Signal Generation Circuit With Priority Triggers for Low-CPU DAC Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generation circuits consume CPU resources and reduce system performance due to frequent interventions required for data processing, leading to inefficiencies in generating output signals.
Innovation Solution
A signal generation circuit comprising a first and second control circuit, an arbiter circuit, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit, which enables trigger signals to prioritize data usage and convert digital inputs to analog outputs without continuous CPU intervention, allowing the CPU to enter idle or power-down modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the CPU continuously intervenes to change data sources and process data, then the system can generate output signals according to input data, but the CPU resources are consumed and system performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data source selection and data processing functions into separate peripheral circuits (first peripheral circuit and second peripheral circuit), each with its own control circuit. This segmentation allows these circuits to operate autonomously without continuous CPU intervention, reducing CPU resource consumption while maintaining system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral circuits are designed to autonomously select data sources and process data through their own control circuits and trigger mechanisms. The first control circuit can independently enable the first trigger signal based on events in the first peripheral circuit, and similarly for the second control circuit, eliminating the need for continuous CPU service and reducing energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CPU frequently intervenes to change data sources, then the signal generation can adapt to different data sources, but the intervention times increase and reduce system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple data sources (first data source and second data source) with their respective control circuits and trigger signals before operation begins. The arbiter circuit is pre-programmed with priority levels for different data sources. When events occur in peripheral circuits, the pre-configured system can immediately select and process data from the appropriate source without requiring CPU intervention for source switching, thus maintaining adaptability while improving performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses multiple data sources with different priorities, then the signal generation becomes more versatile, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple data sources into a unified arbiter circuit that handles priority-based selection. Instead of having separate complex control logic for each data source, the arbiter circuit consolidates the decision-making process by evaluating priority levels and selecting the appropriate data source. This merging approach supports multiple data sources with different priorities while reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.
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
This solution reduces CPU resource consumption, enhances system performance by enabling autonomous operation of peripheral circuits, and allows for the generation of analog outputs with varying slopes, thereby improving system efficiency and power management.
Implementation Method 1
The DAC circuit converts the digital input to generate an analog output
Data Source
AI summary
A signal generation circuit including a first control circuit, a second control circuit, an arbiter circuit, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit is provided. The first control circuit stores a first string of data. The first control circuit enables a first trigger signal in response to a first event occurring. The second control circuit stores a second string of data. The second control circuit enables a second trigger signal in response to a second event occurring. The arbiter circuit reads the first or second control circuit according to the order of priority to use the first string of data or the second string of data as a digital input in response to the first and second trigger signals being enabled. The DAC circuit converts the digital input to generate an analog output.