The present invention generally relates to the field of microcontrollers. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a mixed signal system-on-a-chip architecture that can be dynamically configured to perform a variety of analog functions.
Microcontrollers function to replace mechanical and electromechanical components in a variety of applications and devices. Microcontrollers have evolved since they were first introduced approximately 30 years ago, to the point where they can be used for increasingly complex applications. Some microcontrollers in use today are also programmable, expanding the number of applications in which they can be used.
However, even though there are a large number of different types of microcontrollers available on the market with a seemingly wide range of applicability, it is still often difficult for a designer to find a microcontroller that is particularly suited for a particular application. Unique aspects of the intended application may make it difficult to find an optimum microcontroller, perhaps necessitating a compromise between the convenience of using an existing microcontroller design and less than optimum performance.
In those cases in which a suitable microcontroller is found, subsequent changes to the application and new requirements placed on the application will likely effect the choice of microcontroller. The designer thus again faces the challenge of finding a suitable microcontroller for the intended application.
One solution to the problems described above is to design (or have designed) a microcontroller customized for the intended application. However, this solution may still not be practical because of the time needed to develop a custom microcontroller and the cost of doing so. In addition, should the design of the intended application be changed, it may also be necessary to change the design of the custom microcontroller, further increasing costs and lead times. Moreover, the option of designing a custom microcontroller is generally only available to very large volume customers.
Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may suggest a solution to he problem of finding a suitable microcontroller for an application. However, ASICs can also be problematic because they require a sophisticated level of design expertise, and the obstacles of long development times, high costs, and large volume requirements still remain. Solutions such as gate arrays and programmable logic devices provide flexibility, but they too are expensive and require a sophisticated level of design expertise.
Accordingly, what is needed is a system and/or method that can allow microcontrollers to be developed for a variety of possible applications without incurring the development expenses and delays associated with contemporary microcontrollers. The present invention provides a novel solution to these needs.
The present invention provides a programmable analog system architecture that is suited for a variety of applications and that can reduce development time and expenses. The programmable analog system architecture is integrated with a microcontroller that provides sequencing and programming instructions. The present invention introduces a single chip solution that contains a set of tailored analog blocks and elements that can be dynamically configured and reconfigured in different ways to implement a variety of different analog functions.
The analog system architecture can be generally referred to as a programmable analog “system-on-a-chip” block. Such programmable blocks can be used in those applications that typically require multiple chips that may be fabricated using different technologies. Implementation in embedded applications, including audio, wireless, handheld, data communications, Internet control, and industrial and consumer systems, is contemplated.
In the present embodiment, the analog blocks are arranged on a single integrated circuit, or chip. The analog blocks can be electrically coupled in different combinations to perform different analog functions. Each analog block can also be configured according to the function to be performed. In the present embodiment, the analog blocks include analog elements that have changeable characteristics that can be specified according to the function to be performed. Inputs received by an analog block are directed through the analog block according to the specified characteristics of the analog elements. The combination of analog blocks and the characteristics of the analog elements, and hence the analog function to be performed, can be dynamically programmed.
In one embodiment, the analog blocks include switched analog blocks that can be electrically coupled to and decoupled from one or more other analog blocks. That is, latches and switches can be dynamically configured so that signals can be passed from one block to another, while other blocks are bypassed. Accordingly, a set of analog blocks can be selectively combined to implement a particular analog function. Other analog functions can be implemented by selectively combining a different set of analog blocks.
In one embodiment, the switched analog blocks are switched capacitor blocks. In another embodiment, two different types of switched capacitor blocks are used; the two types are distinguishable according to the type and number of inputs they receive and how those inputs are treated.
In yet another embodiment, the analog blocks also include continuous time blocks.
In one embodiment, the continuous time blocks and the switched capacitor blocks are arranged in rows and columns in an array. In one such embodiment, the array includes a first row of continuous time blocks and multiple rows of switched capacitor blocks, where the first row of continuous time blocks is disposed between the switched capacitor blocks and an edge of the array. In one embodiment, the analog blocks in a column are each coupled to a respective digital bus (that is, there is a digital bus for each column of analog blocks).
The analog functions that can be performed using the system architecture and method of the present invention include (but are not limited to) an amplifier function, a digital-to-analog converter function, an analog-to-digital converter function, an analog driver function, a low band pass filter function, and a high band pass filter function.
In summary, the present invention provides a programmable, multi-functional analog system and method that comprise a number of analog blocks comprising a number of analog elements that have been selected to perform a large number of different analog functions and applications. In one embodiment, the present invention uses latches and switches to selectively and electrically couple analog blocks in different combinations depending on the function to be performed. The characteristics of the analog elements in an analog block can also be specified according to the function to be performed.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments that are illustrated in the various drawing figures.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, flash ROM 16 stores parameters describing microcontroller 10, allowing microcontroller 10 to be programmed during production, during system testing, or in the field. It is contemplated that microcontroller 10 may also be self-programmed remotely.
Analog blocks 20 are configurable system resources that can reduce the need for other microcontroller parts and external components. In the present embodiment, analog blocks 20 include an array of twelve blocks. A precision internal voltage reference provides accurate analog comparisons. A temperature sensor input is provided to the array of analog blocks to support applications like battery chargers and data acquisition without requiring external components.
In the present embodiment, there are three types of analog blocks: continuous time blocks, and two types of switched capacitor blocks (referred to herein as type A and type B). Continuous time blocks provide continuous time analog functions. Continuous time blocks are described in further detail in conjunction with FIG. 4A.
Switched capacitor blocks provide discrete time analog functions such as analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) and digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) functions. The key difference between the type A and type B switched capacitor blocks is in generating biquad filters (see
Analog functions supported by integrated circuit 10 comprising analog blocks 20 include, but are not limited to: 14-bit multi-slope and 12-bit delta-sigma ADC, successive approximation ADCs up to nine bits, DACs up to nine bits, programmable gain stages, sample and hold circuits, filters (high band pass and low band pass) with programmable coefficients, amplifiers, differential comparators, and temperature sensors.
In the present embodiment, the analog blocks 21a-l can be powered down individually to different power levels, so that it is not necessary for all of the blocks to be running at full power. In one embodiment, the analog blocks 21a-l have four power levels.
In accordance with the present invention, different combinations of analog blocks 20 can be selected according to the user programming in order to perform different functions. In one embodiment, individual analog blocks can be enabled and bypassed, respectively, by enabling and closing appropriate switches in response to the programming. Signals are thereby routed through the analog blocks 20 by enabling and closing programmable switches, so that the signals are routed to the analog blocks necessary to accomplish the particular analog function selected. Mechanisms other than switches may be used to enable and bypass analog blocks.
In the present embodiment, for each column 23a-d, there is a respective digital bus 24a-d and a respective analog bus 25a-d coupled to each analog block in the column. Any analog block on these buses can have its output enabled to drive the buses. The analog buses 25a-d are each a gated operational amplifier (op-amp) output. The digital buses 24a-d are each a comparator output derived by buffering the operational amplifier output through an inverter. In one embodiment, reference buses (not shown) are also provided to provide a reference voltage for ADC and DAC functions.
In the present embodiment, data essentially flow through the array of analog blocks 20 from top to bottom (e.g., from row 22a to row 22c). The continuous time blocks 21a-d can be programmed to serve as a first-order isolation buffer, if necessary.
In
In the present embodiment, continuous time block 40 of
In the present embodiment, continuous time block 40 of
Continuous time block 40 also includes analog elements having characteristics that can be set and changed in response to the users programming in accordance with the particular analog function to be implemented. In the present embodiment, continuous time block 40 includes programmable resistors 48a and 48b. In accordance with the present invention, the resistance of resistors 48a and 48b can be changed in response to the user's programming.
Continuing with reference to
With reference still to
PWR 50 is a bit stream for encoding the power level for continuous time block 40. C.PHASE 75 controls which internal clock phase the comparator data are latched on. C.LATCH 76 controls whether the latch is active or if it is always transparent. CS 78 controls a tri-state buffer that drives the comparator logic. OS 79 controls the analog output bus (ABUS 25). A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switch connects the op-amp output to ABUS 25.
With reference to
Continuing with reference to
In the present embodiment, switched capacitor block 90 includes a multiplicity of switches 91a, 91b, 93a, 93b, 94, 95, 96a, 96b and 97. Each of the switches 91a-b, 93a-b, 94, and 96a-b is assigned to a clock phase φ1 or φ2; that is, they are enabled or closed depending on the clock phase. Switches 93a-b, 94, and 96a-b are assigned to gated clocks and function in a known manner. Switches 95 and 97 are not clocked but instead are enabled or closed depending on the user's programming.
Switched capacitor block 90 also includes analog elements having characteristics that can be set and changed in response to the user's programming in accordance with the particular analog function to be implemented. In the present embodiment, switched capacitor block 90 includes capacitors 92a-92e. In accordance with the present invention, the capacitance of capacitors 92a-e can be changed in response to the user's programming. In the present embodiment, the capacitors 92a-c are binarily weighted capacitors that allow the capacitor weights to be programmed by the user, while the capacitors 92d-e are either “in” or “out” (that is, they are not binarily weighted) according to the user programming. In one embodiment, the binary encoding of capacitor size for capacitors 92a-c comprises 31 units (plus zero) each and the encoding of capacitor size for capacitors 92d-e is 16 units each.
Switched capacitor block 90 is configured such that it can be used for the input stage of a switched capacitor biquad filter. When followed by a type B switched capacitor block, the combination of blocks provides a complete switched capacitor biquad (see FIGS. 14A and 14B).
Continuing with reference to
Referring to
With reference to
With reference to
Continuing with reference to
In the present embodiment, switched capacitor block 100 includes a multiplicity of switches 104a, 104b, 105a, 105b, 106a, 106b, 107, 108 and 109. Each of the switches 104a-b, 105a-b, 106a-b and 109 is assigned to a clock phase φ1 or φ2; that is, they are enabled or closed depending on the clock phase. Switches 105a-b, 106a-b and 109 are assigned to gated docks and function in a known manner. Switches 107 and 108 are not clocked but instead are enabled or closed depending on the user's programming.
Switched capacitor block 100 also includes analog elements having characteristics that can be set and changed in response to the users programming in accordance with the particular analog function to be implemented. In the present embodiment, switched capacitor block 100 includes programmable capacitors 111a-111e. In accordance with the present invention, the capacitance of capacitors 111a-e can be changed in response to the user's programming. In the present embodiment, the capacitors 111a-c are binarily weighted capacitors that allow the capacitor weights to be programmed by the user, while the capacitors 111d-e are either “in” or “out” (that is, they are not binarily weighted) according to the user programming. In one embodiment, the binary encoding of capacitor size for capacitors 111a-c comprises 31 units (plus zero) each and the encoding of capacitor size for capacitors 111d-e is 16 units each.
Switched capacitor block 100 is configured such that it can be used for the output stage of a switched capacitor biquad filter. When preceded by a type A switched capacitor block, the combination of blocks provides a complete switched capacitor biquad (see FIGS. 14A and 14B).
Continuing with reference to
With reference to
As described above, integrated circuit 10 includes a plurality of analog blocks 20 (
In step 1520, the selected analog block is selectively and electrically coupled to one or more of the other analog blocks 20, depending on the particular analog function to be implemented and according to the user's programming. Certain analog blocks may be bypassed (not used) in the resultant circuit. Characteristics of elements in the analog blocks 20 can also be specified according to the user's programming, also depending on the particular analog function to be implemented.
In step 1530, the analog blocks 20 are reconfigured to perform a different analog function (e.g., a different combination of the analog blocks 20 can be selectively and electrically coupled to perform another function).
In summary, the present invention provides an analog system architecture, and a method thereof, that introduce a single chip solution that contains a set of tailored analog blocks and elements that can be dynamically configured and reconfigured in different ways to implement a variety of different analog functions. The present invention thus provides a programmable analog system architecture that is suited for a variety of applications and therefore can reduce development time and expenses. The present invention facilitates the design of customized chips (integrated circuits and microcontrollers) at reduced costs. As a single chip that can be produced in quantities and customized for a variety of functions and applications, designers are not subjected to the volume requirements needed to make contemporary designs viable. To further reduce development time and expenses, pre-designed combinations of analog blocks (“user modules”) can be provided to designers.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention, a programmable analog system architecture, is thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims.
This application claims priority to the provisional patent application, Ser. No. 60/243,708, entitled “Advanced Programmable Microcontroller Device,” with filing date Oct. 26, 2000, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
5202687 | Distinti | Apr 1993 | A |
5245262 | Moody et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
5493246 | Anderson | Feb 1996 | A |
5574678 | Gorecki | Nov 1996 | A |
5677691 | Hosticka et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5691664 | Anderson et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
6003054 | Oshima et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6144327 | Distinti et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6311149 | Ryan et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6590517 | Swanson | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6614260 | Welch et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
WO 9532478 | Nov 1975 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60243708 | Oct 2000 | US |