Reprogrammable Serial Identifier Circuit for Unique Bus Addressing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In serial communication systems, identical devices cannot be uniquely identified since their serial identifiers are hardcoded, leading to addressability issues and supply chain complexities when multiple identical parts are present.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating serial identifier reassignment circuitry coupled with general-purpose or RF input/output nodes, allowing the serial identifier to be changed using external pull-up or pull-down resistors based on steady-state voltages, ensuring unique identification of devices on a serial communication bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If serial identifiers are hardcoded at manufacture, then device manufacturing is simplified, but identical devices cannot be uniquely identified on the serial communication bus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the previously static hardcoded serial identifier dynamic by introducing circuitry that can change the identifier based on external voltage conditions. The serial identifier register is coupled to voltage detection circuitry that monitors input nodes, allowing the identifier to be reconfigured from a fixed manufacturing value to a dynamically adjustable value based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the serial identifier from a fixed manufactured value to a variable that can be adjusted through external voltage application. By applying voltages to input nodes during operation, the device can modify its serial identifier bits, effectively changing the identification parameter without requiring physical manufacturing changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If identical parts have different serial identifiers, then each device can be uniquely identified, but supply chain complexity increases due to separate inventory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes identical devices universally addressable by enabling them to adopt different serial identifiers through external voltage control. Instead of requiring different hardware variants for different identifiers, the same device design can be configured with any identifier by applying appropriate voltages during operation, eliminating the need for multiple inventory SKUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs its own identification configuration by monitoring external voltages on its input nodes and automatically adjusting its serial identifier accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external programming equipment or complex configuration procedures, allowing the device to configure its own identifier based on simple voltage application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy reconfiguration of serial identifiers, ensuring all devices on a serial communication bus have unique identifiers, simplifying inventory management and addressing the challenge of identical parts with hardcoded identifiers.
Implementation Method 1
the serial identifier reassignment circuitry sets a bit of the serial identifier based on a steady-state voltage on the input/output node
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a general-purpose input/output node, a serial identifier register, and serial identifier reassignment circuitry. The serial identifier register stores a serial identifier associated with the device. The serial identifier reassignment circuitry is coupled to the general-purpose input/output node and the serial identifier register. The serial identifier reassignment circuitry sets a bit of the serial identifier based on a steady-state voltage on the general-purpose input/output node. By setting a bit of the serial identifier based on a steady-state voltage on the general-purpose input/output node, the serial identifier may be easily changed using a pull-up or pull-down resistor external to the device.