Programmable Logic Interface Chip with On-Chip Non-Volatile Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing semiconductor chip manufacturing process requires a different mask for each product specification, leading to increased development costs and reduced versatility due to the need for separate interfaces for non-volatile memory and programmable logic devices.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit device is developed with a programmable logic device unit and a non-volatile memory unit on the same chip, where the non-volatile memory stores programming data for the programmable logic device, allowing for data retention and easy reconfiguration of circuits upon power-on, eliminating the need for multiple masks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mask is made for each product specification in the manufacturing process, then the interface can be customized for each client, but the development cost increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal semiconductor chip that can serve multiple clients with different interface requirements by integrating a programmable logic device unit. This unit can be configured through software to provide different interfaces (such as USB, Ethernet, or other communication protocols) without requiring different physical masks for each product specification, thereby achieving multi-functionality and versatility while maintaining a single manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic configuration approach where the interface characteristics of the semiconductor chip can be changed after manufacturing by rewriting the configuration data in the non-volatile memory unit. This allows the same physical chip to adapt to different interface requirements dynamically, eliminating the need for static, mask-specific customization for each product specification
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mask is made for each product specification in the manufacturing process, then the interface can be customized for each client, but the development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal semiconductor chip that can serve multiple clients with different interface requirements by integrating a programmable logic device unit. This unit can be configured through software to provide different interfaces (such as USB, Ethernet, or other communication protocols) without requiring different physical masks for each product specification, thereby achieving multi-functionality and versatility while maintaining a single manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration data stored in non-volatile memory to define the interface characteristics, allowing the same physical chip to be 'copied' or replicated with different logical configurations. Instead of creating physically different chips through multiple masks, the system creates logical copies through software configuration, significantly reducing development complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If programming data is stored in volatile memory, then the programmable logic device can be reconfigured, but data is lost when power is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing the configuration data in non-volatile memory before it is needed. The programming data is pre-loaded and retained in the non-volatile memory unit, ensuring that when power is applied, the data is already available and can be quickly transferred to the programmable logic device unit for configuration, thus maintaining both reconfiguration capability and data retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-volatile memory as an intermediary between the external configuration source and the programmable logic device unit. This intermediary stores the configuration data persistently, allowing the system to maintain data retention while still enabling reconfiguration. The non-volatile memory acts as a buffer that decouples the volatility requirement of the programmable logic device from the persistence requirement of the configuration data
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable logic device unit, a non-volatile memory unit which stores data for programming the programmable logic device unit in a part of data storage area thereof and a control circuit which controls the non-volatile memory unit to allow the data stored in a part of the data storage area to be read at power-on time and supplied to the programmable logic device unit are integrally provided on a semiconductor chip. Based on the program data, the programmable logic device unit forms an interface for allowing the non-volatile memory unit to operate as at least one of a register, a flash memory, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.