Programmable Power Sequencer for Multi-Processor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power distributing sequencers are hardwired for specific applications processors, leading to long design and manufacturing cycles, complex inventory management, and increased interactions between manufacturers when switching to different processors, as they require new sequencers to be designed, causing delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A programmable power distributing sequencer with internal regulators, user-programmable scripts, and a controller that allows for customizable power sequencing, enabling safe power-up and power-down of modules, including the ability to handle different processors with a single sequencer type, and includes fault detection and external regulator control for expanded functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a power distributing sequencer is hardwired for a specific applications processor, then it can provide precise power sequencing control for that processor, but it requires long design and manufacturing cycles and complicates inventory management when different processors are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static hardwired sequencer to a dynamic programmable sequencer where the power sequencing control can be reconfigured through software or firmware. The sequencer includes a programmable controller that can load different sequencing patterns for different processors, allowing the same hardware to adapt to various processor requirements without physical redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed hardware connections to programmable parameters stored in memory. The sequencer uses configurable registers and control words that can be modified to change the power sequencing behavior, enabling the same device to work with multiple processor types by simply changing the programmed parameters rather than the physical wiring.
2Reliability
If a hardwired power distributing sequencer is designed for a specific applications processor, then it ensures proper power sequencing, but it increases interactions and coordination time between sequencer manufacturer, processor manufacturer, and system manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power distributing sequencer that can serve multiple processor types and applications. The programmable architecture allows a single sequencer design to support various processors by loading appropriate sequencing patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sequencer designs and reducing coordination complexity between manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a programmable control interface as an intermediary between the sequencer and different processors. This standardized interface layer allows the sequencer to communicate with various processor types through a common protocol, reducing the need for direct customization and coordination between each manufacturer pair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different types of power distributing sequencers are manufactured for different applications processors, then each processor gets optimized control, but it complicates inventory management for both system manufacturer and sequencer manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal programmable sequencer that can be configured for different processors through software or firmware loading. This single device type can replace multiple specialized sequencer models, allowing inventory consolidation and simplifying supply chain management while maintaining the ability to provide processor-specific optimization through programmable control.
4Loss of time
If a programmable power distributing sequencer is used, then it reduces design cycles and simplifies inventory management, but it requires additional components such as internal memory and programmable controller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the programmable controller, memory storage, and sequencer logic into an integrated device. By combining these functions into a single unified component rather than separate modules, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the benefits of programmability and rapid reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable power distributing sequencer including a plurality of internal regulators, an internal memory adapted to store a user programmable script including instructions for sequentially enabling and disabling the regulators, and a controller adapted to enable and disable the regulators based on the script. The controller may receive the user programmable script from a programming source, such as an applications processor, an external memory, or external programming device. Before using the user programmable script, the controller may execute a default script stored in the internal memory to initially power up the programming source. The sequencer may further include an external port for similarly controlling one or more external regulators. The port may also be used to connect multiple sequencers together, such as in a cascaded, hierarchical, and/or redundant manner. Additionally, the sequencer may include a fault detection module for detecting faulty operating regulators.