Flexible SENT Device Configuration via Programmable Registers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit devices designed for Single Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT) protocol require specific hardware and firmware configurations for each application, making it difficult and costly to change configurations without redesigning the device.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit device with a processor and configuration means that allows for easy reconfiguration of SENT protocol settings, including diagnostic status reporting and nibble configuration, without requiring hardware or firmware updates, using a programmable memory to store and retrieve configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IC device uses a fixed configuration for its communication channels (hardwired or ROM-programmed), then the device is specifically designed for a single application, but changing the configuration to address different applications requires redesign of the IC hardware and/or firmware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the SENT message configuration can be changed at runtime through a configuration interface. The processor reads configuration parameters from a configuration register, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different applications without physical redesign. This transforms the static, fixed configuration into a dynamic, reconfigurable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal SENT transmitter device that can serve multiple applications through a single configuration register interface. The same hardware infrastructure supports different message configurations (varying numbers of fast and slow channels, different data formats) by simply changing the configuration parameters, making the device multi-functional without requiring application-specific hardware variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the IC device comprises OTP or FLASH memory for storing configuration data, then the configuration can be changed through software, but the available memory space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration data storage function from the main program memory (FLASH/OTP) and implements it through a dedicated configuration register interface. This separation allows configuration parameters to be stored and modified without consuming significant program memory space, while still enabling full software reconfigurability of the SENT message format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of configuration storage from non-volatile memory (OTP/FLASH) to volatile register-based storage that can be easily modified through software. This parameter change in the storage medium allows frequent reconfiguration without the space constraints and programming complexity associated with non-volatile memory.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is programmed to a specific application after manufacturing, then the SENT message configuration is fixed for that application, but the device cannot be reused for different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the device during manufacturing with a configuration register interface and default configuration parameters, but leaves the actual configuration flexible and changeable. This preliminary setup enables easy programming for specific applications while preserving the ability to reconfigure later, avoiding the commitment to a single application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability where the SENT message configuration can be changed at any time through the configuration register interface. This transforms the static, one-time programmable device into a dynamic system that can adapt to different applications throughout its operational lifetime, not just at manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated circuit device comprising an output port for transmitting a data stream and a processor for controlling the transmission of the data stream in accordance with a single-edge nibble transmission protocol. The device also comprises a configuration means for receiving and storing configuration data. The processor is adapted for reporting a plurality of diagnostic statuses via the data stream by transmitting for each diagnostic status a corresponding diagnostic code defined by the configuration data, and wherein the processor is furthermore adapted for reporting the plurality of diagnostic statuses in a diagnostic status reporting order defined by the configuration data.