Configurable Reset Pin States Before Microcontroller Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems face challenges in configuring programmable input/output (I/O) pins before the system microcontroller becomes operational, often relying on hardwiring to a default high impedance state, which limits flexibility and efficiency during system initiation or reset.
Innovation Solution
A programmable system that includes a memory device to store configuration data for I/O pins, allowing them to be configured into multiple operational states prior to microcontroller operation by providing this data when power is supplied, enabling automatic reconfiguration into desired drive states, including an external reset pin functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If programmable I/O pins are hardwired to a default high impedance state before microcontroller operation, then system stability is ensured, but configuration flexibility and initialization efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring I/O pin states through hardwired default configurations before the microcontroller becomes operational. This ensures that critical pins are immediately in a known stable state upon power-up, while still allowing reconfiguration later through the microcontroller for flexible operation.
2Reliability
If programmable I/O pins are hardwired to a default high impedance state, then system reliability is improved, but initialization time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing default I/O pin configurations through hardwired settings that take effect immediately upon power-up, eliminating the need to wait for microcontroller initialization. This reduces initialization time while maintaining system reliability through predetermined stable states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/O pins are configured by microcontroller after power-up, then configuration flexibility is achieved, but time loss during microcontroller initialization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing hardwired default configurations for I/O pins that are established before microcontroller operation. This allows the system to immediately use predetermined configurations upon power-up, reducing initialization time while still permitting the microcontroller to reconfigure pins later for flexible operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hardwired default configurations as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between power-up and microcontroller operation. This intermediary provides immediate, reliable pin states during the critical initialization period before the microcontroller becomes operational, after which the microcontroller can take over for flexible reconfiguration.
4Ease of operation
If I/O pins are hardwired to default state, then ease of operation during initialization is improved, but adaptability to different operational states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring I/O pins through hardwired default states that simplify initialization operations. These predetermined configurations provide ease of operation during startup while allowing the microcontroller to later reconfigure pins for different operational states as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable system includes an input/output (I/O) pin that is configurable into multiple operational states. The programmable system further includes a memory device to store configuration data that, when provided to the I/O pin, causes the I/O pin to reconfigure into one of the operational states. When power is supplied to the system, the memory device is configured to provide the configuration data to the I/O pin prior to a system microcontroller becoming operational responsive to the power.