Programmable IO Module Pin Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional integrated circuits require multiple dedicated pins for various functions, leading to high power consumption and increased footprint, as each pin is designed for a unique purpose such as digital or analog input/output, power, and configuration, limiting versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of programmable input/output (IO) interface modules that can configure pins for multiple functions using a signaling scheme, allowing a single pin to operate as bidirectional, concurrent drive & sense, or transmit-receive interfaces, reducing the number of pins required and enhancing versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated pins are used for various functions (digital I/O, analog I/O, power, configuration), then each pin can perform its specific function reliably, but the IC footprint and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a programmable I/O interface module where a single pin can be configured to perform multiple functions including digital input, digital output, analog input, and analog output. The module includes configurable input and output circuits that can be programmed through a bus interface to operate in different modes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated pins for each function type.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated pins are used for various functions, then each pin can perform its specific function reliably, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable I/O interface module allows a single pin to serve multiple functions through configuration via a bus interface. The module includes programmable input and output circuits that can be set to operate in different modes (digital input, digital output, analog input, analog output), reducing the total number of active pins and their associated power consumption while maintaining functional reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated pins are used for various functions, then each pin can perform its specific function reliably, but the IC requires customization for specific purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic configuration approach where the I/O interface module can be programmed at runtime through a bus interface to change its functionality. The input and output circuits are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different functional requirements without requiring custom IC designs for each application.
4Area of stationary object
If a single pin is configured for multiple functions using a programmable I/O interface module, then the IC footprint and power consumption are reduced, but the pin must be reconfigured for different functions
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable I/O interface module includes a feedback mechanism where the configuration status of the pin can be read back through the bus interface. This allows the system to verify the current configuration and make appropriate adjustments, simplifying the reconfiguration process and making it easier to switch between different pin functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for execution by an input/output (IO) control module of an integrated circuit (IC) includes determining whether a programmable IO interface module is for dynamic or static use. The programmable IO interface module includes a configurable front-end module and a configurable back-end module. When the programmable IO interface module is for the dynamic use, determining to configure the programmable IO interface module as the dynamic use of a configuration of a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations includes a bidirectional interface, an input, an output, a concurrent drive and sense interface, and a concurrent transmit-receive interface. The method further includes configuring the front-end module in accordance with the configuration, configuring the back-end module in accordance with the configuration, and determining whether to change the configuration to another configuration of the plurality of configurations.