Unified Boot Loader for Touch Sensing ICs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex design and manufacturing processes of integrated circuits for touch sensing require separate boot loaders and firmware development for different functions, leading to increased complexity and risk in the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

A unified method where a common boot loader capable of functioning as both master and slave is stored in nonvolatile memory, with selection signals determining its configuration, and corresponding firmware is stored separately for each function, allowing the same boot loader to be used across different integrated circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate boot loaders and firmware are developed for each function (master/slave), then each integrated circuit can perform its specific function correctly, but the design and manufacturing process becomes complicated and risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional correctnessVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single boot loader that can function as both master and slave. The boot loader includes configuration information that determines whether it operates in master or slave mode, eliminating the need for separate boot loader versions for different functions. This reduces design and manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional correctness through the same unified boot loader code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate boot loaders and firmware are written for each function, then functional specificity is achieved, but the manufacturing process requires separate management and development for each function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specificityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the boot loader configurable rather than static. The boot loader includes configuration information that dynamically determines its operating mode (master or slave). This allows the same boot loader to adapt to different functional requirements without requiring separate versions, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functional specificity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If unified boot loader is used for both master and slave functions, then design and manufacturing processes are simplified, but firmware must be managed separately for each function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot loader management complexityVSAvoidfirmware variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the boot loader from the firmware. The boot loader is unified and configurable, while the firmware is segmented into function-specific versions (master firmware and slave firmware). This segmentation allows the boot loader to be managed uniformly while still supporting multiple firmware variants, reducing boot loader management complexity while accommodating firmware diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12118364B2Touch sensing integrated circuit system, touch sensing system, and method for writing firmware

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 SILICON WORKS CO LTD

AI summary

An embodiment is able to simplify the design and manufacturing process by unifying the step of writing boot loaders to the integrated circuits.