffer System for Multi-Protocol Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits often require additional circuitry for specialized protocols or functions, leading to increased cost and space usage, especially when these protocols are not commonly used, resulting in the need for external circuitry to meet input and output requirements.

Innovation Solution

A programmable buffer system with multiplexer circuits, programmable resources, and user configuration registers that can be programmed to function as logic blocks, shift registers, or state machines, allowing for flexible configuration and efficient use of resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If specialized buffer circuits are added for particular protocols or functions, then the input and output requirements for those protocols are met, but the cost and circuit space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol support capabilityVSAvoidcircuit space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal buffer circuit that can be configured to support multiple different protocols and functions through programmable control. Instead of having separate dedicated circuits for each protocol, a single buffer circuit is designed to adapt its behavior based on configuration signals, thereby supporting multiple protocols (such as I2C, SPI, and others) while occupying only one circuit space on the integrated circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer circuit incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capability where the circuit's operational characteristics can be changed during operation or at initialization through programmable control signals. This allows the same physical circuit to dynamically adapt its timing parameters, data direction, and protocol-specific behavior to match the required protocol, eliminating the need for static dedicated circuits for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized buffer circuits are added for particular protocols or functions, then the input and output requirements for those protocols are met, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol support capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal buffer circuit that can be configured to support multiple different protocols and functions through programmable control. Instead of having separate dedicated circuits for each protocol, a single buffer circuit is designed to adapt its behavior based on configuration signals, thereby supporting multiple protocols (such as I2C, SPI, and others) while occupying only one circuit space on the integrated circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple protocol-specific buffer circuits into a single integrated buffer circuit. By combining the data path, control logic, and timing mechanisms into one unified structure that can be programmatically configured, the design reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining support for multiple protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuitry is added externally to meet protocol requirements, then the protocol support is achieved, but the inconvenience and cost are significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol support capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal buffer circuit that can be configured to support multiple different protocols and functions through programmable control. Instead of having separate dedicated circuits for each protocol, a single buffer circuit is designed to adapt its behavior based on configuration signals, thereby supporting multiple protocols (such as I2C, SPI, and others) while occupying only one circuit space on the integrated circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable buffer circuit acts as an intermediary between the integrated circuit's internal logic and external devices operating under different protocols. By providing a configurable interface layer within the IC itself, the buffer translates between internal signals and various external protocol requirements, eliminating the need for external protocol conversion circuitry and simplifying system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9450582B2Programmable buffer system

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A programmable buffer system includes a plurality of programmable resources. Each of the programmable resources includes, in an unconfigured state, a buffer with multiple entries, an input multiplexer, and an output multiplexer. Configuration information registers specify whether each of the programmable resources is configured as one of a group consisting of: a logic block, a shift register, and a state record, and which of a plurality of timer signals is to be provided to each of the plurality of programmable resources.