Programmable Hardware Element with Cartridge Controllers for Controlling Modular Cartridges that Convey Interface Information
First Claim
1. A programmable hardware element (PHE), wherein the PHE comprises:
- a first one or more portions, each configured to implement a cartridge controller operable to provide an interface between controlling software and a respective cartridge, wherein each of the first one or more portions includes a memory;
wherein each cartridge controller is operable to;
detect coupling of the respective cartridge to the PHE;
query the respective cartridge for configuration information of the respective cartridge;
store program instructions in the memory implementing a first respective interface protocol based on the determined configuration information; and
establish communication with the respective cartridge via a respective cartridge controller according to the first respective interface protocol; and
wherein the PHE is operable to control one or more cartridges coupled to the PHE.
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Accused Products
Abstract
System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device. The carrier unit may receive multiple cartridges, each having a respective interface protocol, where the carrier unit is configurable to support the respective protocols sequentially and/or in parallel.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A programmable hardware element (PHE), wherein the PHE comprises:
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a first one or more portions, each configured to implement a cartridge controller operable to provide an interface between controlling software and a respective cartridge, wherein each of the first one or more portions includes a memory;
wherein each cartridge controller is operable to;
detect coupling of the respective cartridge to the PHE;
query the respective cartridge for configuration information of the respective cartridge;
store program instructions in the memory implementing a first respective interface protocol based on the determined configuration information; and
establish communication with the respective cartridge via a respective cartridge controller according to the first respective interface protocol; and
wherein the PHE is operable to control one or more cartridges coupled to the PHE. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system, comprising:
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a measurement module, comprising;
measurement circuitry, wherein the measurement circuitry is operable to perform one or more of signal conditioning or signal conversion; and
interface circuitry, wherein the interface circuitry is operable to provide an interface for the measurement circuitry; and
a device operable to couple to the measurement module;
wherein the interface circuitry of the measurement module is operable to communicate an interface protocol describing the interface to the device;
wherein the device is operable to receive program instructions corresponding to the interface protocol;
wherein the device comprises one or more functional units which are operable to execute the program instructions to interface with the measurement module in accordance with the interface protocol; and
wherein the measurement module and the device are together operable to perform as one or more of a data acquisition device, a measurement device, or a control device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for controlling a cartridge to perform one or more operations, comprising:
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detecting coupling of the cartridge to a respective cartridge controller, wherein the cartridge controller is comprised in a programmable hardware element (PHE);
querying the cartridge for respective configuration information of the cartridge;
determining an interface protocol based on the respective configuration information; and
storing program instructions in a memory of the cartridge controller, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement the interface protocol;
the cartridge controller executing the program instructions to establish communication between the cartridge and a controlling portion of the PHE using the determined interface protocol;
the controlling portion of the PHE performing one or more operations using the cartridge and the cartridge controller. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification