Wireless Microcontroller Interconnect for Flexible Function Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microcontrollers have limited functionality due to fixed wired interconnections and a non-adaptable interconnection circuit, restricting the number and positioning of electronic functions.

Innovation Solution

A microcontroller with a wireless interconnection circuit that includes a data processing unit, router, and data transmission/reception circuit, allowing dynamic detection and configuration of electronic functions, enabling wireless data transmission and adaptable functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wired interconnections are used to connect electronic functions, then the microcontroller structure is simple and reliable, but the positioning of functions is limited and the number of functions is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber and positioning of electronic functionsVSAvoidinterconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired interconnection system with a wireless communication system. The microcontroller uses wireless transmission to connect electronic functions, eliminating physical wire constraints that limit function positioning and数量. This substitution enables flexible placement of sensors, actuators, and processing units without being bound by physical connection routes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the interconnection circuit has fixed configuration, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the functionality is limited and cannot be adapted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfigurability of interconnection circuitVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configurability in the interconnection circuit through software-controlled wireless communication parameters. The system can dynamically adjust transmission power, communication protocols, and active function sets based on operational requirements. This dynamic approach allows a single manufacturing process to produce microcontrollers that can be reconfigured for different applications through software updates rather than requiring different hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless interconnection circuit is designed with universal communication capabilities that can support multiple electronic functions and communication protocols. The same hardware infrastructure can serve different functions (sensors, actuators, processors) and support various communication standards, making the microcontroller adaptable to diverse applications without requiring function-specific interconnection circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless interconnection is implemented, then the flexibility and adaptability of the microcontroller is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of function configurationVSAvoidenergy consumption of interconnection circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic communication cycles where the wireless interconnection circuit transmits data only when necessary rather than continuously. The system uses event-triggered communication where transmission occurs periodically or when specific conditions are met (data changes, command received). This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous transmission while maintaining the flexibility of wireless reconfiguration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3611628B1Microcontroller

Publication Date: 2022.01.19 STMICROELECTRONICS (GRENOBLE 2) SAS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a microcontroller (100) comprising distinct electronic functions (102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114) and an interconnection circuit (116) adapted to wirelessly transmit data between said functions.