System and method for relaying messages of physical-level / data-link-level communication protocols

Abstract

A system for relaying communications of a PHY / data link level communication protocol may include a first device having first and second transceivers, the first transceiver having a first protocol controller configured to detect a first bus condition, and the second transceiver having a second protocol controller configured to detect a second bus condition, and a switch matrix coupled to the first and second transceivers and configured to operate in a relay mode to enable the first protocol controller to control a physical layer of the second transceiver and to enable the second protocol controller to control a physical layer of the first transceiver, the physical layer of the first transmitter of the first transceiver can receive the output of the second receiver of the second transceiver and enable the physical layer of the second transmitter of the second transceiver to receive the output of the first receiver of the first transceiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to circuits for electronic devices, including but not limited to personal portable devices such as wireless telephones and media players, and more particularly to systems and methods for correlating messages to physical level / data link level communication protocols. Background Art

[0002] Many mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones) include one or more cameras for capturing images. To provide image stabilization and focus, the position of the camera in a plane substantially parallel to the image object and the position of the camera lens in a direction perpendicular to the plane can be controlled by a plurality of motors under the control of a camera controller. The control system can be implemented using an application processor of a mobile device coupled to a camera controller local to the camera and its various motors via a communication interface (e.g., an inter-integrated circuit or I2C interface). For example, the application processor can communicate a vector of data regarding a target position of the application processor to the camera controller, and the camera controller can transmit to the application processor a vector regarding the actual position of the camera sensed by a plurality of magnetic sensors (e.g., Hall sensors) and / or other appropriate sensors.

[0003] As mobile devices become more complex, camera controls on these mobile devices are also becoming more complex. As a result, camera controllers are increasingly implemented using multi-core processors, which may include multiple processing cores and multiple peripheral blocks on a single integrated circuit. Multi-core implementations may improve system performance (e.g., more operations per clock cycle) and / or may execute processing cores at a lower clock frequency. In addition to use in camera controllers, multi-core processors may also be used for other computationally intensive applications. Furthermore, camera controllers may also be implemented using multiple processing cores distributed across multiple integrated circuits.

[0004] Figure 1 1 shows a block diagram of selected components of an example communication system 1 known in the art. Such a communication system 1 may be used in some applications of camera control. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1 may include a system controller 2, a device controller 4, a device controller 6, and a plurality of target devices 8. Figure 1As shown, device controller 4 and device controller 6 may also be target devices. Also as depicted, each of system controller 2, device controller 4 and device controller 6, and target device 8 may have one or more PHYs 10. As is known in the art, a PHY is an electronic circuit, typically implemented as an integrated circuit, configured to implement the physical layer functions of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model in a network interface controller or other device. The PHY may couple a link layer device (commonly referred to as a MAC, short for media access control) to a physical medium, such as an optical fiber or copper cable.

[0005] exist Figure 1 In the example of , system controller 2 may not be able to directly access target device 8, and it may require a device controller (e.g., system target + device controller 4) to bridge the original data packet to the desired target device 8 (e.g., to the target devices 8 labeled "Device Target #1" and "Device Target #2"). Some applications may have multiple layers of device controllers (e.g., system target + device controller 4 and device target #5 + device controller) before the system controller reaches the target device 8 (e.g., to the target devices 8 labeled "Device Target #3" and "Device Target #4").

[0006] In order for most protocols to relay a message, the data is first received by the receiver and stored in memory, the data is unpacked, the next destination is identified, and the data is repacked and forwarded to the next destination until the final destination is reached. This data processing is relatively power-intensive and introduces additional latency. For systems that do not have a processor, special memory mapping may be required, and depending on the architecture, the memory mapping may become more complex as the number of relay nodes increases.

[0007] Such as Figure 1 An example use of the communication system shown may be for a camera image stabilization application. Due to physical limitations, it may not be possible to mount all sensors of a camera control system in a centralized location. In some specific scenarios, a device such as a sensor may only need to interact with a device controller in normal operation, where it may be physically distributed in multiple locations that are not close to each other. However, for some purposes, a system controller with direct access to the sensors may be desirable. If there are multiple layers of device controllers, the data will need to be processed through all of the device controllers.

[0008] Many communication relay designs include more than two transceivers, engines or processors, and memory for processing data packets. Figure 2 shows the Figure 1FIG. 3 shows selected components of a device controller 4 or a device controller 6. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , data sent from a system controller 2 to a target device 8 labeled “Device Target #3” may require processing using a processor 12 and memory 14 of a transceiver 16A of the system target + device controller 4 and a processor 12 or memory 14 of a transceiver 16B of the device target + device controller 6. Data from a data bus 18A may be received by a transceiver 16A operating as a receiver (RX). Such data may be stored by a controller 22 of the transceiver 16A into a memory 24 of the transceiver 16A. The transceiver 16A may then operate as a transmitter (TX) to send the data to the transceiver 16B. The transceiver 16B may operate as a receiver (RX) to receive data, and the processor 22 of the transceiver 16B may store the data in the memory 24 of the transceiver 16B. The transceiver 16B may operate as a transmitter (TX) by having the processor 22 of the transceiver 16B retrieve, extract, and unpack the data from the memory 24 of the transceiver 16B, and then separately pack the data and send it to the data bus 18B. This process of transmitting data introduces a significant amount of processing and transmission delays. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to the teachings of the present disclosure, certain disadvantages and problems associated with existing methods of managing access to system peripherals in multi-core systems may be reduced or eliminated.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for relaying communications of a PHY / data link level communication protocol may include a first device having a first transceiver and a second transceiver, wherein the first transceiver has a first protocol controller configured to detect a first bus condition, and the second transceiver has a second protocol controller configured to detect a second bus condition, and a switch matrix coupled to the first transceiver and the second transceiver and configured to operate in multiple modes, the multiple modes including at least a relay mode, in which the switch matrix enables the first protocol controller to control a physical layer of the second transceiver, and enables the physical layer of the second protocol controller to control a physical layer of the first transceiver, enables the physical layer of a first transmitter of the first transceiver to receive an output of a second receiver of the second transceiver, and enables the physical layer of the second transmitter of the second transceiver to receive an output of the first receiver of the first transceiver.

[0011] According to these and embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for relaying communications of a PHY / data link level communication protocol may include: operating a switch matrix of a first transceiver and a second transceiver coupled to a first device in multiple modes, the multiple modes including at least a relay mode, in which the switch matrix enables a first protocol controller configured to detect a first bus condition to control a physical layer of the second transceiver, and enables a second protocol controller configured to detect the first bus condition to control a physical layer of the first transceiver, enables the physical layer of a first transmitter of the first transceiver to receive an output of a second receiver of the second transceiver, and enables the physical layer of the second transmitter of the second transceiver to receive an output of the first receiver of the first transceiver.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the present disclosure, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] This example, the present embodiment and certain advantages thereof may be more fully understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A block diagram showing selected components of an example communication system known in the art;

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a known Figure 1 a block diagram of selected components of an example communication system;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a diagram known in the art. Figure 1 a block diagram of selected components of a device controller within a communication system;

[0017] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating selected components of an example mobile device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 A block diagram showing selected components of an example communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 6 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 5 A block diagram of selected components of a device controller within a communication system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To minimize the use of memory and processor power, embodiments of the present disclosure may enable entry into a relay mode to redirect physical layer signals directly to a destination transceiver. For half-duplex protocols, the protocol controller may still need to detect the data bus direction. Rather than extracting the entire data packet, only a subset of the bus data direction may need to be extracted. Such information may be used to control the destination transceiver.

[0021] When relay operation is no longer required, embodiments of the present disclosure may result in exiting relay mode and entering non-relay mode, and all or part of the communication path may be restored to normal transceiver mode (e.g., non-relay mode) and perform its intended operation.

[0022] With the data transmission scheme according to the present disclosure, multiple device controllers can be daisy-chained and communicate with the desired target device without large latency loss. For custom protocols, the data transmission scheme can simply reuse the existing command structure, because all communications will be carried out like conventional single-depth data transmission. At the same time, the data transmission scheme can avoid consuming additional memory and processing power of the processor.

[0023] The systems and methods disclosed herein are not limited in any way to a particular application and may be used in a variety of ways and in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the system controller of the communication system may be a camera system controller, and the device controller may be a lens stability controller for stabilizing a camera lens or a lens focus controller for controlling the focus of a camera lens, and the device target may be a sensor for detecting the position of a camera lens.

[0024] Figure 4 1 shows a block diagram of selected components of an example mobile device 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, mobile device 102 may include housing 101 , application processor 103 , microphone 106 , radio transmitter / receiver 108 , speaker 110 , and camera module 109 including camera 107 and camera controller 112 .

[0025] The housing 101 may include any suitable shell, housing, or other housing for housing the various components of the mobile device 102. The housing 101 may be constructed of plastic, metal, and / or any other suitable material. In addition, the housing 101 may be adapted (e.g., sized and shaped) to make the mobile device 102 easily transportable on the user of the mobile device 102. Thus, the mobile device 102 may include, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a handheld computing device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a video game controller, or any other device that is easily transportable on the user of the mobile device 102.

[0026] The application processor 103 may be housed within the housing 101 and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data, and may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuit configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. In some embodiments, the application processor 103 may interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data stored in a memory (not explicitly shown) and / or other computer-readable media accessible to the application processor 103.

[0027] Microphone 106 may be at least partially housed within housing 101, may be communicatively coupled to application processor 103, and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to convert sound incident at microphone 106 into an electrical signal that may be processed by application processor 103, wherein such sound is converted into an electrical signal using a diaphragm or membrane having a capacitance that varies based on acoustic vibrations received at the diaphragm or membrane. Microphone 106 may include an electrostatic microphone, a condenser microphone, an electret microphone, a micro-electromechanical system (MEM) microphone, or any other suitable condenser microphone.

[0028] The radio transmitter / receiver 108 may be housed within the housing 101, may be communicatively coupled to the application processor 103, and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to generate and transmit radio frequency signals with the aid of an antenna and to receive radio frequency signals and to convert information carried by these received signals into a form usable by the application processor 103. The radio transmitter / receiver 108 may be configured to transmit and / or receive various types of radio frequency signals, including but not limited to cellular communications (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.), short-range wireless communications (e.g., Bluetooth), commercial radio signals, television signals, satellite radio signals (e.g., GPS), wireless fidelity, etc.

[0029] The speaker 110 may be at least partially contained within the housing 101, or may be external to the housing 101, may be communicatively coupled to the application processor 103, and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to produce sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. In some embodiments, the speaker 110 may include a dynamic speaker that employs a lightweight diaphragm that is mechanically coupled to a rigid frame via a flexible suspension that limits the axial movement of the voice coil through a magnetic gap. When an electrical signal is applied to the voice coil, a magnetic field is generated by the current in the voice coil, causing it to become a variable electromagnet. The magnetic systems of the voice coil and the driver interact to generate a mechanical force that causes the voice coil (and therefore the attached cone) to move forward and backward, thereby reproducing sound under the control of the applied electrical signal from the amplifier.

[0030] Camera 107 may be housed at least partially within housing 101 (and partially outside housing 101 to allow light to enter a lens of camera 107), and may include any suitable system, device, or apparatus for recording an image (moving or still) into one or more electrical signals that may be processed by application processor 103. Figure 4 As shown, the camera 107 may include a plurality of motors 114 , a sensor 116 , and an image capture component 118 .

[0031] The image capture component 118 may include a collection of components configured to capture an image, including but not limited to one or more lenses and image sensors for sensing the intensity and wavelength of received light. Such an image capture component 118 may be coupled to the application processor 103 so that the camera 107 can transmit the captured image to the application processor 103.

[0032] The motor 114 may be mechanically coupled to one or more image capture components 118, and each motor 114 may include any suitable system, device, or apparatus configured to mechanically move such one or more image capture components 118 to a desired camera position based on a control signal received from the camera controller 112 indicating the desired camera position.

[0033] The sensors 116 may be mechanically coupled to one or more of the image capture component 118 and / or the motor 114, and may be configured to sense positions associated with the camera 107. For example, the first sensor 116 may sense a first position (e.g., an x-position) of the camera 107 relative to a first linear direction, the second sensor 116 may sense a second position (e.g., a y-position) of the camera 107 relative to a second linear direction perpendicular to the first linear direction, and the third sensor 116 may sense a third position (e.g., a z-position) of the camera 107 relative to a third linear direction perpendicular to the first linear direction and the second linear direction (e.g., a position of the lens).

[0034] The camera controller 112 may be housed within the housing 101, may be communicatively coupled to the camera 107 and the application processor 103 (e.g., via an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface), and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to control the motor 114 or other components of the camera 107 to place components of the camera 107 in a desired position. The camera controller 112 may also be configured to receive signals from the sensor 116 regarding the actual position of the camera 107 and / or regarding the status of the camera 107. Figure 4 As shown, the camera controller 112 may include a control subsystem 111 and a motor driver 113 .

[0035] The control subsystem 111 may be integrated into the camera controller 112 and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data, and may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuit configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. In some embodiments, the control subsystem 111 may interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data stored in a memory and / or other computer-readable medium accessible to the control subsystem 111. Specifically, the control subsystem 111 may be configured to perform the functions of the camera controller 112, including, but not limited to, controlling the motor 114 and receiving and processing data from the sensor 116. In some embodiments, the control subsystem 111 may include a multi-core processor.

[0036] The motor driver 113 may include multiple circuits, each such circuit being configured to receive one or more control signals (including but not limited to signals indicating a desired target current for the motor 114) from the control subsystem 111, and to drive a drive signal (e.g., a current mode signal) to a corresponding motor 114 based on the one or more control signals to control the operation of such corresponding motor 114.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 1 shows a block diagram of selected components of an example communication system 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication system 500 may be used to implement all or part of the control subsystem 111 of the camera controller 112 and / or the sensor 116. Figure 5 As shown, the communication system 500 may have a system controller 502, a device controller 504, a device controller 506, and a plurality of target devices 508. Figure 5As shown, device controller 504 and device controller 506 may also be target devices. Also as depicted, each of system controller 502, device controller 504 and device controller 506, and target device 508 may have one or more PHYs 510. As is known in the art, a PHY is an electronic circuit, typically implemented as an integrated circuit, configured to implement the physical layer functions of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model in a network interface controller or other device. The PHY may couple a link layer device (often referred to as a MAC, short for media access control) to a physical medium, such as an optical fiber or copper cable. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, each device controller 504 and device controller 506 may have a processor 512 (depicted as a microcontroller unit or “MCU”), a memory 514 , and a switch matrix 550 .

[0038] Figure 6 A block diagram showing selected components of the device controller 4 or the device controller 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] In operation, device controller 504 and device controller 506 can operate in multiple modes, including at least non-relay mode and relay mode. In non-relay mode, each transceiver 616 in device controller 4 and device controller 6 can operate independently and can receive and transmit data required by a specific application.

[0040] However, during the relay mode, the system controller 502 may instruct the first device controller 504 to enable the relay mode, and the first device controller 504 in turn may instruct the second device controller 506 to enable the relay mode. When the relay mode is enabled in a device controller 504 or a device controller 506, such device controller 504 or a device controller 506 may configure its switch matrix 550 to couple the physical layers of the transceivers 618 of the device controller 504 and the device controller 506 to each other. Thus, after the relay configuration is complete, the system controller 502 may begin transmitting data to its final destination target device 508, just as if such a target device 508 were a single-layer target.

[0041] In device controller 504 or device controller 506 during the repeater mode, output data from receiver RX of transceiver 616A may be coupled to transmitter TX of transceiver 616B in the physical layer. Likewise, output data from receiver RX of transceiver 616B may be coupled to transmitter TX of transceiver 616A in the physical layer.

[0042] Protocol controller 630 (in Figure 6The protocol controller 630 of the transceiver 616A (labeled as "MAC / Data Link Layer / Protocol Controller") can observe the corresponding bus conditions. For example, the protocol controller 630 of the transceiver 616A can observe the data bus 618A and observe the conditions of the data bus 618A. The protocol controller 630 of the transceiver 616A can provide a control signal to the transceiver 618B to cause the data bus 618B to mimic the data bus 618A. For example, when no device drives the data bus 618A during the repeater mode, the protocol controller 630 of the transceiver 616A can instruct the transmitter TX of the transceiver 616B not to drive the data bus 618B. Similarly, the protocol controller 630 of the transceiver 616B can provide a control signal to the transceiver 616A to cause the data bus 618A to mimic the data bus 618B. For example, when no device is driving the data bus 618B during the repeater mode, the protocol controller 630 of the transceiver 616B may instruct the transmitter TX of the transceiver 616A not to drive the data bus 618A.

[0043] During the relay mode, all transceivers 616 participating in the relay operation can work together to cause the data bus 618A and the data bus 618B to match the same conditions. In addition, during the relay mode, all transceivers 616 participating in the relay operation can be configured to receive data and identify any commands or data required to maintain the relay operation. However, the transceivers 616 participating in the relay operation may not need to respond to all communication data packets.

[0044] When the repeater mode is no longer desired, the system controller 502 may send a command to instruct all device controllers 504 and device controllers 506 to restore their respective switch matrices 550 from the repeater mode to a normal operating mode (eg, non-repeater mode).

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide systems and methods for relaying messages of a PHY / data link level communication protocol. The system may include a first device having a first transceiver and a second transceiver and a switch matrix coupled to the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The first transceiver may have a first protocol controller, and the second transceiver may have a second protocol controller. The first protocol controller may detect a first bus condition, and the second protocol controller may detect a second bus condition.

[0046] In the relay mode, the switch matrix can be switched so that the first protocol controller controls the physical layer of the second transceiver, and the second protocol controller controls the physical layer of the first transceiver. Also in the relay mode, the switch matrix can be switched so that the physical layer of the transmitter of the first transceiver can receive the output of the receiver of the second transceiver; and the switch matrix can be switched so that the physical layer of the transmitter of the second transceiver can receive the output of the receiver of the first transceiver.

[0047] In non-relay mode or normal operating mode, the switch matrix can switch so that the first protocol controller can control the physical layer of the first transceiver, and the second protocol controller can control the physical layer of the second transceiver. Also in non-relay mode, the switch matrix can switch so that the physical layer of the transmitter of the first transceiver can receive the output of the first protocol controller, and the switch matrix can switch so that the physical layer of the transmitter of the second transceiver will receive the output of the second protocol controller.

[0048] The one or more second devices may be coupled to the first device in a daisy-chain manner such that messages and / or data may be relayed from the first device to the one or more second devices.

[0049] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide network relay in a network having at least one or more device controllers and at least two or more transceivers of the same type. Each transceiver may be capable of retransmitting received information.

[0050] Each transceiver may have a protocol controller and a switch matrix, the protocol controller may detect bus conditions and may control physical layer control signals, and the switch matrix may allow electrical signals to and from the physical layer to be redirected to the physical layer of the same and another transceiver, and may allow electrical control signals sent to the physical layer of any transceiver to be connected to the switch matrix. In non-repeater mode, each transceiver may operate as a normal transceiver and may operate independently.

[0051] In repeater mode, the switch matrix can configure the receiving and repeating transceivers to allow control and data signals to store the correct configuration. In repeater mode, system memory may no longer be required to store incoming packets to the processor, and when repeating incoming packets, a control system external to the transceiver is no longer required to process incoming packets.

[0052] As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as being “coupled” to each other, the term indicates that the two or more elements are in electronic or mechanical communication, as applicable, whether indirectly or directly, with or without intervening elements.

[0053] The present disclosure covers all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications to the example embodiments herein that will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims cover all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations and modifications to the example embodiments herein that will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, in the appended claims, references to a device or system or a component of a device or system adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operable to perform a specific function include the device, system or component, regardless of whether it or the specific function is activated, turned on or unlocked, as long as the device, system or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable or operable. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the systems, devices and methods described herein may be modified, added or omitted. For example, the components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated. In addition, the operations of the systems and devices disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer or other components, and the described methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. In addition, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0054] Although exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should not be limited in any way to the exemplary implementations and techniques shown in the drawings and described above.

[0055] Unless specifically noted otherwise, items depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0056] All examples and conditional language listed herein are intended for teaching purposes to help readers understand the present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventors to further advance the art, and are interpreted as not being limited to these specific examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] Although specific advantages have been listed above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the listed advantages. In addition, other technical advantages may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the above drawings and descriptions.

[0058] To assist the Patent Office and any reader of any patent issuing based upon this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that unless the phrase “means for” or “step for” is expressly used in a particular claim, they do not intend for any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

1. A system for relaying communications of a PHY / data link level communications protocol, the system comprising: a first device having a first transceiver and a second transceiver, wherein the first transceiver has a first protocol controller configured to detect a first bus condition and the second transceiver has a second protocol controller configured to detect a second bus condition; and a switch matrix coupled to the first transceiver and the second transceiver and configured to operate in a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including at least a repeater mode, in which the switch matrix: enabling the first protocol controller to control the physical layer of the second transceiver, and enabling the second protocol controller to control the physical layer of the first transceiver; enabling a physical layer of a first transmitter of the first transceiver to receive an output of a second receiver of the second transceiver; as well as A physical layer of a second transmitter of the second transceiver is enabled to receive an output of the first receiver of the first transceiver.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of modes further comprises a non-relay mode, in which the switch matrix: enabling the first protocol controller to control a physical layer of the first transceiver, and enabling the second protocol controller to control a physical layer of the second transceiver; enabling a physical layer of a first transmitter of the first transceiver to receive an output of the first protocol controller; as well as A physical layer of a second transmitter of the second transceiver is enabled to receive an output of the second protocol controller.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second device coupled to the first device in a daisy chain architecture so that in the relay mode, communication can be performed to reply from the first device to the second device.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The system is a camera controller, and the first transceiver is integrated into a lens stabilization controller.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The system is a camera controller, and the first transceiver is integrated into a lens focus controller.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The system is a camera controller, and the second transceiver is integrated into a sensor.

7. A method for relaying communications of a PHY / data link level communications protocol, the method comprising: A switch matrix that operates a first transceiver and a second transceiver coupled to a first device in a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including at least a repeater mode, in which the switch matrix: enabling a first protocol controller configured to detect a first bus condition to control a physical layer of the second transceiver, and enabling a second protocol controller configured to detect a first bus condition to control a physical layer of the first transceiver; enabling a physical layer of a first transmitter of the first transceiver to receive an output of a second receiver of the second transceiver; as well as A physical layer of a second transmitter of the second transceiver is enabled to receive an output of the first receiver of the first transceiver.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of modes further comprises a non-relay mode, in which the switch matrix: enabling the first protocol controller to control a physical layer of the first transceiver, and enabling the second protocol controller to control a physical layer of the second transceiver; enabling a physical layer of a first transmitter of the first transceiver to receive an output of the first protocol controller; as well as A physical layer of a second transmitter of the second transceiver is enabled to receive an output of the second protocol controller.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The second device is coupled to the first device in a daisy-chain architecture such that in the relay mode, communication is enabled to reply from the first device to the second device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The first transceiver is integrated into a lens stability controller of a camera controller.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The first transceiver is integrated into a lens focus controller of a camera controller.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The second transceiver is integrated into the sensor of the camera controller.

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