Single-Pin Reset Configuration Using Resistor Value Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in configuring multiple operational modes with limited pins, requiring costly external circuits to establish configuration vectors, which occupy valuable space and increase complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single configuration pin and an external resistor to determine a multi-bit configuration vector through a look-up table, where the resistor value maps to an index, allowing the circuit to operate with a low-cost solution and reduce pin count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external pins are used to establish the configuration vector, then the configuration capability is improved, but the pin count increases and board space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple discrete pins (one-dimensional approach) to using a single pin combined with external resistors (adding a second dimension - resistor values). This allows the configuration vector to be established through combinations of resistor values on a single pin, effectively encoding multiple configuration bits through the resistor selection rather than requiring multiple separate pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for configuration from pin voltage levels alone to resistor values connected to a configuration pin. By varying the external resistor values (e.g., 0 ohms, 10k ohms, 100k ohms), different configuration bits are set, allowing multiple configuration options to be achieved through a single pin with different external component values.
2Reliability
If external integrated circuits are used to isolate pads from power-on-reset level drivers, then the configuration reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration function from dedicated external integrated circuits and implements it using simple external resistors and a single configuration pin. This removes the need for costly external isolator circuits while maintaining the ability to establish configuration vectors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while preserving configuration reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive external integrated circuits with inexpensive external resistors. The resistors are simple, low-cost passive components that can be easily selected and changed to achieve different configuration vectors, providing a cost-effective alternative to complex external isolation circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pins is increased to expose functionality, then the functional capability is improved, but the pin count availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single configuration pin multi-functional by allowing it to establish multiple configuration bits through different external resistor values. This single pin can configure multiple operational parameters (such as ADC resolution, interrupt mode, boot mode) that would traditionally require multiple separate pins, thereby achieving high functional capability with minimal pin usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit is configured with a pin for specifying a reset configuration vector of a circuitry within the integrated circuit. The resistance value of a low cost external resistor coupled to the pin is detected and utilized to identify the configuration. Logic on the integrated circuit detects and utilizes the resistor value to index to a configuration vector in a look-up table. The integrated circuit is then configured in accordance with the indexed configuration vector.