Software-Defined Hardware for Prototype-Free Peripheral Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of developing electronic devices is complex and resource-intensive due to the multitude of peripheral combinations, leading to excessive time and cost in creating prototypes and maintaining support for obsolete peripherals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing software-defined hardware through a hardware manager that enables and disables different peripheral combinations on a host device, allowing for iterative testing without physical prototypes, and updating with new or alternative peripherals to replace obsolete ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical prototypes are built to verify software works with chosen peripherals, then software compatibility can be verified, but time and resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the hardware system through software emulation. Instead of building physical prototypes for each peripheral combination, the system emulates different peripheral configurations through software, allowing virtual prototyping and testing. This virtual copying approach maintains verification reliability while dramatically reducing the time and resources needed for physical prototype construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of peripheral configurations through software control rather than physical hardware changes. By dynamically enabling/disabling different peripheral combinations through software parameters, the system can verify software compatibility across multiple hardware configurations without physically building or destroying prototypes. This parameter-based approach transforms the verification process from physical to virtual domain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple peripheral combinations are tested with physical prototypes, then ideal combinations can be identified, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of different peripheral configurations through software emulation rather than physical prototypes. This allows unlimited peripheral combination evaluations without the cost of manufacturing physical units. The virtual environment replicates hardware behavior sufficiently for software compatibility testing, eliminating the need to actually build and manufacture multiple prototype devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hardware system into modular peripheral components that can be independently enabled or disabled through software. This modular virtual architecture allows systematic evaluation of different peripheral combinations without the complexity and cost of physical assembly. Each peripheral module can be tested independently and combined virtually, reducing overall manufacturing and testing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If obsolete peripherals are supported with physical hardware, then legacy functionality is maintained, but resources are wasted on obsolete technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic peripheral configuration where the system can switch between different peripheral types including obsolete ones through software control. Rather than maintaining static physical hardware for obsolete peripherals, the system dynamically loads and unloads peripheral drivers and configurations as needed. This allows the system to adapt to new peripherals while maintaining the ability to simulate obsolete ones, eliminating resource waste on physical obsolete hardware while preserving compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining physical hardware for obsolete peripherals, the system creates virtual copies through software emulation. This allows legacy peripheral functionality to be maintained and tested without the resource consumption of physical hardware. The virtual emulation approach preserves compatibility with obsolete peripherals while eliminating the need to physically maintain, power, and manage obsolete hardware components.
4Reliability
If comprehensive peripheral testing is performed, then software reliability is ensured, but development complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing platform that handles multiple peripheral types and configurations through a single integrated software framework. Instead of requiring separate testing procedures for each peripheral combination, the system provides unified tools and methods that work across all peripheral types. This universal approach ensures comprehensive software reliability testing while reducing the complexity of the testing process itself through standardization and automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and apparatuses are described that implement software-defined hardware. In example aspects, a hardware manager can enable and disable different combinations of peripherals coupled to a host device. Software can be executed on different enabled combinations of peripherals to determine which combinations best meet the requirements of a product. Combinations of peripherals can be updated with alternative or new peripherals that have new features or replace obsolete peripherals. Thus, the hardware manager can provide a modular validation platform that allows a manufacturer of electronic devices to skip a prototype phase, qualify new peripherals as replacements for existing peripherals that may become obsolete, and iterate between different combinations of peripherals to determine ideal combinations. The disclosed techniques and systems can therefore reduce resources, time, and costs associated with design and testing phases of electronic devices.