Programmable Switched Capacitor Block for Reconfigurable Analog Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microcontroller designs lack dynamically programmable analog circuits, requiring separate fixed functional blocks for each analog function, which increases chip space and complexity, and cannot be programmed 'on-the-fly' to implement various analog functions.
Innovation Solution
A programmable switched capacitor block that can be configured to implement different analog functions by controlling switches, allowing the same block to perform multiple analog functions, including single-ended and differential signaling, within a processing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fixed functional analog blocks are used for each analog function, then each analog function can be reliably implemented, but chip space and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal analog block that can perform multiple different analog functions through dynamic configuration. The block includes reconfigurable components such as switchable capacitor arrays, programmable gain amplifiers, and configurable filter structures that can be programmed via digital control signals to implement various analog functions including filtering, amplification, and signal modulation, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated analog blocks for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the analog block's functionality can be changed during operation through digital programming. Switches and multiplexers are controlled by digital signals to reconfigure the analog circuit topology, capacitor connections, and signal paths in real-time, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to different analog function requirements without requiring additional dedicated circuits.
2Reliability
If separate fixed functional analog blocks are used for each analog function, then each analog function can be reliably implemented, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal analog block that can perform multiple different analog functions through dynamic configuration. The block includes reconfigurable components such as switchable capacitor arrays, programmable gain amplifiers, and configurable filter structures that can be programmed via digital control signals to implement various analog functions including filtering, amplification, and signal modulation, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated analog blocks for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital control interface as an intermediary between the digital processor and the analog block. This control interface receives digital programming signals and translates them into appropriate switch control signals for the analog reconfiguration, providing a standardized mediation layer that simplifies the overall system design by separating the control logic from the analog circuitry and enabling programmable functionality through a unified interface.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional analog circuits are used, then the circuit can operate continuously, but it cannot be dynamically programmed on-the-fly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the analog block's functionality can be changed during operation through digital programming. Switches and multiplexers are controlled by digital signals to reconfigure the analog circuit topology, capacitor connections, and signal paths in real-time, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to different analog function requirements without requiring additional dedicated circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a periodic reconfiguration mechanism where the analog block can be programmed in discrete steps during operation. The digital control system periodically updates the analog configuration based on incoming programming commands, allowing the circuit to maintain continuous operation while adapting its function in a controlled, periodic manner through switch state changes and parameter updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A first portion of a programmable switched capacitor block includes a first plurality of switched capacitors and a second portion of the programmable switched capacitor block includes a second plurality of switched capacitors. A first switch associated with the first plurality of switched capacitors as well as a second switch associated with the second plurality of switched capacitors may be configured based on a type of analog function that is to be provided. The configuring of the first analog and the second analog block may include the configuring of the first switch associated with the first plurality of switched capacitors when the analog function operates on a first single ended signal and the configuring of both the first and second switches when the analog function operates on a differential signal.