Serial Device Configuration Mode for Dynamic Behavior Alteration

Solution Overview

Problem

The I2C protocol does not provide mechanisms for changing the internal behavior of serial devices, leading to the need for different versions of serial devices for various applications.

Innovation Solution

A configuration mode is introduced in serial devices, allowing device behavior alteration through a configuration block that can be programmed via the serial bus, enabling features like memory array protection, lock current configuration, disabling hardware address pins, under-voltage lockout control, and device state reporting without external high voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different versions of serial devices are manufactured for different applications, then device functionality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a configuration mode that allows a single serial device to perform multiple functions by changing its internal behavior through configuration data received via the serial bus. The device can be reprogrammed to adapt to different applications without requiring multiple hardware versions, thus achieving multi-functionality through software configuration rather than hardware variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a configuration mode that enables the device to dynamically change its internal behavior and operational characteristics. The device transitions between different operational states by receiving configuration data through the serial bus, allowing it to adapt its functionality in real-time rather than being fixed at manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If different versions of serial devices are manufactured for different applications, then device adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a configuration mode that allows a single serial device to perform multiple functions by changing its internal behavior through configuration data received via the serial bus. The device can be reprogrammed to adapt to different applications without requiring multiple hardware versions, thus achieving multi-functionality through software configuration rather than hardware variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the I2C protocol is used without configuration mode, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but device configurability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol simplicityVSAvoiddevice configurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the configuration functionality with the existing I2C serial bus protocol. The configuration mode utilizes the same serial interface for both standard data communication and device configuration, eliminating the need for separate configuration interfaces and maintaining protocol simplicity while adding configurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a configuration mode that allows a single serial device to perform multiple functions by changing its internal behavior through configuration data received via the serial bus. The device can be reprogrammed to adapt to different applications without requiring multiple hardware versions, thus achieving multi-functionality through software configuration rather than hardware variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10387361B2Serial device with configuration mode for changing device behavior

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 ATMEL CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, circuits, devices and computer-readable mediums for configuring serial devices are disclosed. In some implementations, a device comprises: an input for receiving first and second requests from a serial bus; a decoder coupled to the input and configured to determine if either of the first and second requests is a configuration mode request; a controller coupled to the decoder and configured to: in response to a determination that the first request is a configuration mode request, program a configuration block with configuration data obtained from the serial bus and alter a device behavior according to the configuration data; and in response to a determination that the second request is not a configuration mode request, perform one or more actions on the device according to the second request.