Virtual Ports for Microcontroller Peripheral Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microcontrollers with a low number of external pins face challenges in routing signals internally due to limited available port pins, leading to increased cost and size requirements or complex multiplexer circuitry, which are not viable options.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 'virtual ports' that are not connected to external pins but can be re-enabled through configuration, allowing internal signal routing between peripherals, using fuse bits and multiplexers to select and route signals, thereby reducing the need for additional multiplexer circuitry and maintaining device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional multiplexer circuitry is increased to allow selection of any CIP for connection, then peripheral interconnection flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiplexer functionality by creating separate virtual ports for different peripheral groups. Instead of one large multiplexer that can select any CIP, the system divides connections into multiple specialized virtual ports (e.g., first virtual port for Timer1/Timer2, second virtual port for other peripherals), reducing the complexity of each individual multiplexer while maintaining overall flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual ports as intermediary connection points between CPU and peripherals. These virtual ports act as mediators that simplify the routing logic by providing dedicated pathways for specific peripheral groups, eliminating the need for complex direct routing between all possible peripheral pairs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger device with extra port pins is used to make external connections between CIPs, then peripheral interconnection capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connection capability from the external physical dimension to the internal logical dimension by creating virtual ports. Instead of adding physical pins to the device package, the system adds logical connection layers within the device that enable peripheral-to-peripheral communication through the CPU without requiring additional external I/O pins.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external port pins are used to connect CIPs that are not within normal internal selection options, then peripheral connectivity is improved, but available port pins are reduced or locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing port pins multi-functional by allowing them to serve both as external I/O pins and as virtual port connections for peripheral intercommunication. The same physical pin can be configured to connect to different virtual ports depending on the peripheral connection needs, eliminating the trade-off between external connectivity and internal peripheral connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A microcontroller has a central processing unit and a plurality of peripheral units and a plurality of port bit circuits provided through at least one input/output port. At least one port bit circuit of the plurality of port bit circuits is not connected to an external pin and the at least one port bit circuit is configurable to route a signal received at the port bit circuit to a selected peripheral of the microcontroller.