Shared Timing Control for Multi-Target Signal Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microcomputers face challenges in performing versatile timing control due to the need for multiple timers, leading to increased circuit size and limitations in handling diverse control targets with varying counter combinations.
Innovation Solution
A timing control device with a storage unit for timing control information, selectors for outputting data from multiple data output devices, and a comparator for generating a timing signal based on coincidence with expected values, allowing for flexible timing control without requiring multiple coincidence detection units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple timers are used for controlling multiple control targets, then timing control capability is improved, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple timer functions into a single timer by combining coincidence detection units. The first coincidence detection unit detects coincidence between timer count data and first reference data, while the second coincidence detection unit detects coincidence between timer count data and second reference data. This allows one timer to generate timing signals for multiple control targets simultaneously, reducing the number of timers needed and thus decreasing circuit size while maintaining timing control capability for multiple targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The single timer is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting coincidence with different reference data sets. The timer can generate timing signals for both the first control target (using first reference data) and the second control target (using second reference data), making the timer a universal timing source that replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated timers.
2Measurement precision
If multiple coincidence detection units are used for each control target, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coincidence detection functions into fewer physical units. The first coincidence detection unit handles coincidence detection for the first control target, and the second coincidence detection unit handles the second control target. Both units share the same timer count data, eliminating the need for separate timers and their associated coincidence detection units for each control target, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining timing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple timers are used for different control targets, then timing control versatility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple timer operations into a single timer that serves multiple control targets. By using one timer instead of multiple timers, the system reduces the total power consumption associated with timer operations, including clock generation, count data storage, and coincidence detection. The single timer alternates or simultaneously serves different control targets by detecting coincidence with different reference data sets, maintaining timing control versatility while reducing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a timing control device including: a storage unit that stores multiple pieces of timing control information including identification information and expected value data; a first selector that selectively outputs any of the multiple pieces of timing control information; a second selector that selectively outputs any of data items output from data output devices based on the identification information; a reference data generation unit that generates reference data based on expected value data and a data item output from the second selector in synchronization with a switching of the timing control information; a comparator that compares the reference data with the data item output from the second selector and outputs a coincidence signal when the reference data and the data item coincide with each other; and an output control unit that outputs a timing signal according to the coincidence signal.