Programmable CRC Shift Logic for Multi-Protocol Data Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CRC engines lack flexibility in handling different data transmission protocols, as they typically operate with a fixed shift direction, which is not compatible with various data storage and transmission methods like UART and SPI, requiring preprocessing of data before CRC calculation.
Innovation Solution
A programmable CRC engine with a variable buffer memory and shift logic that allows left or right shifting of data, controlled by a control register, enabling compatibility with different protocols by adjusting the shift direction and accommodating varying data word sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed shift direction is used in the CRC engine, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different communication protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic shift direction control mechanism where the CRC engine can switch between left-shift and right-shift modes based on protocol requirements. A control register stores a shift direction bit that dynamically configures the shift logic, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different protocols (UART, SPI, etc.) without physical reconfiguration, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and protocol versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of shift direction (left or right) based on protocol requirements. By modifying this single parameter through software control rather than hardware reconfiguration, the system maintains structural simplicity while achieving protocol adaptability. The control register allows programmable adjustment of this parameter to match different communication standards.
2Device complexity
If data preprocessing is performed to accommodate fixed shift direction, then the CRC engine can operate with fixed structure, but the loss of time increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shift direction control functionality from the data path and places it in a separate control register. This allows the CRC engine to directly process data in the required format without preprocessing, as the shift direction is determined by control signals rather than data manipulation. The control register is configured based on the protocol type, eliminating the need for time-consuming data reformatting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of the shift direction in the control register before data processing begins. This preliminary setup ensures that the CRC engine is pre-configured to handle data in the correct format, eliminating the need for runtime preprocessing and reducing overall processing time while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If preprocessing is required for different protocols, then the CRC engine can maintain fixed operation, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional data preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the CRC engine automatically adapts to different protocols through control register configuration. The system self-adjusts its operation mode based on the protocol type without requiring manual data preprocessing or complex setup procedures. This automation improves ease of operation while maintaining the simplicity of the fixed-structure engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal CRC engine that can handle multiple protocols through a single control register. By making the engine multi-functional through software control rather than hardware variations, it eliminates the need for protocol-specific preprocessing steps, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclic redundancy check (CRC) unit has a programmable CRC engine, a variable buffer memory operable to store k words wherein each word has n-bits, wherein k and n can be varied, and shift logic operable to shift data from the variable buffer memory into the programmable CRC engine.