Real-Time Design Rule Checking for Programmable SoC Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided design tools for configuring programmable system-on-a-chip (SOC) integrated circuits lack real-time design rule checks, requiring post-processing compilation and are not user-friendly for configuring complex SOC architectures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided design tool with a user interface that provides a graphical representation of the SOC architecture, allowing users to configure components interactively and apply design rule checks in real time, enabling immediate feedback on configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current computer-aided design tools are used for configuring programmable SOC, then configuration can be performed, but real-time design rule checks are lacking and post-processing compilation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements design rule checks during the configuration process itself rather than performing them as a separate post-processing step. The system validates configuration parameters against design rules in real-time as the user modifies settings, preventing invalid configurations before they are finalized. This eliminates the need for subsequent compilation and validation steps, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving accurate design rule checks and reducing configuration time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detailed configuration options are provided for complex SOC architectures, then configuration capability is improved, but user-friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex SOC configuration interface into hierarchical levels or modules, allowing users to access detailed configuration options only when needed. The interface presents a simplified overview by default and enables progressive disclosure of advanced settings through contextual menus or detailed views. This segmentation maintains comprehensive configuration capability while preventing information overload, thereby improving user-friendliness without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intelligent assistance mechanisms such as automated suggestion engines, constraint propagation algorithms, or guideline-based configuration helpers that act as intermediaries between the user and complex configuration parameters. These intermediaries guide users through appropriate settings based on selected options, automatically applying design rules and suggesting optimal configurations. This reduces the cognitive burden on users while maintaining access to full configuration capabilities when required.
3Ease of operation
If real-time feedback on configuration changes is provided, then user-friendliness is improved, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective real-time validation that focuses computational resources on checking only the specific design rules relevant to the current configuration change rather than validating the entire configuration set. When a user modifies a parameter, the system identifies and checks only the affected subset of design rules, providing timely feedback without performing exhaustive validation. This partial action approach delivers real-time user-friendly feedback while significantly reducing computational requirements compared to full-system re-validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for a computer-aided design tool includes a display. The display includes a visualization of a processor system of a system-on-a-chip (SOC). The visualization includes a plurality of blocks and each block represents a component of the processor system. Each block visually indicates a configuration status of the component represented by the block.