Shared-Control Counter Module for Synchronized Timer Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data acquisition systems often require multiple independent counters to perform complex operations, which limits their range of solutions and introduces synchronization issues, inefficiencies, and reduced performance due to the lack of shared control and synchronization logic between counters.
Innovation Solution
A counter module with two counters that share control and synchronization logic, allowing coordinated operation and optimized performance for tasks requiring multiple counters, such as generating pulse trains and frequency measurements, by using a single functional unit with dedicated modes for each counter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent counters are used to perform complex operations, then the functionality is sufficient, but synchronization errors occur due to lack of shared control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent counters into a single counter module that shares common control and synchronization logic. The counter unit is controlled by a unified control signal generation unit that produces coordinated control signals for multiple counters, eliminating synchronization errors between independent counters while maintaining the functionality of performing complex operations requiring multiple counters.
2Productivity
If multiple independent counters are used, then complex operations can be performed, but efficiency is reduced due to lack of coordinated operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple counters into a unified counter module with shared control logic, enabling coordinated operation that improves efficiency. The counter unit can perform complex operations such as finite pulse train generation and frequency measurement with better time resolution because all counters operate under unified control signals from the control signal generation unit, rather than as isolated independent units.
3Measurement precision
If independent counters are used without shared control logic, then device simplicity is maintained, but precision is reduced due to inability to perform precise timing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple counters into a single counter module that shares control and synchronization logic, enabling precise timing operations. The unified control signal generation unit coordinates the operation of multiple counters within the module, allowing them to work together for applications requiring high timing precision such as pulse width modulation and frequency measurement, which cannot be achieved with independent counters lacking shared control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A counter module may include a first set of registers configured to store respective sets of first control data, a second set of registers configured to store respective sets of second control data, a first counter and a second counter. The first counter may be coupled to the first set of registers and may receive counter input signals and an internal control signal, and generate a first count output and a first terminal count output according to one of the respective sets of the first control data, the internal control signal, and the counter input signals. The second counter may be coupled to the first counter and to the second set of registers, and may receive the counter input signals, generate the internal control signal, and generate a second count output and a second terminal count output according to one of the respective sets of the second control data and the counter input signals. The counter module may also include output control logic configured to generate a timer output based on the first terminal count output and the second terminal count output.