Semiconductor Circuit Configuration Switching via Command Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programmable semiconductor devices face reliability issues due to unintended direct current paths formed when circuit configurations are changed, leading to potential unintended current flow and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

The semiconductor device rearranges command execution orders to switch circuit forms and configurations independently of user-specified orders, ensuring that circuit change commands are executed in a predetermined order to avoid forming unintended direct current paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If circuit configurations are changed by executing user-specified commands, then circuit adaptability is improved, but unintended direct current paths may be formed reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit configuration switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining a safe execution order of circuit change commands before executing them. The command execution order determination unit establishes a predetermined sequence that prevents unintended direct current paths from forming during circuit configuration transitions. This preliminary planning of command execution ensures that power supply commands are properly sequenced relative to circuit change commands, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling circuit adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If circuit change commands are executed in user-specified order, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended current flow may occur reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand execution simplicityVSAvoidcurrent flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component - the command execution order determination unit - that mediates between user-specified commands and actual command execution. This intermediary analyzes the received circuit change commands, determines a safe execution order that prevents unintended direct current paths, and sequences the commands appropriately before execution. This mediator maintains ease of operation by accepting simple user commands while ensuring reliable current flow control through intelligent command sequencing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9519742B2Support device, semiconductor device, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device switches circuit forms and circuit configurations of a plurality of analog functional circuits by rearranging a command execution order according to the command execution order set in advance irrespectively of a command execution order specified by a user and executing the commands.