Programmable Interconnect Matrix for Dynamic Peripheral Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable logic devices (PLDs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) face challenges such as high power consumption and large silicon area, which complicates the implementation of additional peripherals like operational amplifiers and converters, leading to increased costs and development cycles in complex electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A Programmable System on Chip (PSoC) architecture featuring a programmable interconnect matrix that dynamically connects various functional elements and I/O pins, allowing for real-time reconfiguration and efficient use of chip space by combining analog and digital blocks, with a micro-controller configuring the system level interconnect to couple I/O pins to different peripherals based on operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PLDs and FPGAs are used to implement additional peripherals, then the functional capabilities are improved, but the power consumption and silicon area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines analog and digital functional elements into a single integrated circuit chip, creating a PSoC architecture that integrates both types of functionality in one device. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall power consumption and silicon area while maintaining versatile functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a programmable interconnect matrix that allows the same hardware infrastructure to support multiple different peripheral functions. By making the interconnect system universal and reconfigurable, the device can adapt to different functional requirements without adding dedicated hardware for each peripheral type, thus avoiding increased power consumption and area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PLDs and FPGAs are used to implement additional peripherals, then the functional capabilities are improved, but the silicon area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines analog and digital functional elements into a single integrated circuit chip, creating a PSoC architecture that integrates both types of functionality in one device. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall silicon area while maintaining versatile functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a programmable interconnect matrix that allows the same hardware infrastructure to support multiple different peripheral functions. By making the interconnect system universal and reconfigurable, the device can adapt to different functional requirements without adding dedicated hardware for each peripheral type, thus avoiding increased silicon area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional peripherals are implemented in complex electronic systems, then the functional capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and development cycle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a programmable interconnect matrix that allows the same hardware infrastructure to support multiple different peripheral functions. By making the interconnect system universal and reconfigurable, the device can adapt to different functional requirements without adding dedicated hardware for each peripheral type, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional peripherals are implemented in complex electronic systems, then the functional capabilities are improved, but the development cycle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a programmable interconnect matrix that allows the same hardware infrastructure to support multiple different peripheral functions. By making the interconnect system universal and reconfigurable, the device can adapt to different functional requirements without adding dedicated hardware for each peripheral type, thus avoiding increased development cycle time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a system level interconnect in an integrated circuit (IC) is provided in an example embodiment. The method comprises: writing, by a microcontroller in the IC, a first configuration value into a configuration register, where the first configuration value programs the system level interconnect to couple a first peripheral to a second peripheral; monitoring the IC to determine an operational state of the IC; and in response to determining a change in the operational state of the IC, writing by the microcontroller a second configuration value into the configuration register to dynamically change interconnections in the system level interconnect between the first peripheral and the second peripheral.