Patent Grant
8176296
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of microcontrollers. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a microcontroller system architecture effectuating both analog and digital programmable circuits.
2. Related Art
Microcontrollers have become commonplace in the thirty years since their introduction. They have all but replaced mechanical and electromechanical components in the area of control over “real world” activities. For applications now controlled by microcontrollers, control functions therein are now much more functional, reliable, and economical.
Major improvements in microcontroller design since their introduction have made them nearly ubiquitous in modem control applications. The in-circuit emulator improved debugging and the integration of hardware and software. Embedded application development effectuated by C and other compilers has reduced software development time and allowed much larger programs and concomitantly more complex applications. One time programmability (OTP) of microcontrollers extended their utility, particularly for highly specialized and/or low volume applications. Programmability also improved the development cycle for users of microcontrollers.
Microcontrollers have embedded processors, memories, power sources, voltage references, voltage/power and temperature sensors, timers, oscillators, and other circuits. Various microcontrollers have differing features, including capacities. The 8-bit microcontrollers are an extremely useful, common, and well-populated class.
Contemporarily, there are thousands of different 8-bit microcontrollers from a number of sources. Nevertheless, selecting a microcontroller for a particular application and/or matching a particular microcontroller to a specific application remains a challenge. First, selecting a particular microcontroller from the many available can be confusing and tedious. After a selection is made, changing design requirements, engineering solutions, and/or unexpected higher capacity requirements often require scrapping the original selection and repeating the confusing and tedious selection process.
Conventionally, these problems may be addressed by custom designing a microcontroller with a “perfect,” e.g., exact, particular combination of required peripheral functionalities, and no surplusage, incorporating all needed functions, and eliminating a requirement for any external chips. This is demanding of time and resources, because it requires custom design and manufacturing operations for each selected application. It is expensive, in as much as it can take no advantage of the usual electronics industry economies of scale, which otherwise typically hold electronic prices at reasonably low levels.
Microcontrollers effectuate a wide range of applications in modem electronic installations into which they are functionally integrated. One major microcontroller utilization is the embedded system application. Most embedded system applications interface to the “real world.” This real world is analog in nature, and most microcontrollers interfacing with it offer an analog to digital (A/D) converter; true analog peripherals are rare. However, many microcontroller designs with real world interfacing embedded systems require that analog signals be multiplied, filtered, or otherwise conditioned before conversion to digital. While conventional analog functional components are available for use with microcontrollers, they are custom components and still require a separate microcontroller and an effective electrical coupling and signal synchronization and transfer modality to effectuate their use therewith. This is inefficient and costly.
Microcontrollers have a number of components to effectuate device application. Such components in conventional microcontrollers have fixed functions, which a are disadvantageous in two major ways. First, in selecting a microcontroller for a particular application, it must be known in advance precisely which functions are required to effectuate that application and that this functional requirement is static. Second, specifying any particular function carries a cost, in as much as that function is static. The following example illustrates this second limitation.
A conventional microcontroller with “off the shelf” availability is selected for a particular application because it has a timer functionality, required by the application for which it is to be used. To effectuate this particular microcontroller's timer functionality, the microcontroller has two integrated timing components. However, the application at hand may be effectuated by the microcontroller if it had only a single timer component. This is wasteful of chip resources, power and computing demands, etc. Yet finding an exact, or even closer match from the finite supply of available microcontrollers with off the shelf availability is difficult and time consuming.
This limitation can be offset by negotiation with the microcontroller manufacturer for a custom designed and built chip, or the user, seeking the microcontroller for the particular application at hand may continue to search for another microcontroller with off the shelf availability, having components more closely matching the requirements of the application at hand. However, as discussed above, either of these solutions is also costly in terms of time, resources, and/or expense.
Further, microcontrollers employing conventional component technology have individual characteristic spectra of application, which are typically rather limited and static. Often, particular microcontrollers have rather precisely defined design functionalities, which are static and unchangeable, or changeable only in rather limited ways. Thus in this regard, conventional microcontrollers applications are inherently one dimensional and inflexible. This is also true of other circuits, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
Conventional microcontrollers themselves are not reconfigurable to any convenient degree. A relatively small fraction of available conventional microcontrollers, and those implementing very general functions, have some degree of reconfigurability. However, the degree of reconfigurability is very limited. For example, one particular type of conventional microcontrollers implementing very general functions includes logic devices such as programmable gate arrays. Programmable gate arrays typically are characterized by very fine grained logic architectures.
In so far as programmable gate arrays are reconfigurable at all, their reconfiguration is a static process, requiring a programmable gate array being so reconfigured to be out of service during the process, which takes an inordinate amount of time and requires a heavy price in computational resources. This is because the fine grain architecture of the programmable gate array being reconfigured demands thousands, for some common reconfigurations even millions of bits of information to be written, for each and every logic block requiring re-writing to effectuate the reconfiguration.
The conventional art is problematic because it generally fails to address the limitations of individual microcontroller and integrated circuit (IC) applicability and flexibility, and configurablity and programmability. Where reconfigurability is possible at all in conventional microcontrollers and ICs, it is typically achieved statically, with the microcontroller or IC out of service, to a very limited degree, and requires relatively long times and informational input to achieve. Custom designed analog-based devices are coupled with microcontrollers and/or ICs in such a way as to harmonize their operations in particular microcontroller/IC applications requiring analog functionality. Contemporary solutions to these problems using conventional resources are inadequate because of the time and effort required for custom choosing a particular conventional microcontroller/IC design for a certain application from a relatively limited field, resource costs of functionalities selected in the conventional microcontrollers/ICs selected, and the inordinate expense of custom chips, such as ASICs.
What is needed is a method of integrating a system with a microcontroller and integrated circuits (ICs) on a single chip to effectuate a single-chip system, including analog functionality, and/or a system so integrated with a microcontroller and/or other IC. What is also needed is a single-chip system which has sufficient flexibility to function in a very wide range of multiple applications, including applications wherein integrated analog functionalities are required. Further, what is needed is a method of programming and dynamically reconfiguring a single-chip system, and a single-chip system which is so programmable and dynamically reconfigurable. Further still, what is needed is a single-chip system which achieves the foregoing advantages and yet is relatively inexpensive and simple to configure, apply, use, and reconfigure.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated system with a microcontroller and integrated circuits ICs on a single chip to effectuate a single-chip system, including programmable analog and digital functionality and a microprocessor, and a method of configuring such an integrated system. The present invention also provides a single-chip system which has sufficient flexibility to function in a very wide range of multiple applications, including applications wherein integrated analog functionalities are required. Further, the present invention provides a method of programming and dynamically reconfiguring a single-chip system, and a single-chip system which is so programmable and dynamically reconfigurable. Further still, the present invention provides a single-chip system which achieves the foregoing advantages and yet is relatively inexpensive and simple to configure, apply, use, and reconfigure.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a microcontroller device having a microprocessor, programmable memory components, and programmable analog and digital blocks. The programmable analog and digital blocks are configurable based on programming information stored in the memory components. Programmable interconnect logic, also programmable from the memory components, is used to couple the programmable analog and digital blocks as needed. The advanced microcontroller design also includes programmable input/output blocks for coupling selected signals to external pins. The memory components also include user programs that the embedded microprocessor executes. These programs may include instructions for programming the digital and analog blocks “on-the-fly,” e.g., dynamically. In one implementation, there are a plurality of programmable digital blocks and a plurality of programmable analog blocks.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of integrating a system with a microcontroller/IC on a single chip to effectuate a single-chip system, including programmable analog functionality. Another embodiment provides a system so integrated with a microcontroller/IC. In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a single-chip system which has sufficient flexibility to function in a very wide range of multiple applications, including applications wherein integrated analog functionalities are required. In the present embodiment, the single-chip system is capable of executing a wide range of applications requiring programmable mixed (analog and digital) signals. In the present embodiments, both digital and analog functionalities are effectuated in block components integrated with a microcontroller/IC on a single chip. These block components are complete functional units, each with a very large number of operations programmed within them.
In one embodiment, the present invention further provides a method of programming and dynamically reconfiguring a single-chip system, and a single-chin system which is so programmable and dynamically reconfigurable. The programming is effectuated, in one embodiment, by firmware executing a series of instructions run by a microprocessor component of the microcontroller/IC. In one embodiment, a new microcontroller/IC programming paradigm is effectuated, wherein a user of the single-chip system loads a configuration into the functional blocks and/or programmable interconnects electrically coupling the functional blocks with each other, with other microcontroller components, and with the outside world.
In one embodiment, the programmable interconnects configure, not only the functional blocks, but also the way in which the functional blocks intercommunicate. In one embodiment, actual connection pins of the device can be configured to communicate with different internal resources, allow intercommunication via different methods and/or modalities, and actual reconfiguration of the internal structure of the device. In one embodiment, the reconfigurability features effectuate dynamic reconfiguring and programming, with no need to take the single-chip system out of service. The single-chip system can be dynamically reconfigured “on the fly,” easily and in very little time. Advantageously, these features effectuate the ability to program microcontroller/IC sequences and simultaneously program unique hardware functions that are expressible via the newly configured single-chip system.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a single-chip system which achieves the foregoing advantages and yet is relatively inexpensive and simple to configure, apply, use, and reconfigure. The inherent great flexibility and widespread applicability of microcontroller systems of the present embodiments obviates searching, shopping, and research for the “right” microcontroller and mix of functionalities and/or design and manufacture of custom microcontroller and mix of system functionalities. Real savings in effort, time, and cost are effectuated by embodiments of the present invention.
These and other advantages of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which 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 following description of an embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to an exemplary microcontroller with an integrated system incorporated into a single functional device. It is appreciated that the exemplary microcontroller is illustrative only, and that embodiments of the present invention may be facilitated on any integrated circuit. The exemplary embodiments described herein do not, and are not meant to limit the application of embodiments of the present invention to microcontrollers, or to any specific integrated circuit device or type.
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. System function blocks 25 are configurable system resources that can reduce the need for other microcontroller parts and external components.
With reference to
System timing block 19 includes system timing information used, among other things, for synchronizing and otherwise effectuating interfacing between system functionalities. System timing block 19, like system blocks 25, is programmable. Advantageously, this allows system timing block 19 to generate a myriad of different time bases, as required for any particular application the system is being configured to effectuate. These time bases may be fed into analog system blocks 20 and digital system blocks 100, for use therein, via programmable interconnect 1000. Examples of analog functions requiring such time bases, executed by analog system blocks 20 include conversions, modulations, and the like. One striking example of a digital function requiring such time bases, executed by digital system blocks 100 is their universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) functionality.
Referring to
The internal matrices of analog blocks 20 and digital blocks 100 may be constituted, in one embodiment, partially by a routing matrix (e.g., global mapping system 105;
Thus, each individual functional unit, e.g., sub-blocks A1 through AN and D1 through DM, may communicate and interact with each and/or any other functional unit. Which functional unit communicates with which other functional unit is programmable, via the configurablity of the programmable interconnect 1000. Advantageously, this allows users to choose communicative interactions between functional units, further promoting system flexibility. It is seen that programmable interconnect 1000 has an input global mapping unit 211 and an output global mapping unit 212. The global mapping units 211 and 212 promote the configurability of the system 10 (
A hierarchy of programmable interconnectivity is effectuated within system 10. Pin by pin configurable I/O transceivers 18 and input and output global mapping units 211 and 212, respectively, on programmable interconnect 1000, effectuate configurable interconnectivity between the system 10 and the “outside world,” as well as the microcontroller SRAM, ROM, and CPU components 12, 16, and 14, respectively (
Correspondingly, the memory function within each functional block 20 and 100 has specific functions allocated to them. These memory functionalities are registers (e.g., registers 50;
Other blocks affect autonomous system operations, such as interrupts. Thus, it is determined by configuring it whether a block will generate an interrupt into the computer system (e.g., the microcontroller) or not. Other registers within a block determine whether a block may accept data from the I/O, or from a neighboring or distant other block. This is the function of the configuration registers (e.g., configuration registers 50:
Analog blocks 20 and digital blocks 100 share some similarities. However, analog blocks 20 have an added parametric setting register among its sub-blocks A1 through AN. Parametric settings effectuate functionalities related to physical parameters, such as potential voltages, current amperages, and ratios which cause amperage and/or voltage transitions to occur. Parametric settings may be varied by writing into, e.g., programming the parametric setting registers. To illustrate, if a block is implementing an A/D conversion function, a voltage value that the block generates, e.g., a signal amplitude, is detected by a set of registers. Writing to, e.g., programming the appropriate parametric setting register may cause the block to change its output signal potential amplitude.
Typically, all of the configuration settings on a digital block 100 is within a small set of registers, in one embodiment four registers per block. The registers'capacity is eight bits. Special hardware within the microcontroller load into block 100 from a table 16T within flash ROM 16 (
Typically, configuration is static, and all blocks can be loaded with all of the requisite configuration register data in one operation. To change a particular subset of blocks from one configuration to another, another instruction is transferred from flash ROM 16 to the appropriate blocks. This is effectuated by a hardware subsystem 14S within the microcontroller CPU 14 that directly reads from flash ROM 16, over the internal address/system data bus 11, to the appropriate locale within system block 25. Advantageously, this informational sequencing is quite rapid, conserving time and computational resources. This hardware 14S may be thought of as a morph transmogrifier, loading new state tables to system block 25 functional units designated for a new functionality.
Further, configuration registers exist for the programmable interconnect 1000, analog block 20, digital block 100, pin by pin configurable I/O transceiver 18, and routing. Thus, every function can be assigned a configuration state, loaded, and changed as required for an exceedingly wide range of applications.
One possible functionality, which may be an application of a system incorporating features of the present embodiment, is analog to digital (A/D) conversion. In performing A/D conversion, it is necessary to get signals entering on certain of the pins constituting parts of pin by pin configurable I/O transceivers 18 into the system block in the process. Owing to uncertainty in which block a user configuring the system 10 for A/D conversion will choose for performing the A/D conversion function, as well as uncertainty as to which pins the user will select for routing relevant signals, a mechanism is necessitated to achieve the requisite routing from the pin to the actual functional block inside the system; and vice versa, because a corresponding waveform will be generated in the functional block, which must be brought back out for use. Importantly, keeping in mind one advantageous feature of the present embodiment, that the design of embodiments of the present invention is not to dictate their applicability, but rather to effectuate implementation of the largest possible spectrum of applicability, the configurability of pin by pin configurable I/O transceivers 18, programmable interconnect 1000, and system blocks 25 may be crucial.
In as much as dictating a specific requisite pin locale from which a particular signal will emerge from system 10 is undesirable, a routing modality incorporating features of the present embodiment effectuate the redirection of signals to an almost arbitrary location on pin by pin configurable I/O transceivers 18. Advantageously, this simultaneously maximizes flexibility and greatly enhances user convenience and system applicability. In one embodiment, this designed inherent reconfigurability functions as an exceptionally flexible signal routing capability.
Referring again to both
Dedicated functionalities and/or peripherals 17 is interconnected with system bus 11. Dedicated functionalities and/or peripherals 17 may include a plethora of common functions of value to the function of system 10. A multiplier/accumulator (MAC) 1003 combines arithmetic logic functions of multiplication, counting, and storage of arithmetic results.
With reference to
A power on reset control unit 993 performs functions related to power supply stability, particularly on system startup. Power on reset control unit 993 works, in one embodiment, in conjunction with a brown-out detection unit 994, which detects substandard, subnominal power system parameters, which could have deleterious effects on system and/or microcontroller operation, and may generate interrupts and/or other warning and/or protective actions accordingly. The following co-pending U.S. application is hereby incorporated by reference, Ser. No. 09/887,955, by Warren Snyder and Harold Kutz, entitled “Novel Power On Reset Circuit For A Microcontroller,” filed Jun. 22, 2001, and which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Further, the following co-pending U.S. application is also hereby incorporated by reference, Ser. No. 09/887,923, by Warren Snyder and Harold Kutz, entitled “Novel Method and System For Interaction Between A Processor and A Power On Reset Circuit To Dynamically Control Power States In A Microcontroller,” filed Jun. 22, 2001, and which is also assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
Exemplary Programmable Analog Functionality
The following co-pending US application is hereby incorporated by reference, Ser. No. 09/909,047, by Monte Mar, entitled “A Programmable Analog System Architecture,” filed Jul. 18, 2001, and which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
The present invention provides, in one embodiment, 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 progranimable 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 20 are arranged on a single integrated circuit, or chip. The analog blocks 20 can be electrically coupled in different combinations to perform different analog functions. Each analog block 20 can also be configured according to the function to be performed. In the present embodiment, the analog blocks 20 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 20 and the characteristics of the analog elements, and hence the analog function to be performed, can be dynamically programmed. A number of registers are configurable to store programming data for the programmable digital circuit blocks.
In one embodiment, the analog blocks 20 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. The programmable analog circuit blocks may, in one embodiment, be constituted by a matrix of n by m analog configurable system macros, n and m independently being an integer of at least two. Each of said analog configurable system macros is configured to provide one or more analog functions, which may also include gain functions, comparator functions, switched capacitor functions, filter functions, analog-to-digital conversion functions, digital-to-analog conversion functions, and amplifier functions, among others. The programmable analog circuit may, in one embodiment, be constituted by a matrix of n by m number of programmable analog circuit blocks, each coupled to an adjacent block and configured to provide at least one of a plurality of analog functions.
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
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 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 one embodiment of 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.
The continuous time blocks 21a-21d can be programmed to serve as a first-order isolation buffer, if necessary. In that case, data essentially flow through the array of analog blocks 20 from top to bottom (e.g., from row 22a to row 22c). However, if the signals do not need to be buffered, then the signals can arrive directly at a switched capacitor block in one row (e.g., row 22c), then be switched to another row (e.g., row 22b).
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 user's 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
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 clocks 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
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).
Exemplary Programmable Digital Functionality
The following co-pending U.S. application is hereby incorporated herein by reference, Ser. No. 09/909,045, by Warren Snyder, entitled “Digital Configurable Macro Architecture,” filed Jul. 18, 2001, and which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Further, the following co-pending U.S. application is also hereby incorporated herein by reference, Ser. No. 09/909,109, by Warren Snyder, entitled “Configuring Digital Functions In A Digital Configurable Macro Architecture,” filed Jul. 18, 2001, and which is also assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
A new digital configurable macro architecture is described. The digital configurable macro architecture is well suited for microcontroller or controller designs. In particular, the foundation of the digital configurable macro architecture is a programmable digital circuit block. In an embodiment, programmable digital circuit blocks are 8-bit circuit modules that can be programmed to perform any one of a variety of predetermined digital functions by changing the contents of a few registers therein, unlike a FPGA which is a generic device that can be programmed to perform any arbitrary digital function. Specifically, the circuit components of the programmable digital circuit block are designed for reuse in several of the predetermined digital functions such that to minimize the size of the programmable digital circuit block. The programmable digital circuit blocks can be configured, for example, as timers, counters, serial communication ports, cyclic redundancy generators/checkers (CRC), or pseudo random sequence generators (PRS). The user selects the digital function that is needed and configures the programmable digital circuit block accordingly.
The programmable digital circuit blocks can be configured to be coupled in series or in parallel to handle more complex digital functions. For example, a 24-bit timer can be designed by coupling three 8-bit programmable digital circuit blocks that have been individually configured as 8-bit timers. Additionally, a first programmable digital circuit block that is configured as a CRC generator can feed a second programmable digital circuit block that is configured as a serial output communication port. A variety of mathematical functions such as addition, multiplication, exponential, logarithmic, arithmetic and floating point operations, and a plethora of other mathematical functions may be effectuated herein.
More importantly, the configuration of the programmable digital circuit block is determined by its small number of configuration registers. This provides much flexibility. In particular, the configuration of the programmable digital circuit block is fast and easy since changes in configuration are accomplished by changing the contents of the configuration registers, whereas the contents are generally a small number of configuration data bits. Thus, the programmable digital circuit block is dynamically configurable from one predetermined digital function to another predetermined digital function for real-time processing. The function of the registers described herein may be effectuated, in one embodiment, by latches.
The design of the programmable digital circuit block 100 in the digital configurable macro architecture was developed after examining and studying conventional microcontrollers to determine the types of digital functions that were implemented within various conventional microcontrollers. It was discovered that there were not very many different types of digital functions demanded in microcontroller applications. Furthermore, it was determined that these different types of digital functions had many circuit components in common. Moreover, it was determined that the digital functions were generally implemented as 8-bit or multiples of 8-bits because their length was generally based on the length of standard buses. This led to the development of the programmable digital circuit blocks 100, the building block of the digital configurable macro architecture.
In an embodiment, the programmable digital circuit block 100 is an 8-bit circuit module that can be programmed to perform any one of a variety of predetermined digital functions (which are useful in microcontroller applications) by changing the contents of a few configuration registers 50 therein, unlike a FPGA which is a generic device that can be programmed to perform any arbitrary digital function. Specifically, the circuit components of the programmable digital circuit block 100 are designed for reuse in several of the predetermined digital functions such that to minimize the size of the programmable digital circuit block 100. Hence, the programmable digital circuit block 100 is highly efficient in terms of die area. In an embodiment, the programmable digital circuit block 100 can be configured as a timer, a counter, a pulse width modulator (PWM), a cyclic redundancy generator/checker (CRC), a pseudo random sequence generator (PRS), a dead zone delay, a UART (universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter) transmitter, a UART (universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter) receiver, a SPI (serial peripheral interface) Master, or a SPI (serial peripheral interface) Slave.
In another embodiment, the programmable digital circuit block 100 can be configured as a timer, a counter, a pulse width modulator (PWM), a cyclic redundancy generator/checker (CRC), a pseudo random sequence generator (PRS), or a dead zone delay, whereas the digital communication functions (e.g., UART and SPI) are eliminated to further reduce the size of the programmable digital circuit block 100. In particular, the user selects the digital function that is needed and configures the programmable digital circuit block 100 accordingly. It should be understood that the programmable digital circuit block 100 can be designed to implement other digital functions.
In as much as a design can have an array of programmable digital circuit blocks 100, configurable to be coupled together in series or in parallel to handle more complex digital functions or to increase precision, a number of capabilities become achievable. As in the example recited above wherein a 24-bit timer can be designed by coupling three 8-bit programmable digital circuit blocks 100 that have been individually configured as 8-bit timers, other similar capabilities are achieved. For example, an 8-bit timer can be extended to 16- or 32-bit digital functions by similarly coupling multiple programmable digital circuit blocks 100 together. And in another example above, the capability of a first programmable digital circuit block configured as a CRC generator feeding a second programmable digital circuit block to configure a serial output communication port, illustrates achieving the advantages of reducing device programming and increasing its performance.
The configuration of the programmable digital circuit block 100 is determined by its configuration registers 50. The programmable digital circuit block 100 generally has one or more configuration registers 50. Importantly, a significant level of flexibility is thus achieved, in as much as the configuration of the programmable digital circuit block 100 may be made quickly, simply, and dynamically. It is achieved in one embodiment, by changing the contents of the configuration registers 50, which are generally a small number of configuration data bits. This dynamic configurability/reconfigurability between predetermined digital functions enables programmable digital circuit block 100 to effectuate, in one embodiment, real-time processing. In contrast, FPGAs need to have their look-up tables re-programmed in order to have them implement a new digital function, a time-consuming task that is not done in real-time processing.
Referring to
The configuration registers 50 are programmed via the system bus 90. Any device, such as a microprocessor using data stored in a RAM or flash memory, can program (or write to) the configuration registers. The configuration registers 50 receive and store a plurality of configuration data corresponding to any one of the plurality of predetermined digital function described above. The programmed configuration registers 50 configure the programmable digital circuit block 100 to perform any one of the predetermined digital functions based on the configuration data. Moreover, the configuration registers 50 can be dynamically programmed with the configuration data for real-time processing. In addition, the configuration data includes (1) bits for indicating one of the predetermined digital functions and configuring the selectable logic circuits 30, (2) bits for configuring and selecting the configurable inputs 20 and the configurable outputs 10 and the clock input 80, (3) bits for indicating the mode of the predetermined digital function (e.g., parity, no parity, etc.), (4) bits for indicating the length of the predetermine digital function if several programmable digital circuit block 100 are coupled together (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, etc.), and (5) bits for indicating and configuring the interface between adjacent programmable digital circuit blocks 100 that are coupled together (e.g., configuring and selecting the cascade inputs 70 and the cascade outputs 60 for serial or parallel interfacing).
In general, the number of bits in the configuration data is sufficiently small to enable the configuration registers 50 to be programmed on-the-fly so that the programmable digital circuit block 100 can be dynamically configured and interfaced. Thus, the programmable digital circuit blocks 100 can be configured as a timer for a first length of time, re-configured as a counter for a second length of time, reconfigured as a PWM for a third length of time, and so on, for real-time processing. For example, it is possible for a single register write to configure the programmable digital circuit block 100 from a timer to a PWM or to a counter or to a CRC generator or etc. Some number of registers are configurable to store programming data for the programmable digital circuit blocks.
The connections 50A-50F between the configuration registers 50 and other components of the programmable digital circuit block 100 enable the configuration registers 50 to properly configure the programmable digital circuit block 100 to any one of the predetermined digital functions and to properly interface the programmable digital circuit block 100 with other programmable digital circuit blocks in series or in parallel.
Continuing with
Moreover, the selectable logic circuits 30 realize any one of the variety of predetermined digital functions by using the data registers 40 to receive data, load data, capture data, etc. Thus, the data registers 40 are also reused in several of the predetermined digital functions as will be illustrated below.
Again referencing
As illustrated in
The cascade lines 205 enable the programmable digital circuit blocks 210A-210H to seamlessly interface to handle more complex digital functions or to increase precision. For example, a 32-bit counter can be designed by coupling four 8-bit programmable digital circuit blocks that have been individually configured as 8-bit counters. Similarly, the 8-bit counter can be extended to 16- or 24-bit digital functions by coupling multiple programmable digital circuit blocks together. Additionally, a first programmable digital circuit block that is configured as a CRC generator can feed a second programmable digital circuit block that is configured as a serial output communication port, reducing device programming and increasing performance.
Moreover, the exemplary programmable digital device 200 includes a signal bus for digitized analog signals, a clock bus, a system bus for programming the programmable digital circuit blocks 210A-210H, and a plurality of global data buses for transmitting data to/from the programmable digital circuit blocks 210A-210H.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In a programmable digital circuit according to one embodiment, at least three programmable digital circuit blocks are coupled in series and/or in parallel. Each programmable digital circuit block is (i) controlled by an n-bit register or look-up table containing programming information including a cascading bit and (ii) configured to provide at least one of a plurality of mathematical functions, wherein the cascading bit determines whether a particular programmable digital circuit block is coupled is series with an adjacent programmable digital circuit block, and when programmed, the programmable digital circuit provides at least one digital system function.
Exemplary Mapping & Configurability Functionality
The following co-pending U.S. application is hereby incorporated herein by reference, Ser. No. 09/953,423, by Warren Snyder, entitled “a Configurable Input/Output Interface For A Microcontroller,” filed Sep. 14, 2001, and which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a configurable input/output interface which allows designers to specify which resource on the microcontroller device will be accessible to a given I/O pin. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can access the rest of the microcontroller device functions through a configurable interface and can be reconfigured dynamically (e.g., per clock cycle). The present invention provides a configurable input/output interface which gives designers the flexibility to easily create customized configurations which incur no NRE and require no unusual design skills.
The present invention is an input/output (I/O) pin with a configurable interface to a microprocessor, and to a global mapping which determines access to functional units on the microcontroller. The I/O pin can be selectively coupled to the global mapping or to the microprocessor on each clock cycle. The mapping configuration selectively couples a different functional unit or units of the microcontroller to access the I/O pin on each clock cycle. The interface between the I/O pin and the rest of the system can be dynamically configured by software created or modified by a user, or by hardware. The present invention facilitates repositioning pin locations on a microcontroller because it is a software modification rather than a hardware modification. The present invention further enables the microcontroller functions to be configured by the user rather than by the microcontroller vendor.
The functional units of DCSM 106 are programmable digital and analog units which can be configured and connected by a user as needed to create a customized microcontroller device. The digital units can be timers, controllers, serial communications units, Cycle Redundancy Check (CRC) generators, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitters (UARTs), etc. For functions that require higher precision or counting, the digital units can be combined. The analog units are programmable operational amplifier circuits which can be interconnected to create a desired amplifier circuit. Typical peripherals that can be created are amplifiers, programmable gain, digital to analog converters, analog to digital converters, analog drivers, and high-, low-, and band-pass filters, etc. Higher order user modules such as modems, complex motor control, and complete sensor signal chains can be created from these building blocks. The ability to program microcontroller device 101 to suit a particular application necessitates a reconfigurable I/O interface which is provided by the present invention.
In one embodiment, I/O pin 102 and configuration system 103 are integrated into a pin unit. A plurality of these integrated pin units are combined to create a port. However, each of the pin units in a port is still operable to be addressed individually by global mapping system 105. In one embodiment, 8 of these integrated pin units comprise each port. However, while the present embodiment recites an 8-pin port, the present invention is well suited to utilize ports with other numbers of pins as well. An 8 pin port is recited so that disproportionate amounts of addressing resources are not used by the I/O interfaces.
With reference to
Global mapping system 103 is maintained by a control program which supplies the logic to selectively couple I/O pin 102 with functional units of DCSM 106. The programming of the control program is done by the user which allows greater flexibility than using a pre-determined mapping scheme provided by a silicon vendor. The control program also facilitates reconfiguring pin assignment because it is now a software modification rather than a hardware modification.
Customer firmware initializes a particular mapping by writing the configuration to registers associated with the global map. The configuration of the mapping can be changed at any time (e.g., per clock cycle). The global mapping system allows, for example, 4 separate functional units on DCSM 106 to send 4 different signals through the same I/O pin by coupling a particular signal from a functional unit of the DCSM to the I/O pin from cycle to cycle. In another example, a single clock signal can be simultaneously coupled to 4 different I/O pins. This facilitates interfacing with resources on microcontroller device 101 in multiple ways, either from a single or multiple pin configuration.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Referring to
Configuration registers 216 can also be configured to provide a variety of system functions for the I/O interface of the present invention and which can be reconfigured at any time (e.g., per clock cycle). For example, configuration registers 216 provide the capability for programmable pull-up or pull-down resistors, programmable interrupts per pin (e.g., positive edge triggered, negative edge triggered, or triggered on any change), programmable interrupt polarities and modes, and programmable drive strength. In one embodiment of the present invention, there are 8 configuration registers for each I/O pin allowing a maximum of 256 functions which could be defined for each pin. However, 2 or more registers can be used to control a particular pin function. For example, 2 registers can be used for the I/O driver to provide 4 drive strength levels, 2 registers used for interrupt polarity, etc. Thus the present invention is well suited to various register configurations to provide more or less system functions as needed.
Referring to
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
A global routing matrix (e.g., global mapping system 105;
Exemplary Circuit and System
Exemplary Circuit
It is appreciated that an exemplary circuit (e.g., circuit 10;
In the exemplary circuit, at least one of the programmable digital circuit blocks is coupled to at least one of another of the digital circuit blocks. Further, in the exemplary circuit, at least one of the programmable analog circuit blocks is coupled to at least one of another of the analog circuit blocks. This enables the exemplary circuit to effectuate at least one analog and/or digital system function.
A programmable memory (e.g., flash ROM 16, registers 50;
A number of input and/or output blocks (e.g., pin by pin configurable I/O transducers 18;
In the present exemplary circuit, a number of registers are configured to store programming data for the programmable digital circuit blocks. Some number of latches are configured to store programming data for the programmable analog circuit blocks.
A global routing matrix (e.g., global mapping system 105;
Programmable digital blocks may programmatically communicate with other programmable digital blocks. Programmable analog blocks may programmatically communicate with other analog blocks. Further, programmable digital blocks and programmable analog blocks may programmatically intercommunicate.
The programmable analog circuit blocks may, in one embodiment, be constituted by a matrix of n by m analog configurable system macros, n and m independently being an integer of at least two. Each of said analog configurable system macros is configured to provide one or more analog functions, which may include gain functions, comparator functions, switched capacitor functions, filter functions, analog-to-digital conversion functions, digital-to-analog conversion functions, and amplifier functions, among others. The programmable analog circuit, constituted by a matrix of n by m number of programmable analog circuit blocks, each coupled to an adjacent block and configured to provide at least one of a plurality of analog functions. In the exemplary circuit herein, at least two of the number of programmable digital circuit blocks are coupled in series to provide a digital system function.
In the programmable digital circuit according to one embodiment, at least three programmable digital circuit blocks are coupled in series and/or in parallel. Each programmable digital circuit block is (i) controlled by an n-bit register or look-up table containing programming information including a cascading bit and (ii) configured to provide at least one of a plurality of mathematical functions, wherein the cascading bit determines whether a particular programmable digital circuit block is coupled is series with an adjacent programmable digital circuit block, and when programmed, the programmable digital circuit provides at least one digital system function.
Exemplary System
Thus, an exemplary system (e.g., system 10;
The system is further constituted by an interconnecting mechanism, and the functionality further constituted by a first sub-functionality (e.g., analog system blocks 20;
Further, the exemplary system herein is constituted in part by a timing functionality (e.g., system timing block 19;
Exemplary Method of Configuration of Functions
With reference to
In step 2920, an interconnection state between analog and digital functionalities, and between the functionalities and the rest of the system, including an integrated circuit, which in one embodiment may be a microcontroller, is selected. The interconnection state is one capable of effectuating the selected function. The interconnection state may be set within a programmable interconnecting mechanism (e.g., programmable interconnect 1002;
A connectability state is then selected; step 2930. The connectability state is one capable of effectuating a functional connection with an external entity, which can be any other system, electronic device, communication medium, or any other functional entity outside of the system. The connectability state may be set within a programmable, e.g., configurable, electrical and/or communicative coupling mechanism (e.g., pin by pin configurable I/O transceivers;
In step 2940, it is determined whether or not a timing function is to be configured. Process 2900 proceeds as determined by the outcome of this decision.
If in step 2940, it is decided that a timing function is to be configured, a time base is selected in step 2945. The time base, in one embodiment, may be any of a myriad of possible timing and/or other periodic signals of various waveforms, generated by a system timing functionality (e.g., system timing block 19;
For example, in certain functional situations, a digital functionality may be configured to perform a UART function, which would require a particular time base input from the system timing functionality. In another example, an analog functionality may be configured to perform a conversion and/or modulation function, which would also require a particular time base input from the system timing functionality.
After selection of a time base (step 2945), or if it was determined in step 2940 that no timing function was to be configured, process 2900 proceeds via step 2950, wherein the selected function, interconnection state, and connectability state (and time base, if selected in step 2945) are implemented. The implementation of the function, interconnection state, and connectability state (and time base, if selected in step 2945) may, in one embodiment, be implemented simultaneously. In another embodiment, the may be implemented sequentially. In yet another embodiment, they mat be implemented by a combination of simultaneous and sequential actions. Process 2900 is complete upon full, successful execution of step 2950.
Process 2900 may be implemented by any effective mechanism for effectuating a user input upon the system, including, but not limited to, generation and transmission of appropriate electrical, electronic, optical, digital, analog, and/or any other communicative signals provided to the system by any effective external agent, such as a computer system or any other signal generating and inputting system. Thus, process 2900 may be implemented by a programmed agent operating automatically and executing a program to effectuate process 2900 and its corresponding purposes.
In summary, the present invention provides an integrated system with a microcontroller and integrated circuits (ICs) on a single chip to effectuate a single-chip system, including analog and digital functionality, and a method of configuring such an integrated system. The present invention also provides a single-chip system which has sufficient flexibility to function in a very wide range of multiple applications, including applications wherein integrated analog functionalities are required. Further, the present invention provides a method of programming and dynamically reconfiguring a single-chip system, and a single-chip system which is so programmable and dynamically reconfigurable. Further still, the present invention provides a single-chip system which achieves the foregoing advantages and yet is relatively inexpensive and simple to configure, apply, use, and reconfigure.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a microcontroller device having a microprocessor, programmable memory components, and programmable analog and digital blocks. The programmable analog and digital blocks are configurable based on programming information stored in the memory components. Programmable interconnect logic, also programmable from the memory components, is used to couple the programmable analog and digital blocks as needed. The advanced microcontroller design also includes programmable input/output blocks for coupling selected signals to external pins. The memory components also include user programs that the embedded microprocessor executes. These programs may include instructions for programming the digital and analog blocks “on-the-fly,” e.g., dynamically. In one implementation, there are a plurality of programmable digital blocks and a plurality of programmable analog blocks.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
An embodiment of the present invention, a programmable microcontroller 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 below claims.
This utility application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/243,708, entitled “Advanced Programmable Microcontroller Device,” with filing date Oct. 26, 2000, by Warren Snyder, et al., and assigned to the assignee of the present application.
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