JP2015203885A - Network device, network system, lsi module, and conversion module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a common connector of an LSI module.SOLUTION: A network device includes: an LSI module M1 comprising an LSI 1 configured to allocate a circuit selected from a plurality of circuits to a plurality of connection pins, and a common connector CN to be used in common with each of the circuits; and a conversion module M2 arranged between the LSI module M1 and an external device, connected to the common connector CN, and connected to the external device.

Description

The present invention includes a plurality of peripheral circuits having functions different from each other and a plurality of connection pins that allow external input / output. The present invention relates to an LSI module using an LSI configured to be assignable to the connection pins.
The present invention also relates to a network device using the LSI module, a conversion module used for the network device, and a network system using the network device.

  Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, in an LSI module using an LSI chip, a connection connector corresponding to each communication circuit, for example, a connection connector for Ethernet (registered trademark), a connection connector for I2C, and a connector for SPI Generally, a connection connector, a connection connector for UART, a connection connector for LIN, a connection connector for CAN, a connection connector for USB, and the like are provided.

JP 2006-39988 A

  On the other hand, the inventor of the present application selects the function that the user uses at the time of use without the number of external pins (connection pins) corresponding to all the functions of the built-in peripheral circuit, and sets an internal signal line to be drawn to the external pin. Using a configurable LSI chip (CSoC: Configurable System-on-Chip), a network system that integrates information processing and communication (Life Computing and Communication) for improving the living environment is being considered.

  At this time, if a connection connector for each communication standard is provided for each LSI module as in the prior art, a connection connector corresponding to a communication standard that is not used becomes unnecessary, which is uneconomical. In addition, when the LSI module is enlarged and a plurality of LSI modules are installed, the installation space is increased.

  Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to make the connection connector of the LSI module common regardless of the communication standard of the connected external device.

  That is, the network device according to the present invention is an LSI configured to be able to assign a circuit selected from a plurality of circuits having different functions to a plurality of connection pins that enable input / output with an external device, and A plurality of connection pins are connected to the external device, provided with an LSI module having a common connector common to each of the plurality of circuits, provided between the LSI module and the external device, And a conversion module connected to the common connector and connected to the external device.

  If this is the case, the LSI module includes an LSI module having a common connector common to a plurality of circuits and a conversion module connected to the common connector and connected to an external device. There is no need to provide a dedicated connector for each communication standard, and the LSI module can be made compact. Further, even when a plurality of LSI modules are installed in one place, the installation space can be reduced. Furthermore, when connecting an LSI module and a conversion module, it is only necessary to connect the conversion module to the common connector, and it is not necessary to select a corresponding connection connector as in the prior art, thus facilitating the connection work. Can do.

The LSI acquires device data of an external device connected to the conversion module, selects a circuit that exhibits a control function of the external device, and assigns the selected circuit to the plurality of connection pins. desirable.
In this case, the LSI can determine the external device and control the external device simply by connecting the external device to the LSI module via the conversion module. That is, with this configuration, plug-and-play of external devices becomes possible.
In this case, the external device has device data to be transmitted to the LSI in advance. This device data is stored in a device data storage unit set in the memory of the external device.

Here, communication standards between the LSI module and the external device include UART communication (required signals: TXD, RXD, GND), I2C communication (required signals: SDA, SCK, GND), and only one slave device. SPI communication (required signals: SCK, MISO, MOSI, GND), LIN communication (required signals: LIN bus (1 line), GND), CAN communication (required signal: CAN bus (2 balanced lines)), USB 1.1 communication (Essential signals: D +, D-, + 5V, GND), USB OTG 2.0 Rev. 1.0 communication (essential signals: D +, D-, + 5V, GND) is considered.
That is, in order to support all of the above communication standards, four signal lines are sufficient except for two USB power supplies. In other words, the common connector may be connected to four connection pins.
However, communication cannot be started if there is no external device information (IF standard (communication standard) or IF attribute information). Therefore, it is conceivable to add a signal line for communication initialization for acquiring device data of an external device. That is, the number of terminals of the common connector is five, and the common connector is connected to five connection pins.

  In the present invention, the LSI acquires device data of an external device connected to the conversion module, determines a communication standard of the external device, and selects a circuit that exhibits a communication function according to the communication standard. Preferably, the selected circuit is assigned to the plurality of connection pins.

  For example, as a signal line, a signal line is added to exchange a switching signal for switching between a communication initialization phase for acquiring device data of an external device and a normal communication phase for controlling the external device. In the communication initialization phase, the communication standard is fixed to I2C communication, and the LSI acquires device data from the external device. Based on the device data acquired from the communication initialization phase, the communication standard of the external device is determined, the circuit that exhibits the communication function according to the communication standard is selected, and the function of the selected circuit is set to the plurality of connection pins. To shift to the normal communication phase.

  If the external device connected to the LSI module is the first one, even if the device data acquired from the external device is acquired, the LSI module does not have a program for controlling the external device. Can not do it. Therefore, when the LSI acquires device data of an external device connected to the conversion module and the circuit that performs the control function of the external device is not included in the plurality of circuits, the Internet is used. It is desirable to obtain from outside.

  The LSI module suitably used for the network device described above is configured such that a circuit selected from a plurality of circuits having different functions can be assigned to a plurality of connection pins enabling input / output with an external device. An LSI and the plurality of connection pins are connected to the external device, and a common connector common to the plurality of circuits is provided.

  In addition, the conversion module suitably used for the network device described above is configured such that a circuit selected from a plurality of circuits having different functions can be assigned to a plurality of connection pins that allow input / output with an external device. And a plurality of connection pins connected to the external device, and used in an LSI module having a common connector common to the plurality of circuits, the LSI module and It is provided between the external devices, and is connected to the common connector, and is connected to the external device.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, the connection connector of the LSI module can be shared regardless of the communication standard of the connected external device.

The schematic diagram which shows the network system in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an LSI chip according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing signal transmission / reception between the LSI module of the embodiment and an external device. The schematic diagram which shows transmission / reception of the signal of the LSI module and external apparatus of deformation | transformation embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a network system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 100 according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of node devices 1, and specifically, integrates information processing and communication for improving a living environment. Network system (LCCA).

  Each node device 1 is connected to an external device, and each node device 1 operates based on an operating system (OS) to control each external device.

  The node device 1 of the present embodiment is an LSI chip (hereinafter, Life Computing and Communication Processor (LCCP)) that combines information processing and communication (Life Computing and Communication) for improving the living environment.

  The LSI chip 1 includes one or more CPUs, one or more memories, a plurality of peripheral circuits having different functions, a memory interface for connecting them, and a plurality of inputs and outputs that allow external input / output. And a connection pin (CSoC) configured so that a user can select a function of a plurality of peripheral circuits and assign it to a plurality of connection pins after manufacture. In other words, the LSI chip 1 has more functions built into the chip than the number of connection pins provided on the chip, and only the necessary functions are assigned to the connection pins to transmit / receive data to / from the outside. It is configured so that it can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a specific configuration of the LSI chip 1 includes one or more CPUs 2, one or more memories 3a, 3b, 3c (two SRAMs and one FLASH ROM), and a plurality of Ethernet transmission / receptions. This is a system LSI including units 4a to 4d and a memory interface 5 for connecting them. Note that the Ethernet transmission speed may be 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, or the like.

  In addition, the LSI chip 1 of this embodiment includes an FPU accelerator 6, a cryptographic processing device (CryptoEngine) 7, a CAN / LIN communication interface 8, a USB OTG controller 9, a general-purpose input / output pin (GPIO) 10, an asynchronous serial communication (UART). ) Interface 11, I2C communication interface 12, AD converter 13, DA converter 14, EEPROM 15, timer circuit 16, and other peripheral circuits, memory, and connection pins.

  In this embodiment, an FPU accelerator 6, a general-purpose input / output pin (GPIO) 10, an asynchronous serial communication (UART) interface 11, an I2C communication interface 12, an AD converter 13, a DA converter 14, an EEPROM 15, a timer circuit 16, and a plurality of The Ethernet transmission / reception units 4a to 4d are connected by a local bus.

  The CPU 2, the plurality of memories 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, the plurality of Ethernet transmission / reception units 4 a to 4 d, the cryptographic processing device (CryptoEngine) 7, the CAN / LIN communication interface 8, the USB OTG controller 9, etc. are connected to the memory interface 5. Has been. Further, an FPU accelerator 6 is connected to the CPU 2. Note that the FPU may be integrated with the CPU.

  Each Ethernet transmission / reception part 4a-4d has a physical layer (PHY) and a logical layer (MAC). The plurality of Ethernet transmission / reception units 4a to 4d are drawn by being stacked, but this is a display convenience, and does not mean that the Ethernet transmission / reception units 4a to 4d are stacked on the semiconductor substrate.

  In this embodiment, a switch mechanism SW for bypassing data transfer between the transmission / reception units is provided between the plurality of Ethernet transmission / reception units 4 a to 4 d and the memory interface 5.

  This switch mechanism SW is composed of a single semiconductor switch element, and connects the output from each Ethernet transceiver unit of the plurality of Ethernet transceiver units 4a to 4d to the input of the memory interface 5 or another Ethernet transceiver unit. Is. The switch mechanism SW normally functions to connect the output from the memory interface to the input of the Ethernet transceiver and the output from the Ethernet transceiver to the input of the memory interface. As a result, the Ethernet transmission / reception unit is not prevented from inputting / outputting data packets to / from the memory by the direct memory access function.

  This switch mechanism SW is controlled by the data content of the received packet. Specifically, the content of a packet received by an arbitrary Ethernet transceiver among the plurality of Ethernet transceivers 4a to 4d needs to be transferred by transmission from another Ethernet transceiver, and other transceivers are used for the transfer. Only when there is no data packet to be transferred, the switch mechanism SW is controlled to transfer the packet to the Ethernet transmission / reception unit to be relayed without transferring the packet to the memory. The determination of the Ethernet transmission / reception unit used for transfer is obtained by subtracting the table built in the Ethernet transmission / reception unit that received the packet by the destination Ethernet address. When the switch mechanism exists, the Ethernet transmission / reception unit includes hardware including a table for that purpose. The contents of the table are set in advance by the CPU.

  If the Ethernet transmission / reception unit to be used for transfer via the switch mechanism SW is unfortunately being sending a packet, etc., and cannot be used immediately, it is transferred to the area on the memory by the direct memory access function and sent to the CPU. A reception completion interrupt is generated. In this transfer, in order to shorten the transfer time, separate transfer areas are prepared for packets that need to be transferred and other packets. Further, in order to process a packet for each priority, a transfer area is prepared for each packet priority. The CPU transfers the packets with the highest priority among the packets stored in the transfer area to the transmission memory area of the Ethernet transmission / reception unit to be relayed by the program activated by the reception interrupt. For the sake of convenience, the term “transfer” is used, but depending on the implementation, there are many cases where it is sufficient to reset the pointer.

  When the data is transferred via the switch mechanism SW, the Ethernet transmission / reception unit to be relayed is determined by a table set in advance by the CPU, and when not via the switch mechanism SW, the Ethernet transmission / reception unit to be relayed by the program is determined by the CPU. doing. Therefore, even if an Ethernet transmission / reception unit that cannot be used due to a failure or the like occurs, it can be dealt with by rewriting the table or changing the program behavior. That is, a system made by combining LSIs having this configuration can dynamically change the relay path of Ethernet packets during operation.

  Since the data transmission bandwidth of the memory interface 5 is sufficiently wide, the plurality of Ethernet transmission / reception units 4a to 4d can simultaneously perform a maximum of four transmissions and four receptions. Of course, only one read / write operation to the memory can be performed at a time, but a slight waiting for that is performed by the FIFO memory circuit inserted everywhere.

  A network system 100 using the LSI chip 1 configured as described above is configured by connecting a plurality of LSI chips 1 to each other as shown in FIG. Note that the connection topology may be a connection form that can secure an optional detour communication path even if a path that cannot be used due to a failure of one transmitting / receiving unit or a failure of one LSI chip 1 occurs.

  Specifically, the Ethernet transceivers 4a to 4d of the plurality of LSI chips 1 are connected to each other. The LSI chip 1 of this embodiment has four Ethernet transmission / reception units (ports) 4a to 4d, and a plurality of LSI chips 1 are connected in a grid pattern. By connecting in this way, each node (LSI chip 1) is an LSI chip having various input / output interfaces. Therefore, various peripheral devices, sensors, and control devices are connected to each node other than the Ethernet transmission / reception unit (port). A system connected to the connection port can be constructed. Each node (LSI chip 1) has a function of controlling peripheral devices, sensors, and control devices connected to the node. Thereby, only the LSI chip 1 can have the control function of the external peripheral device connected to each node, and it is not necessary to provide the control unit in the external peripheral device.

  FIG. 1 shows a case where LCCA is applied to a home network. One LSI chip 1 is provided corresponding to a device provided in a bedroom, for example, and an air conditioner and a remote controller are connected to the air conditioner and Control the remote control. One LSI chip 1 is provided corresponding to, for example, a device provided in the kitchen, and is connected to a refrigerator and a microwave oven to control the refrigerator and the microwave oven. One LSI chip 1 is provided corresponding to, for example, a device provided in the study, and is connected to a personal computer device such as a display and a keyboard and a wireless run master, and controls the personal computer device and the wireless run master. To do. One LSI chip 1 is provided, for example, corresponding to a device provided in a living room, and is connected to a television and a DVD recorder, and controls the television and the DVD recorder.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the LSI chip 1 according to the present embodiment connects a plurality of connection pins (for example, general-purpose input / output pins (GPIO) 10) to an external device, and is common to a plurality of circuits. The LSI module M1 is configured together with the common connector CN. That is, the LSI module M1 has a common connector CN that is common to a plurality of communication standards.

  An external device is connected to the LSI module M1 via a conversion module M2 such as a conversion cable. The conversion module M2 is provided between the LSI module M1 and the external device, and is connected to the common connector CN and to the external device. The conversion module M2 is provided for each external device connected to the LSI module M1. The LSI module M1 and the conversion module M1 constitute a network device.

  Here, a plurality of communication standards between the LSI module M1 and an external device are UART communication (essential signals: TXD, RXD, GND), I2C communication (essential signals: SDA, SCK, GND), and one slave device. Only SPI communication (required signal: SCK, MISO, MOSI, SS, GND), LIN communication (required signal: LIN bus (1), GND), CAN communication (required signal: CAN bus (2 balanced)), USB 1.1 communication (essential signals: D +, D-, + 5V, GND), USB OTG 2.0 Rev. 1.0 communication (essential signals: D +, D-, + 5V, GND).

  That is, in order to support all of the above communication standards, four signal lines are sufficient except for two USB power supplies. In other words, the common connector CN only needs to be connected to four connection pins (general-purpose input / output pins (GPIO) 10).

  Here, communication cannot be started if there is no external device identification information (including information other than communication in addition to IF standard (communication standard) and IF attribute information). Therefore, in the network formed between the external device and the LSI chip 1, a signal line for communication initialization for acquiring device data of the external device is added. This signal line is for exchanging a switching signal for switching between a communication initialization phase for acquiring device data of the external device and a normal communication phase for controlling the external device. That is, in this embodiment, the common connector CN is connected to five connection pins (general-purpose input / output pins (GPIO) 10) in addition to connection pins for inputting and outputting signal lines for communication initialization. Has been.

  Then, the LSI chip 1 of the present embodiment acquires device data of the external device connected to the conversion module M2, determines the communication standard of the external device, and selects a circuit that exhibits a communication function based on the communication standard. Then, the selected circuit is assigned to the plurality of connection pins.

  Hereinafter, operations from connecting an external device to the LSI module M1 via the conversion module M2 until normal control will be described.

  First, when an external device is connected to the LSI module M1 via the conversion module M2, the LSI chip 1 performs communication initialization to acquire device data of the external device (communication initialization phase). That is, the LSI chip 1 transmits a switching signal to the external device in the communication initialization phase, fixes the communication standard with the external device to I2C communication, and stores the device data stored in the memory of the external device. get.

  Then, the LSI chip 1 determines the communication standard of the external device based on the acquired device data, selects a circuit that exhibits a communication function corresponding to the communication standard of the external device, and selects the selected circuit. Are assigned to a plurality of connection pins connected to the common connector CN. Thereafter, the communication initialization phase is shifted to the normal communication phase, and the external device is normally controlled.

  Here, specific operation contents will be briefly described separately for the case where the communication standard of the external device is USB communication and the case of UART communication.

  When an external device that performs USB communication is connected to the LSI module M1, the LSI chip 1 acquires device data of the external device and determines that the device is a device that performs USB communication. Then, the LSI chip 1 selects a circuit that exhibits a USB communication function, assigns the selected circuit to a plurality of connection pins connected to the common connector CN, and performs normal USB communication. Thereafter, the LSI chip 1 acquires the identification information of the external device through USB communication.

  On the other hand, when an external device that performs UART communication is connected to the LSI module M1, the LSI chip 1 acquires device data of the external device and determines that the device is a device that performs UART communication. At this time, the LSI chip 1 acquires information related to communication such as whether the operating voltage of the URAT communication is 3.3 V or 5 V, or the communication speed, in addition to the information that the communication standard is URAT communication. Since there is no common standard for identification information in URAT communication as in USB communication, identification information for external devices is acquired following communication attribute information. Thereafter, the LSI chip 1 selects a circuit that exhibits the UART communication function, assigns the selected circuit to a plurality of connection pins connected to the common connector CN, and performs normal URAT communication.

  If the external device connected to the LSI module M1 is the first one, a program for controlling the external device is installed in the LSI module M1 even if device data acquired from the external device is acquired. There is no control. For this reason, when the LSI chip 1 acquires device data of an external device connected to the conversion module and the circuit that performs the control function of the external device is not included in the plurality of circuits, the LSI chip 1 is connected via the Internet. And get it from outside. Specifically, an application program that can be mounted on the LSI chip 1 is downloaded from an external device manufacturer site or an application program archive site and installed.

<Effect of this embodiment>
According to the network system 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the LSI module M1 having the common connector CN common to each of a plurality of circuits is connected to the common connector CN and an external device is connected. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated connector for each communication standard on the LSI module M1, and the LSI module M1 can be made compact. Even when a plurality of LSI modules M1 are installed in one place, the installation space can be reduced. Further, when the LSI module M1 and the conversion module M2 are connected, it is only necessary to connect the conversion module M2 to the common connector CN, so that the work of selecting the corresponding connection connector as in the past can be eliminated, and the connection work can be performed. Can be easily.

  The LSI chip 1 automatically acquires the device data of the external device connected to the conversion module M2, determines the communication standard of the external device, selects a circuit that exhibits a communication function according to the communication standard, and Since the selected circuit is assigned to a plurality of connection pins, the LSI chip 1 can identify the external device and control the external device only by connecting the external device to the LSI module M1 via the conversion module M2. . That is, with this configuration, plug-and-play of external devices becomes possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where data indicating the communication standard is mainly acquired as the device data of the external device has been described. However, other device data not related to communication other than the communication standard is configured to be acquired. Also good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the connection connector (Ethernet transmission / reception unit) for Ethernet communication and the common connector common to a plurality of other communication are separately configured is described. A common connector common to communication may be used.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, the LSI chip 1 is configured to automatically acquire the device data of the external device by connecting the external device to the LSI module M1 via the conversion module M2. If the device data of the external device is input to the LSI chip 1 by the means described above, the signal line for exchanging the switching signal may not be provided as shown in FIG.

  In addition, when downloading a program for controlling an external device via the Internet as in the above-described embodiment, it is necessary to rewrite the program due to a lack of internal memory capacity. Further, it is necessary to update the program stored in the internal memory of the LSI chip. In order to cope with these, it is desirable that the LSI chip has a flash memory rewriting function in the internal memory. Specifically, in a flash memory of an LSI chip, a relay program that exhibits a data relay function (data communication function) and a rewrite program that exhibits a data rewrite / update function are stored in an internal memory such as a flash memory in an unrewritable manner. The other programs are configured such that a program that has not been executed is rewritten by the relay program and the rewrite program. Note that an authentication step may be provided depending on a program (for example, OS) to be rewritten / updated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of Ethernet transmission / reception units 4a to 4d are illustrated in a multilayer structure, but this is a convenience in drawing notation, and physically, at least one Ethernet transmission / reception unit is the other Ethernet. Even if arrange | positioned planarly with respect to the transmission / reception part, you may arrange | position distantly planarly.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it had four Ethernet transmission / reception parts, you may have five or more Ethernet transmission / reception parts. For example, when a plurality of LCCPs are connected in a grid pattern, a fifth Ethernet transmission / reception unit is required to connect the LCCP and an external device via Ethernet. Further, for example, when a plurality of LCCPs are connected in a lattice pattern, if two ports are prepared using the LCCP as an information outlet, a total of six Ethernet transmission / reception units are required. Furthermore, it may be possible to construct a huge network by providing more Ethernet transmission / reception units.

  In the above-described embodiment, the LSI chip 1 has the switch mechanism SW, but the CPU 2 does not have the switch mechanism SW, and the CPU 2 is configured to substitute the function as the switch mechanism by a program. May be. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a switch mechanism as a physical configuration, the design of the LSI chip 1 can be simplified.

  As a network system using a plurality of LSI chips, in addition to a home network, it can be applied to a wide area network such as an infrastructure such as a public facility, a local government or a city, and a network system for factory automation (factory automation) It can also be applied to network systems such as automobiles and robots.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Network system M1 ... LSI module M2 ... Conversion module 1 ... LSI chip (LCCP)
CN: Common connector

Claims (7)

An LSI configured to be able to assign a circuit selected from a plurality of circuits having different functions to a plurality of connection pins enabling input / output with an external device, and the plurality of connection pins to the external device An LSI module having a common connector to be connected and common to each of the plurality of circuits;
A network device comprising a conversion module provided between the LSI module and the external device, connected to the common connector, and connected to the external device.   The LSI acquires device data of an external device connected to the conversion module, selects a circuit that exhibits a control function of the external device, and assigns the selected circuit to the plurality of connection pins. The network device according to claim 1, wherein:   The LSI acquires device data of an external device connected to the conversion module, determines a communication standard of the external device, selects a circuit that exhibits a communication function according to the communication standard, and selects the selected 3. The network device according to claim 1, wherein a circuit is assigned to the plurality of connection pins.   When the LSI acquires device data of an external device connected to the conversion module and the circuit that performs the control function of the external device is not included in the plurality of circuits, via the Internet, The network device according to claim 1, wherein the network device is acquired from outside. A network device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A network system comprising an external device connected to the conversion module of the network device and controlled by the selected circuit.   An LSI configured to be able to assign a circuit selected from a plurality of circuits having different functions to a plurality of connection pins enabling input / output with an external device, and the plurality of connection pins to the external device An LSI module comprising a common connector to be connected and common to each of the plurality of circuits. An LSI configured to be able to assign a circuit selected from a plurality of circuits having different functions to a plurality of connection pins enabling input / output with an external device, and the plurality of connection pins to the external device Is used for an LSI module having a common connector common to each of the plurality of circuits,
A conversion module provided between the LSI module and the external device, connected to the common connector, and connected to the external device.