Programmable Logic IC Family for Low-Inventory Order Fulfillment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and diversity of standard digital logic IC families lead to high inventory costs and delayed customer delivery due to the need for multiple specifications and large inventories, making it financially unfeasible to generate new logic families using traditional design methods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital logic integrated circuit family with programmable digital logic transistor circuitry and input/output circuitry, allowing for selection of desired logic functions using metal mask straps, fuses, or non-volatile memory, which reduces the number of distinct parts required and enables efficient production and delivery based on customer orders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct logic IC parts are manufactured to meet diverse customer specifications, then customer order fulfillment capability is improved, but inventory costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal logic IC platform that can be configured to perform multiple different logic functions through programmable interconnect structures and configurable logic elements. This single platform replaces the need for maintaining inventories of numerous distinct logic IC parts, as the same physical device can be programmed to fulfill different customer specifications for various logic functions and electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable logic structures where the interconnect matrix and logic elements can be programmed after manufacturing to change the device's functionality. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the same hardware platform to adapt to different customer orders by changing its logical behavior through programming, rather than requiring separate static devices for each function.
2Loss of time
If a large inventory of multiple logic IC specifications is maintained, then customer delivery speed is improved, but inventory costs and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of the logic IC platform during manufacturing to establish the basic reconfigurable structure, but delays the specific function programming until after the customer order is received. This allows the device to be prepared in advance with its reconfigurable framework in place, enabling rapid post-manufacturing programming to meet specific customer requirements without requiring pre-stocking of every possible specification variant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional design methods are used to generate new logic families, then design completeness is improved, but productivity and financial feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal design platform that can generate multiple logic family variants through systematic configuration of programmable elements rather than designing each logic function separately. This platform approach allows a single base design to produce numerous derived logic families by varying the programming of interconnect structures and logic elements, dramatically increasing design productivity while maintaining comprehensive logic function coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A family of digital logic functions has the same specifications for input and output voltages and the same number of bond pads. A digital logic integrated circuit for the family includes a substrate of semiconductor material having a core area and a peripheral area; a certain number of bond pads formed in the peripheral area, the certain number of bond pads determining the total area of the substrate; programmable digital logic transistor circuitry formed in the core area for each of the digital logic functions in the family; programmable input and output circuitry formed in the peripheral area; programming circuitry for programming the programmable digital logic transistor circuitry into a selected digital logic function; and programmable input and output means for programming the input and output circuitry into input and output circuits for the selected digital logic function.