Programmable Pulse Synchronization Using Master-Slave Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization protocols in electronic devices are inflexible and difficult to reconfigure, leading to issues with processing speed changes and operational changes after manufacturing, as they require new circuitry or complex reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A configurable synchronization system that uses a programmable master pulse train generator to coordinate multiple slave pulses, allowing for dynamic adjustment of synchronization parameters such as start, stop, and offset relative to a centralized master pulse train, enabling adaptation to new operational requirements without hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex synchronization protocol is used to coordinate component circuits, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of reconfiguration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a lookup table (LUT) to store pre-defined synchronization parameter sets that correspond to different operational modes. Instead of implementing complex reconfiguration logic, the system copies appropriate parameter sets from the LUT based on mode selection signals, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization parameters for various operational modes are pre-calculated and stored in the lookup table during device manufacturing or initialization. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations or reconfigurations, allowing the system to simply retrieve pre-prepared parameter sets when operational modes change.
2Device complexity
If the synchronization protocol is fixed during manufacturing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to operational changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic parameter selection mechanism where the synchronization parameters are no longer fixed but can be changed based on operational mode selections. The lookup table stores multiple parameter sets that can be dynamically selected, and the system automatically adjusts parameters like pulse width, delay, and frequency according to the current operational requirements without requiring hardware reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lookup table serves as a universal storage structure that can accommodate parameter sets for multiple different operational modes and configurations. A single device can thus support various functions and operational scenarios by simply selecting different parameter sets from the same lookup table, making the system universally adaptable without needing mode-specific hardware circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new circuitry is added to accommodate operational changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves operational versatility by changing software-controllable parameters (stored in the lookup table) rather than adding new circuitry. The same hardware synchronization circuit can adapt to different operational requirements by loading different parameter sets from the lookup table, allowing the system to support multiple functions without increasing hardware complexity or manufacturing difficulty.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a configurable pulse generator configured to generate a programmable master pulse train. One or more functional circuits of the electronic device includes a programming interface to receive one or more a programmable slave pulse parameters for the one or more functional circuits. The programmable slave pulse parameters are dependent upon the programmable master pulse train. A slave pulse generator generates a slave pulse for one of the functional circuits based on the one or more programmable slave pulse parameters corresponding to the functional circuits relative to the programmable master pulse train.