Programmable I/O Gate Voltage Configuration for PCB Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interfacing logic circuits with different I/O voltage levels poses a challenge in PCB design, requiring frequent redesigns or added components to achieve compatibility, leading to increased costs and inventory due to rapidly changing integrated circuit technology.
Innovation Solution
A configuration apparatus comprising a logic circuit, a bank of input/output gates with a voltage-setting port, and a control circuit that adjusts the operational voltage level to render the logic circuit and I/O signals compatible across different voltage levels, using a programmable gate array and voltage regulators to manage signal compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage translators are added to achieve compatibility with different logic circuits, then forwards and/or backwards compatibility is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal PCB design with a bank of I/O gates that can be dynamically configured to work with different logic voltage levels (e.g., 3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V, 1.5V). Instead of designing separate PCBs for each voltage standard, the system uses a single multi-functional PCB that adapts to various logic circuits through programmable voltage translation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bank of I/O gates as an intermediary component between the fixed logic circuit and external I/O signals. These gates act as a mediator that can be programmed to translate between different voltage levels, allowing the fixed logic circuit to interface with various external devices operating at different voltages without requiring redesign of the entire PCB.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new PCB design is created for each voltage level, then compatibility with specific logic circuits is achieved, but design time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PCB platform that supports multiple voltage levels through a bank of programmable I/O gates. This single design can interface with logic circuits operating at various voltages (3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V, 1.5V) without requiring separate PCB designs for each voltage standard, significantly reducing design time and enabling rapid adaptation to new voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable I/O gates that can be programmed at runtime to match the voltage level of the connected logic circuit. This dynamic configuration capability allows the PCB to adapt to different voltage standards without physical redesign, enabling flexible deployment across multiple applications and voltage domains.
3Loss of time
If different circuit components are loaded on the same PCB, then design time is reduced, but inventory and qualification requirements increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple PCB variants by implementing a universal design with programmable I/O gates. Instead of maintaining inventory of different PCBs loaded with different circuit components, the system uses a single PCB design that can be reconfigured through software to support different voltage levels and logic circuits, simplifying inventory management while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single master PCB design that serves as a template for all voltage level requirements. Rather than creating and managing multiple physical PCB variants, the system replicates the functionality of different voltage-adapted PCBs through software configuration of the I/O gates, eliminating the need for physical copying and management of multiple PCB designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for configuring input/output signal levels of interfacing logic circuits operating at different voltage levels comprises: a logic circuit for operating at a first voltage level; a bank of input/output gates coupled to the logic circuit for interfacing input/output signals at a second voltage level, different from the first voltage level, to the logic circuit, the bank of gates including a port for setting the operational voltage level thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the port and governed by a control signal to configure the operational voltage level of the bank of gates to render the logic circuit and the interfacing input/output signals voltage level compatible.