Programmable Controller Special I/O Unit with Reconfigurable Logic Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable controllers require users to learn different programming languages for the programmable logic device and microprocessor, making them difficult to handle and limiting their diffusion due to complex I/O interface circuit construction for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A programmable controller with a CPU unit, system memory, program memory, and device memory, featuring a special I/O unit with an integrated circuit element that performs high-speed I/O processing, allowing users to communicate with the special unit using a single sequence language and supporting various applications through adjustable I/O interface circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a programmable logic device is used to create a multi-functional special functional unit, then various functions can be realized in a simple manner and cost can be reduced, but users must learn different programming languages which makes the system difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a special functional unit that can perform multiple functions (high-speed counter, pulse output, PWM output, positioning control) through a single integrated circuit element with reconfigurable logic circuits. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining operational simplicity through unified programming interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the integrated circuit element to change its operational parameters and configuration through programming. The logic circuit unit can be reconfigured to perform different functions by changing control parameters and instruction sequences, enabling a single hardware component to adapt to multiple application scenarios without physical modification
2Speed
If dedicated circuits are provided for each special function, then high-speed processing capability is ensured, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated circuit functions into a single integrated circuit element. The logic circuit unit combines counting, pulse generation, PWM modulation, and positioning control capabilities that would traditionally require separate circuits. This consolidation maintains high-speed processing through dedicated hardware logic while reducing overall device complexity and component count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the circuit configuration changeable through programming. The logic circuit unit can dynamically reconfigure its internal logic to perform different functions based on program instructions. This dynamic adaptability allows a single circuit to replace multiple static dedicated circuits, reducing complexity while maintaining specialized high-speed performance for each function when needed
Data Source
AI summary
In a programmable controller including a special unit, a special-purpose integrated circuit element can be readily utilized for multiple purposes to extend the range of applications to reduce a manufacture cost. A special unit (130) connected to a microprocessor for performing I/O control through a bus includes an integrated circuit element (10) having a logic circuit unit (1000n (n=0 to 7)) whose operation specifications are determined by a parameter memory. The logic circuit unit (1000n) includes a reversible counter used for both high-speed input processing and high-speed output processing as a main component, and is connected to I/O interface circuits (139X) (139Y) through a first port (11) and a second port (12). In addition, because the function of the logic circuit unit (1000n) is determined by a content of a special instruction in a sequential program, the logic circuit unit (1000n) is commonly used for various types of I/O interface circuits to allow the integrated circuit element to be used for multiple purposes.