Embedded Programmable Logic for IC Interface Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits face challenges in adapting to changing standards and protocols, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies due to the need for redesign when upgrading from older universal interface blocks (UIB1) to newer ones (UIB2), and varying functional requirements across different devices.

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, allowing for compatibility with different standards and protocols, and facilitating interfacing with newer technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated circuits are redesigned to utilize newer universal interface blocks (UIB2) instead of older ones (UIB1), then compatibility with newer standards is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with newer standardsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single integrated circuit device that can perform multiple functions through programmable logic. The device is configured to support both older UIB1 and newer UIB2 interface standards, allowing one hardware design to serve multiple market needs and interface generations without requiring separate redesigns for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through field-programmable logic that can be reconfigured after manufacturing. This allows the integrated circuit to dynamically adapt its functionality and interface compatibility based on the specific application requirements, enabling a single device to serve multiple purposes and interface standards throughout its operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidredesign effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the integrated circuit into fixed functional blocks and programmable logic sections. The fixed portions provide stable, proven functionality while the programmable portions can be configured to meet specific application requirements, allowing customization without redesigning the entire circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses programmable logic as an intermediary layer between the fixed hardware architecture and the specific application requirements. This programmable layer acts as a mediator that can be configured to bridge the gap between the general-purpose hardware design and the specific functional needs of different applications, eliminating the need for custom redesigns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If integrated circuits are designed with fixed functionality, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to changing standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidadaptability to standards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the programmable logic with default functionality during manufacturing, allowing the device to operate immediately with standard functions. The programmable nature also enables later reconfiguration if adaptability is needed, providing both cost efficiency and flexibility without requiring complex design choices upfront.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12135660B2Integrated circuit device with embedded programmable logic

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 ALTERA CORP

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.