Embedded Programmable Logic for Adaptable IC Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits become outdated due to changing standards and protocols, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in redesigning existing devices, and varying functional requirements across different applications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating embedded programmable logic within integrated circuits that can be programmed to enhance functionality, enabling data/address manipulation, configuration/testing, and computational functions, facilitating compatibility with newer technologies and adaptable to diverse applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated circuits are redesigned to utilize newer interface standards, then compatibility with newer technologies is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with newer technologiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the interface block programmable and reconfigurable. The interface block can be dynamically programmed via configuration signals to support different interface standards (UIB1, UIB2, etc.), allowing the same hardware to adapt to changing standards without physical redesign. This resolves the contradiction by enabling compatibility updates through software/configuration rather than hardware redesign, thus maintaining manufacturing cost while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the interface block through programmable configuration. By modifying the configuration signals and programming data, the interface block can switch between different interface standards. This parameter-based reconfiguration allows the circuit to adapt to newer technologies without changing the physical hardware, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs while improving compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire integrated circuit is redesigned to meet specific functional requirements, then functionality is improved, but development cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated circuit into a fixed base circuit portion and a programmable interface block. The base circuit provides core functionality, while the interface block can be independently programmed to meet specific functional requirements. This segmentation allows customization of functionality through configuration rather than full redesign, reducing development costs while maintaining adaptability to specific applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal base circuit design that can serve multiple applications through the programmable interface block. The same base circuit can be configured to meet different functional requirements by changing the programming of the interface block, eliminating the need to redesign entire circuits for different applications. This multi-functionality approach reduces development costs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If integrated circuits are redesigned frequently to keep up with technology changes, then compatibility is improved, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with newer technologiesVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics through programmable interface blocks that can be reconfigured via configuration signals. Instead of undergoing lengthy redesign and refabrication processes, the interface blocks can be dynamically programmed to support newer interface standards. This dynamic reconfiguration capability maintains compatibility with newer technologies while avoiding the time-consuming redesign cycle, thus preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3910798A1Integrated circuit device with embedded programmable logic

Publication Date: 2021.11.17 ALTERA CORP

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AI summary

Systems and methods are provided to enhance the functionality of an integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit may include a primary circuitry and an embedded programmable logic programmable to adjust the functionality of the primary circuitry. Specifically, the embedded programmable logic may be programmed to adjust the functionality of the primary circuitry to complement and/or support the functionality of another integrated circuit. Accordingly, the embedded programmable logic may be programmed with functions such as data/address manipulation functions, configuration/testing functions, computational functions, or the like.