Modular design and building blocks

When I was a child, I used building blocks. We all know that different effects can be achieved through different combinations. In fact, this principle can also be used in innovative design-by modularized the product system, then, different modules can be combined to create different products. In the past era of discrete products, this design concept was hard to implement, but with the increasing strength of IC functions, this ideal can be achieved.

For example, in the era of 8-bit single-chip microcomputer, it is difficult to implement modularization for a design. However, with the increasingly powerful 32-bit MCU, engineers can use the software to modularize functions after carrying a powerful embedded system, then, different product designs are implemented through the combination of different functions. However, many system manufacturers continue to use 8-bit MCU due to cost factors, but do not consider the new design changes brought about by 32-bit MCU, the benefits brought by these benefits are far greater than spending a few dollars. I have heard that Huawei is already considering a unified hardware platform for modular innovation. This may be a good example, british Telecom also adopts this modular innovation. Local Companies should also consider this idea.

The modular Principle Design Method and Application, compiled by Tong Shi, points out that through analysis and research on a certain type of product system, the same or similar functional units are separated, the principles of standardization are unified, merged, and simplified. They exist independently in the form of common units. This is the module obtained by decomposition, and then different modules are combined to form a variety of products. The whole process of decomposition and combination is modular. New Products (systems) = General modules (unchanged parts) + dedicated modules (changed ).

This essence can be used in our current electronic design. In fact, now the IC can provide such hardware infrastructure, such as FPGA, Which is powerful enough to support online reconfiguration of some circuits, the circuit function can be changed. The FPGA design mainly involves code writing. In fact, it is more suitable for modular design, and different products can be implemented through different IP combinations.

In the future, semiconductor hardware will become increasingly powerful and cheap. innovations will be made mainly through software design. to change the mindset of your own products as soon as possible is to make yourself more competitive. In the end, innovation is still a question of the thinking model.