Control in a multipoint communication network

Abstract

Control in a multipoint communication network is disclosed. A mechanism for controlling the transmission of data packets to an electronic device, outside of a media access control module, is provided. The data transmission control module is configured to assert a hold signal outside of any transmission opportunity for the media access control module. The media access control module is configured to transmit the data packet only when the hold signal is revoked. The hold signal is revoked by the data transmission control module only during a transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to communication networks, and more particularly to multipoint communication networks. Background Technology

[0002] Many communication networks consist of multiple electronic devices sharing a common communication medium to transmit data. In such networks, data collisions can occur when two or more devices attempt to transmit simultaneously, leading to data corruption and reduced network efficiency. To address this problem, collision avoidance techniques, particularly PHY-level collision avoidance techniques, have been developed.

[0003] Some existing collision avoidance methods employ a time-division multiplexing approach to facilitate communication over a shared communication medium. In this method, each device is assigned a specific time slot or position (known as a transmission opportunity) in the transmission sequence during which it is permitted to communicate or initiate communication. The method may include using beacon signals to synchronize devices and coordinate communication, such that the beacon signals function as a heartbeat for inter-device communication.

[0004] A known example of a suitable communication protocol operating in this manner is the 10BASE-T1S protocol or standard, such as that described in the IEEE 802.3 cg standard. In such an approach, the shared communication medium can be, for example, an Ethernet cable.

[0005] There is a continued expectation for improved and more flexible communication technologies for performing device-to-device communication via shared / public communication media. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This paper proposes a data transmission control module for electronic devices in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0007] The data transmission control module can be configured to continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device, so as to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0008] The data transmission control module can also be configured to remove the hold signal from the media access control module of the electronic device at each transmission opportunity when the first data packet is expected to be transmitted, so as to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0009] A media access control module for electronic devices in a communication network is also proposed, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device via a shared communication medium.

[0010] The media access control module can be configured to, when operating in conflict avoidance mode,: monitor a hold signal received from the data transmission control module; and in response to the expectation of transmitting a first data packet: in response to asserting the hold signal, prevent the transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and in response to the hold signal being revoked, transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will recognize the additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description and reviewing the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] In the accompanying figures, this disclosure is illustrated by way of example rather than limitation, and the same reference numerals in the figures refer to similar or identical elements. The elements in the figures are not necessarily proportional to each other. Features of the various illustrated examples can be combined unless they are mutually exclusive.

[0013] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a communication network with multiple electronic devices.

[0014] Figure 2 The layers of the OSI model used for electronic devices are shown.

[0015] Figure 3 A portion of an electronic device having the proposed module is depicted.

[0016] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the first timing sequence of signals between the data transmission control module and the MAC module.

[0017] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a second timing diagram of the signals between the data transmission control module and the MAC module.

[0018] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the third timing sequence of signals between the data transmission control module and the MAC module.

[0019] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the fourth timing diagram of the signals between the data transmission control module and the MAC module.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of communication in an Ethernet communication network. Figure 9A portion of an electronic device having the proposed modules according to an embodiment is depicted. Figure 10 A portion of an electronic device having the proposed modules according to an embodiment is depicted. Figure 11 The illustration shows the use of txFrameAvailH in an arrangement with a carrier sense signal. Figure 12 The illustration shows the use of txFrameAvailH in an arrangement without a carrier sense signal. Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the use of the miiTXDHoldH signal in addition to the txFrameAvailH signal. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The examples described herein provide a mechanism for controlling the transmission of data packets to an electronic device outside of a media access control module. The data transmission control module is configured to assert a hold signal outside of any transmission opportunity for the media access control module. The media access control module is configured to transmit the data packet only when the hold signal is revoked. The hold signal is revoked by the data transmission control module only during a transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0022] For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise indicated herein, the names, signals, and functions defined in the IEEE 802.3 family of standards (especially IEEE 802.3 cg) will be used in this specification within the meaning of said standards.

[0023] Figure 1 A communication network 100 is illustrated, in which the proposed embodiment may be employed to improve context understanding.

[0024] The communication network 100 includes multiple electronic devices 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105, which are configured to communicate via the same shared communication medium 110. In particular, the communication network 100 can be a multipoint network, wherein the shared communication medium 110 functions as a multipoint bus.

[0025] For example, communication medium 110 may include a single cable such as an Ethernet cable. The shared communication medium effectively acts as a bus to facilitate external communication from each electronic device.

[0026] By way of working example, communication network 100 can be a sensor network, wherein at least some electronic devices include sensors for monitoring external parameters (e.g., temperature, user interaction, motion, etc.). The values ​​monitored by each sensor can be transmitted via the communication network to, for example, a specific electronic device, such as a microcontroller.

[0027] It is expected that each electronic device 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 in the communication network 100 utilizes collision avoidance or other arbitration techniques to prevent or avoid different electronic devices from simultaneously attempting to communicate via a shared communication medium. This is because simultaneously attempting to transmit data from different devices may corrupt the data or introduce noise into the transmitted data. In other words, a half-duplex communication protocol or technology should be employed.

[0028] In some known or existing communication protocols, such as those defined by the 10BASE-T1S protocol or standards (e.g., protocols defined by one or more IEEE 802.3 cg standards), each electronic device is effectively associated with a different device location. The device location defines its position within a transmission sequence for the electronic device. When a beacon signal is transmitted via the communication medium, each electronic device steps through the transmission sequence until it reaches its associated device location. The beacon signal thus acts as a heartbeat for the communication protocol. The electronic device then has a transmission opportunity during which it is permitted to begin or initiate data transmission. More specifically, the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during its transmission opportunity. When a transmission opportunity has passed, the electronic device continues to move appropriately through the transmission sequence. Each time the transmission sequence is completed, the beacon signal is retransmitted. The beacon signal may be transmitted or broadcast by the coordinating device 101 (sometimes known as a host device or coordinating device) among electronic devices 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105.

[0029] In some known methods, each electronic device can single-step through the transmission sequence by waiting for a predetermined period of time (which can be labeled as the transmission opportunity duration) (e.g., a number of clock cycles or frames) before moving to the next position in the transmission sequence for each position in the sequence. If any electronic device wishes to transmit data, it can transmit or broadcast a commit communication (which can simply be labeled "commit") during its transmission opportunity to reserve the communication medium for the transmission of (some) data. Typically, a commit will only be able to reserve the communication medium for a second predetermined period of time to at least allow the transmission of urgent communications from other electronic devices. Correspondingly, if an electronic device receives or detects a commit from another electronic device, then it will (further) delay the single-step through the transmission sequence for the second predetermined period of time. Therefore, if a commit signal is detected, the transmission of data will be delayed.

[0030] The methods described above are also performed or coordinated in the context of Ethernet communication protocols defined by the IEEE 802.3 cg-2019 standard, and are typically implemented or coordinated by the harmonizing sublayer of an electronic device (e.g., embodied in a data transmission control module).

[0031] Figure 2 The illustration shows a portion of an OSI model 200 for an electronic device, specifically the physical layer 210 (also known as layer 1) and data link layer 220 (also known as layer 2). The physical layer 210 and data link layer 220 may be connected via a media-independent interface (MII) (e.g., a simplified media-independent interface).

[0032] Physical layer 210 is connected to a (shared) communication medium, such as an Ethernet cable. Physical layer 210 includes (at least) three sublayers: Physical Codec Sublayer (PCS) 211, Physical Medium Attachment (PMA) Sublayer 212, and Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) Sublayer 213.

[0033] Based on known principles, the physical layer 210 can be embodied in digital and / or analog circuitry. The function of the physical layer is to encode and transmit data from the data link layer via the communication medium, and to receive and decode data from the communication medium for provision to the data link layer. More specifically, the PCS 211 encodes data for transmission and decodes received data. The PMA 212 provides serialization and deserialization functions, as well as clock recovery functionality. The PMD 213 functions as a transceiver for the communication medium.

[0034] Data link layer 220 provides functional mechanisms for transmitting data between nodes in a network and can handle error detection and correction. Data link layer 220 typically comprises two sublayers: Logical Link Control (LLC) sublayer 221 and Media Access Control (MAC) sublayer 222. The LLC sublayer manages error checking and frame synchronization, while the MAC sublayer controls how electronic devices obtain access to and permission to transmit data packets.

[0035] The functions of each sublayer can be performed by the corresponding module. Therefore, for example, the functions of MAC sublayer 222 can be performed by the Media Access Control module (MAC module).

[0036] There is also a concept for a harmonic sublayer (RS) 230. In concept, the harmonic sublayer is located between the data link layer 220 and the physical layer 210, but in practice it can be formed within a single layer of these layers (e.g., within the illustrated physical layer 210).

[0037] The mediation layer 230 is configured to perform data transmission control techniques or other arbitration techniques to coordinate and / or control data transmission from the data link layer 220 to the physical layer 210.

[0038] In particular, the harmonization layer is configured to perform steps for identifying when a transmission opportunity for an electronic device occurs. In some examples, the data transmission control module may monitor and track the timing of transmission opportunities based on, for example, beacon signals and transmission sequence sequences received via physical layer 210. The module may maintain an internal counter or timer synchronized with the beacon signals to determine the start and end of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0039] The data transmission control module can also keep track of the device's position in the transmission sequence. By knowing its position and monitoring the progress of the sequence, the module can predict when the next transmission opportunity for the electronic device will occur.

[0040] The functions of the harmonization layer 230 are performed by the data transmission control module of the electronic device.

[0041] In existing methods, the functions of the data transmission control module can be performed by a conflict avoidance module (such as a PLCA module or a PLCA named using the IEEE 802.3 cg standard).

[0042] In short, (as defined in Clause 148 of the IEEE 802.3 cg standard) the purpose of PLACA is to postpone data transmission from the MAC module via the communication medium. This is achieved using two complementary techniques that utilize existing protocols known to be used by MAC modules.

[0043] First, it should be noted that the existing MAC module is configured to back off and retry the transmission if a collision is reported to the MAC module during data transmission, i.e., if the collision detection signal COL is asserted. The retry is performed after at least a predetermined delay period (here: the length of the preset inter-packet gap) has elapsed.

[0044] It is also worth noting that when the Carrier Sense Signal (CRS) is asserted, the existing MAC module will not attempt to transmit data, indicating that the communication medium is in use or occupied. The Carrier Sense Signal (CRS) indicates (from the MAC's perspective) whether the communication medium is in use. When the Carrier Sense Signal is withdrawn (and there is data to be transmitted by the MAC module), the MAC module will wait until a predefined delay period (e.g., a packet gap) has elapsed before transmitting the data.

[0045] The existing PLCA controls the assertion and revocation of the Collision Detection Signal (COL) and the Carrier Sense Signal (CRS). Specifically, the PLCA can control the assertion of each signal at least when the physical layer indicates that these signals will be asserted. The existing PLCA also controls the assertion of each signal to prevent data transmission over the communication medium outside of device-specific transmission opportunities by instructing the MAC module to perform virtual collisions and virtual communication medium usage.

[0046] Existing PLCAs include small, variable delay lines configured to buffer some data transmissions from the MAC module. The PLCA is configured to prevent the buffered data from being passed to the communication medium until a transmission opportunity for the electronic device has arrived.

[0047] If a variable delay line overflows (i.e., before a transmission opportunity has arrived), the PLCA will report a (virtual) collision to the MAC module and assert a carrier sense signal (e.g., even if the communication medium is not in use). The MAC module will respond by backing down and waiting to retransmit the data. The PLCA maintains the carrier sense signal assertion until the next transmission opportunity has arrived, at which point the carrier sense signal is withdrawn (if the communication medium is not in use). According to its existing protocol, the MAC module will wait for a predefined delay period to elapse before attempting to retransmit the data.

[0048] More complete details of the existing PLCA functionality can be found in the IEEE 802.3 family of standards, such as Clause 148 of the IEEE 802.3 cg-2019 standard.

[0049] This disclosure proposes an alternative Data Transmission Control Module (DTCM) and a corresponding Media Access Control (MAC) module. In particular, this disclosure provides an alternative mechanism for controlling the transmission or transfer of data out of the MAC module, for example, to the physical layer. In other words, this disclosure provides an alternative data transmission control technique for controlling the data flow from data link layer 220 to physical layer 210.

[0050] Figure 3 A portion of the proposed electronic device is illustrated, including the proposed data transmission control module (DTCM) 310 and the proposed media access control (MAC) module 320. For clarity, the electronic device also includes physical layer circuitry 350 (PHY), which embodies the previously disclosed physical layer for communication via (shared) communication medium 355.

[0051] The Data Transmission Control Module (DTCM) 310 functions as the Synchronization Sublayer (RS).

[0052] It will be understood that the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via the shared communication medium 355 only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device. Monitoring of the timing of transmission opportunities is performed by the data transmission control module (DTCM) 310, for example, using the methods previously described.

[0053] For example, the data transmission control module 310 can maintain an internal counter or timer synchronized with the beacon signals received via the physical layer circuitry 350 and the communication medium 355, allowing it to identify the start and end of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device. Additionally, the data transmission control module 310 is configured to keep track of the device's position in the transmission sequence, enabling it to identify when the next transmission opportunity will occur.

[0054] The Media Access Control Module 320 has a Media Independent Interface (MII) or a variant thereof, such as a Simplified Media Independent Interface (RMII). The naming and signals associated with the Media Independent Interface (MII) are well established in the art, for example, as set forth in the IEEE 802.3 standard set, such as Clause 22.2.2 of IEEE Standard 802.3.

[0055] Specifically, signals associated with MII may include Transmit Data (TXD), Transmit Enable (TX_EN), Transmit Clock (TX_CLK), Receive Data (RXD), Receive Data Valid (RX_DV), Receive Clock (RX_CLK), Carrier Sense (CRS), Collision Detection (COL), Transmission Error (TX_ER), and Receive Error (RX_ER). In some variants of MII, some of these signals may be omitted or combined. For example, in RMII, Collision Detection (COL) and Transmission Error (TX_ER) are omitted, Receive Error becomes optional, CRS and RX_DV are multiplexed, and TX_CLK and RX_CLK are combined.

[0056] The following signals can be collectively labeled as the receive signals RX: Receive Data (RXD), Receive Data Valid (RX_DV), Receive Clock (RX_CLK), and Receive Error (RX_ER) (if present). The following description assumes that the Media Access Control module 320 has a Media Independent Interface (MII). Those skilled in the art will be able to readily modify the proposed embodiments for use with other variations of the MII.

[0057] It will be understood that the value or symbol carried by the transmitted data (TXD) is changeable only at predetermined points within each cycle of the transmission clock (TX_CLK). This synchronization helps ensure reliable data transmission by providing a stable timing reference for data changes. In particular, each new data value on the TXD line can be presented at either the rising or falling edge of the TX_CLK signal.

[0058] All signals between the Media Access Control Module 320 and the Physical Layer Circuitry 350 can be routed via the Data Transmission Control Module (DTCM) 310. This allows the Data Transmission Control Module 310 to connect to the Physical Layer Circuitry via a standard or known media-independent interface (MII) for improved connectivity.

[0059] The data transmission control module 310 is configured to control data transmission from the media access control module 320 to the physical layer circuit 350. Specifically, the data transmission control module 310 is configured to control when to allow the media access control module 320 to transmit a first data packet to the media access control module.

[0060] The proposed data transmission control module 310 is configured to define and control the hold signal HOLD provided to the media access control module 320, such as a hold signal HOLD carried by a hold line connected between the data transmission control module 310 and the media access control module 320. More specifically, the data transmission control module 310 is configured to control whether the hold signal HOLD is asserted or de-asserted. The data transmission control module can assert the HOLD signal by setting it to a logic high or "1" state, and de-asserte the signal by setting it to a logic low or "0" state. Alternatively, assertion and de-assertion can use opposite logic levels.

[0061] The hold signal (HOLD) is carried via an additional communication path (i.e., the hold signal path) to a path defined by a known media-independent interface (MII). Therefore, the media-independent interface (MII) (or a variant thereof) of the Media Access Control module is extended to include a connection for carrying the hold signal (HOLD). This dedicated hold signal path provides a direct means of communication between the data transmission control module and the Media Access Control module.

[0062] The data transmission control module 310 is configured to assert a hold signal for transmission opportunities outside the electronic device at least when there is an indication from the media access control module that a first data packet is to be transmitted. When the hold signal is asserted, it prevents the media access control module from transmitting data packets (specifically, at least the first data packet) outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0063] In other words, when the hold signal is asserted, it exerts reverse pressure on the media access control module, preventing it from transmitting data packets outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium. This reverse pressure can cause the media access control module to buffer any data packets ready for transmission until the hold signal is revoked.

[0064] At least when there is an indication from the media access control module that a first data packet is to be transmitted (i.e., for transmission), at each transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the data transmission control module 310 withdraws the hold signal. This withdrawal allows the media access control module to transmit data packets (e.g., the first data packet) outside the media access control module for communication via a shared communication medium.

[0065] Therefore, the media access control module is configured to monitor the hold signal and block or suspend data packet transmission when the hold signal is asserted. The media access control module can internally buffer data packets (i.e., at least the first data packet) while waiting for the hold signal to be revoked. When the hold signal is revoked, the media access control module can then transmit the buffered first data packet (and any further buffered data packets) outside the media access control module and to the physical layer circuitry for communication over the shared medium.

[0066] While the above explanation presupposes a continuous, unasserted hold signal during datagram transmission, in an alternative embodiment, the hold signal is briefly unasserted and then returns to its default hold value. In this alternative example, the MAC is essentially triggered by the unasserted hold signal, and the Ethernet frame can be transmitted upon detection of the hold signal without continuously revoking it.

[0067] More specifically, the media access control module can be operable in a first mode. When operating in such a mode, the media access control module is configured to wait (if necessary) for a hold signal to be withdrawn in order to transmit a first data packet (e.g., in response to an expectation of transmitting the first data packet), and then output the first data packet from the media access control module to the physical layer circuitry, for example, to pass the first data packet to the physical layer circuitry.

[0068] In other words, when operating in the first mode, the media access control module is configured (in order to transmit the first data packet or in response to the expectation of transmitting the first data packet) to: prevent the transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium in response to an assertion of a hold signal; and to immediately transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module in response to the revocation of the hold signal.

[0069] In this scenario, when the transmission of the first data packet is performed, the media access control module will immediately transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module without waiting for a predefined delay (e.g., a packet gap) to elapse. Therefore, the only delay in transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module is, for example, an inherent physical delay or a delay until the next clock cycle, and not any intentional or programmed delay.

[0070] The Media Access Control (Media Access Control) module can be configured to use one or more data transmission signals TXD (e.g., two or more data transmission signals TXD<1:0>, or four or more data transmission signals TXD<3:0>) to transmit data packets (e.g., to physical layer circuitry, as described later). Each data transmission signal can be carried via, for example, a corresponding data transmission line connected between the MAC module and the DTCM.

[0071] In this way, it is not required (and can be completely avoided) for the data transmission control module to buffer or attempt to buffer any data packets.

[0072] Therefore, in a preferred example, the data transmission control module is configured to control the transmission of data packets without directly buffering and / or attempting to buffer the data packets used for transmission. In other words, the data transmission control module can be configured to not have buffers or variable delay lines for any data packets from the media access control module.

[0073] In this way, the media access control module maintains complete control over data packet processing and buffering, while the data transmission control module focuses solely on managing transmission opportunities and preventing collisions.

[0074] The proposed method facilitates more accurate identification of transmission time (i.e., timestamps) through the Media Access Control (MAC) module. By allowing the MAC module to maintain control over the timing of data packet processing, buffering, and transmission, while using hold signals from the data transmission control module to indicate when transmission is permitted, it is possible to precisely track when data packets are actually transmitted.

[0075] In some examples, the MAC module can be configured to record the time when the first data packet is transmitted outside the media access control module. Since the MAC module directly controls the transmission of the data packet once the hold signal is revoked, a more accurate timestamp can be captured without introducing additional delays or uncertainties that might occur if the data transmission control module involves buffered data.

[0076] In some examples, the media access control module is configured to: when operating in the first mode, provide an instruction to the data transmission control module of the electronic device when a first data packet to be transmitted is present; and transmit the first data packet only when the hold signal is revoked in response to the instruction provided to the data transmission control module. In this way, the MAC module can prevent or reduce the risk of unintentionally transmitting the first data packet before the data transmission control module has had the opportunity to prevent the transmission of the first data packet via the assert hold signal.

[0077] In some examples, there may be a predetermined delay between the time the media access control module provides an indication that a first data packet to be transmitted is present and the time the media access control module begins attempting to transmit the first data packet. This delay can provide the data transmission control module with an opportunity to change the state of the hold signal, such as asserting or revoking the hold signal, if needed.

[0078] A predefined delay allows the data transmission control module time to process the instruction and adjust the hold signal accordingly. For example, if the hold signal is currently asserted when the instruction is provided, the delay gives the data transmission control module an opportunity to withdraw the hold signal before the media access control module attempts to transmit. Similarly, if the hold signal is currently withdrawn when the instruction is provided, the delay gives the data transmission control module an opportunity to assert the hold signal module (e.g., if it is not a transmission opportunity for an electronic device) before the media access control module attempts to transmit.

[0079] Nevertheless, a predefined delay between providing an indication and attempting transmission is not essential. In some implementations, the Media Access Control (MAC) module can dynamically respond to changes in the hold signal, even after the transmission of the first datagram has been initiated (e.g., if the transmission is initiated synchronously with providing an indication that data to be sent is available).

[0080] For example, if a hold signal is asserted during the transmission of the first symbol of a datagram, the MAC module can prevent the transmission of the remaining symbols. This approach can be effective if it is expected that the hold signal will change before the first symbol is completed or before the transmission clock moves to the next cycle.

[0081] In this scenario, the MAC module can be configured to continuously monitor the hold signal even after transmission has begun. If the hold signal is asserted, the MAC module can immediately interrupt or pause transmission processing.

[0082] As previously mentioned, the MAC module can be designed to align its transmission attempts with the transmission clock cycle. In this case, the MAC module can check the state of the hold signal at the beginning of each transmission clock cycle. If the hold signal is asserted, the MAC module can prevent the transmission of the next symbol of the data packet, effectively stopping data packet transmission at the clock cycle boundary.

[0083] The Media Access Control (MAC) module can indicate the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted by asserting a transmission enable signal (TX_EN). When the MAC module has a first data packet ready to be transmitted or wishes to begin transmitting a first data packet, it can assert the TX_EN signal, which is provided to the Data Transmission Control module. In this way, the transmission enable signal serves as an indication to the Data Transmission Control module whether the MAC module has data (i.e., the first data packet) ready to be transmitted. Therefore, a transmission enable line carrying the transmission enable signal TX_EN can be provided between the Data Transmission Control module and the MAC module.

[0084] The data transmission control module can monitor the TX_EN signal (e.g., carried by the transmission enable line) to determine when the MAC module has data ready for transmission. This allows the data transmission control module to coordinate the removal of hold signals with the MAC module's readiness to transmit data.

[0085] In some examples, the data transmission control module is configured to continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity. In other words, the data transmission control module can be configured to continuously assert a hold signal outside of each transmission opportunity even if there is no indication from the media access control module that a first data packet is to be transmitted. It will be understood that this will still result in asserting a hold signal outside of each transmission opportunity at least when there is an indication from the media access control module that a first data packet is to be transmitted.

[0086] In other examples, the data transmission control module is configured to continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device only when there is an indication from the media access control module that a first data packet to be transmitted exists (e.g., via an asserted transmission enable signal TX_EN), outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0087] Therefore, the data transmission control module can be configured to monitor indications from the media access control module to determine whether a first data packet to be transmitted exists (e.g., by monitoring the transmission enable signal TX_EN). In this example, the data transmission control module is configured to assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device only in response to determining the existence of a first data packet to be transmitted, outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0088] In some examples, the data transmission control module 310 can be configured to remove the hold signal at each transmission opportunity for the electronic device. Therefore, the data transmission control module 310 can remove the hold signal at each transmission opportunity, regardless of whether a first data packet is to be transmitted.

[0089] In other examples, the data transmission control module 310 can be configured to withdraw the hold signal at each transmission opportunity for the electronic device only if there is an indication from the media access control module that a first data packet to be transmitted is present. This is possible when the data transmission control module is configured to continuously assert the hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0090] Therefore, the data transmission control module can be configured to monitor indications from the media access control module to determine whether a first data packet to be transmitted exists (e.g., by monitoring the transmission enable signal TX_EN). In this example, the data transmission control module is configured to withdraw the hold signal from the media access control module of the electronic device only in response to determining the existence of a first data packet to be transmitted at each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0091] The following describes many different cases representing possible control schemes for the data transmission control module.

[0092] In the first scenario, the data transmission control module is configured to continuously assert the hold signal HOLD outside of any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, and to deactivate the hold signal HOLD at the start of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device. This ensures that the media access control module is prevented from transmitting data when it is not the device's turn to communicate, and simplifies the required logic within the data transmission control module.

[0093] It should be noted that the hold signal described above has a different function than the CRS and COL signals described above. When the MAC places a 4-bit nibble on the TXD line, it physically drives each of the four lines of the TXD line to a specific bit value. With the hold signal asserted, the MAC simply holds the nibble, i.e., keeps the line driven with the same value, and does not continue to the next 4-bit nibble. The same applies when using a two-bit nibble RMII signal.

[0094] Conversely, the Collision (COL) signal is not merely used to hold transmission; it also retains its standard meaning as an indicator of collisions on the Ethernet link. Therefore, upon receiving a COL signal, the MAC (Machine Interface) is required to back off for a predetermined backoff time. It does not hold the signal on the TXD line; instead, it stops and waits for a considerable period (e.g., 50 μs) before attempting to retransmit. In other words, the COL signal is not a simple hold signal, but rather a signal acted upon by the MAC.

[0095] Similarly, the Carrier Sense Signal (CRS) indicates that the line is powered, meaning another node is transmitting. After the CRS signal stops, there is a wait for the inter-frame gap (IFG) time before the next node transmits. Therefore, again, the CRS signal is not a simple hold signal; it has another meaning and triggers specific actions from the MAC (Machine Access Control).

[0096] Conversely, the hold signal simply holds the value on the TXD line without requiring inter-frame gaps or collision times. By providing a specified signal to induce MAC hold, the additional time penalty caused by using COL or CRS can be avoided.

[0097] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating example values ​​of signals used between the data transmission control module and the media access control module of the electronic device in the first case. The values ​​of signals not shown may follow the standard procedures used for the media access control module (e.g., following Clause 148 of the IEEE 802.3 cg standard).

[0098] The first waveform ID is a digital sequence illustrating a transmission opportunity sequence for a network in which electronic devices can communicate. For illustrative purposes, in this case, the electronic device is associated with transmission opportunity "5".

[0099] The second waveform, TX_EN, illustrates the transmission enable signal TX_EN generated by the media access control module. The media access control module asserts the transmission enable signal TX_EN when it has a data packet to transmit over the shared communication medium, and otherwise deactivates it. Therefore, the transmission enable signal TX_EN indicates whether a first data packet is to be transmitted (or whether the first data packet is being transmitted).

[0100] The third waveform HOLD illustrates the hold signal HOLD. The hold signal HOLD is asserted outside of the transmission opportunity for the electronic device, specifically outside of transmission opportunity "5" (here: held high). The hold signal is revoked at the start of each transmission opportunity. Therefore, triggering the revocation of the hold signal HOLD at the start of each transmission opportunity can be independent of any indication of the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted (from the transmission enable signal TX_EN).

[0101] In the illustrated example, the hold signal is revoked for the entire transmission opportunity. However, in some implementations, the hold signal may be re-asserted before the transmission opportunity ends, such as after a predetermined period of time or after the transmission of the data packet is completed.

[0102] The fourth waveform TXD illustrates the value of one or more data signals TXD. The media access control module is configured to transmit the data packet DATA only immediately upon the removal of the hold signal.

[0103] These waveforms illustrate the timing relationship between the hold signal HOLD and the actual data transmission using data signals (one or more) TXD. This ensures that data transmission only occurs during designated transmission opportunities for the electronic device, controlled by the data transmission control module.

[0104] When a hold signal (e.g., high) is asserted, the media access control module is prevented from transmitting any data, even if it has data ready to be sent. This ensures that the device does not attempt to transmit outside its allocated time slot.

[0105] Once the hold signal is withdrawn (transformed low), permission is granted to the media access control module to begin data transmission. At this point, if the module has a data packet ready to be sent, it immediately begins transmitting DATA on the TXD line.

[0106] A data message (DATA) may include, for example, submission communication followed by payload communication (i.e., data content communication).

[0107] Submission communications serve as reservation signals, indicating an electronic device's intention to transmit data via a shared communication medium. This allows the device to declare its transmission opportunity and prevents other devices from attempting simultaneous transmission. Data content communications contain the actual information or payload that the electronic device wishes to transmit.

[0108] In this first scenario, if an indication of data to be sent from the MAC module exists after the transmission opportunity has been initiated, the data transmission control module can still allow transmission to proceed. This is because the hold signal is removed at the start of each transmission opportunity, regardless of whether there is data to be sent. Once the MAC module has the prepared data and asserts the presence of a transmission enable signal, it can then immediately begin transmitting the data packet, even if this occurs midway through the transmission opportunity.

[0109] Back Figure 3 In some examples, the data transmission control module 310 may revoke the hold signal at each transmission opportunity only if the media access control module indicates that there is data to be transmitted, and otherwise assert the hold signal.

[0110] For example, the media access control module 320 can assert a transmission enable signal (TX_EN) provided to the data transmission control module 310 to indicate that it has data ready for transmission. In this case, the data transmission control module 310 can monitor the TX_EN signal and withdraw the hold signal only during a transmission opportunity in which TX_EN has been asserted.

[0111] Therefore, in the second case, the data transmission control module is configured to continuously assert the hold signal HOLD outside of any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, and to deactivate the hold signal HOLD at the beginning of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device only when there is an indication from the media access control module (e.g., via the transmission enable signal TX_EN) for the presence of data to be transmitted over the communication medium.

[0112] This selective cancellation method allows for more efficient use of the shared communication medium by opening the transmission window only when there is actually data to be sent (from the perspective of the MAC module).

[0113] Figure 5 This is a timing diagram for this variant method, illustrating example values ​​of signals between the data transmission control module and the media access control module of the electronic device in the second case.

[0114] The first waveform ID is a digital sequence illustrating a transmission opportunity sequence for a network in which electronic devices can communicate. For illustrative purposes, in this case, the electronic device is associated with transmission opportunity "5".

[0115] The second waveform, TX_EN, illustrates the transmission enable signal TX_EN generated by the media access control module. The media access control module asserts the transmission enable signal TX_EN when it has a data packet for transmission over the shared communication medium, and otherwise deactivates it.

[0116] The third waveform, HOLD, illustrates the hold signal HOLD. The hold signal HOLD is asserted outside of transmission opportunities for the electronic device, specifically outside of transmission opportunity "5" (here, it is held high). The hold signal is removed at the start of a transmission opportunity only when a transmission enable signal is asserted—that is, when the media access control module has data ready for transmission. In other words, the hold signal is removed only when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device that a first data packet is to be transmitted.

[0117] The fourth waveform TXD illustrates the value of one or more data signals TXD. The media access control module is configured to transmit the data packet DATA only immediately upon the removal of the hold signal. An example of the content of the data packet DATA has been previously described.

[0118] In this second scenario, if an indication to send data appears after a transmission opportunity has been initiated (e.g., an assertion of the transmission enable signal TX_EN), then the data transmission control module can be configured to retain the hold signal until the next transmission opportunity. This effectively configures the hold signal to be removed only at the beginning of a transmission opportunity where an indication to send data already exists. This can provide more reliable data transmission. Therefore, the MAC module may need to wait until the next transmission opportunity to transmit its data.

[0119] Alternatively, in this second scenario, if an indication to send data occurs after a transmission opportunity has been initiated (e.g., an assertion of the transmission enable signal TX_EN), the data transmission control module can be configured to immediately remove the hold signal upon receiving the indication, even if it occurs midway through a transmission opportunity. This method allows for more responsive data transmission, enabling the MAC module to begin transmission as soon as data becomes available, without waiting for the next transmission opportunity.

[0120] Back Figure 3 In the third case, the data transmission control module 310 may assert the hold signal only if the media access control module indicates that data to be transmitted exists and that the transmission opportunity for the device is outside the specified timeframe, and otherwise cancel the hold signal. This selective assertion method allows for more efficient use of the hold signal, for example, avoiding assertions that would require maintaining the hold signal.

[0121] In this third case, the valid default state of the hold signal is revoked. In particular, the data transmission control module can assert the hold signal only when the media access control module indicates the presence of data to be transmitted (e.g., via an assertion of the transmission enable signal TX_EN) and the electronic device is outside its specified transmission opportunity.

[0122] This default undo state works to simplify the overall control logic and reduce power consumption, as the data transmission control module only needs to intervene and assert hold signals when necessary to prevent inappropriate transmissions. This helps reduce the complexity of timing and synchronization between the two modules.

[0123] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram used for this variant method, illustrating example values ​​of signals between the data transmission control module and the media access control module of the electronic device in the third case.

[0124] The first waveform ID is a digital sequence illustrating a transmission opportunity sequence for a network in which electronic devices can communicate. For illustrative purposes, in this case, the electronic device is associated with transmission opportunity "5".

[0125] The second waveform, TX_EN, illustrates the transmission enable signal TX_EN generated by the media access control module. The media access control module asserts the transmission enable signal TX_EN when it has a data packet for transmission over the shared communication medium, and otherwise deactivates it.

[0126] The third waveform HOLD diagram illustrates the hold signal HOLD. The hold signal HOLD is asserted outside of the transmission opportunity for the electronic device, i.e., outside of transmission opportunity "5", only when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device to transmit the first data message (here: held as logic high).

[0127] Following the assertion (i.e., when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device that a first data packet is to be transmitted), the hold signal HOLD is removed at the beginning of the (immediately following) transmission opportunity for the electronic device. This allows the first data packet to be transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0128] The fourth waveform TXD illustrates the value of one or more data signals TXD. The media access control module is configured to transmit the data packet DATA only immediately upon the removal of the hold signal. An example of the content of the data packet DATA has been previously described.

[0129] Figure 7Further timing diagrams are shown, illustrating the first waveform ID, the second waveform TX_EN, and the third waveform HOLD at smaller time scales. For illustrative purposes, the fifth waveform SY_CLK illustrates the system clock SY_CLK that provides the clock for the operation of the Media Access Control module and the Data Transmission Control module.

[0130] in particular, Figure 7 The diagram illustrates how the hold signal HOLD can be asserted at the next clock cycle for the data transmission control module after receiving an indication that a first data packet to be sent by the media access control module exists.

[0131] In this third scenario, if an indication that a first data packet is to be sent is received after the transmission opportunity has been initiated (e.g., an assertion of the transmission enable signal TX_EN), then the data transmission control module can allow immediate transmission by maintaining the hold signal in a canceled state, since the default state of the hold signal has been canceled during the transmission opportunity. This method enables more responsive data transmission, allowing the MAC module to begin transmission as soon as data becomes available, even if it occurs midway through the transmission opportunity.

[0132] Alternatively, if an indication to send data is received after a transmission opportunity has been initiated (e.g., an assertion of the transmission enable signal TX_EN), then the data transmission control module can (immediately) assert a hold signal until the next transmission opportunity for the electronic device. This approach ensures that data transmission occurs only at the beginning of a specified transmission opportunity, thereby maintaining a more structured and predictable communication pattern on the shared medium.

[0133] Back to Figure 3 It should be noted that the data transmission control module 310 can control one or more additional signals provided to the media access control module, such as a carrier sense (CRS) signal and / or a collision detection (COL) signal. These signals can be used to provide the media access control module with further information about the status of the shared communication medium. If used, the carrier sense signal can be carried by a carrier sense line connected between the data transmission control module 310 and the media access control module 320. Similarly, if used, the collision detection signal can be carried by a collision detection line connected between the data transmission control module 310 and the media access control module 320.

[0134] The physical layer circuitry can also (at least partially) control or limit the values ​​of the Carrier Sense (CRS) and Collision Detection (COL) signals. In particular, the data transmission control module 310 can be configured to coordinate with the physical layer circuitry in controlling the CRS and COL signals to provide the media access control module with accurate and timely information about the status of the shared communication medium.

[0135] In particular, the data transmission control module can be configured to: assert a carrier sensing signal in response to an indication that the shared communication medium is occupied (i.e., in use); and deactivate the carrier sensing signal in response to an indication that the shared communication medium is not occupied (i.e., not in use). It will be apparent that the media access control module can correspondingly be configured to prevent data transmission outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium in response to asserting the carrier sensing signal.

[0136] The data transmission control module can control the assertions of the carrier sense signal and / or collision detection signal in response to information received from the physical layer circuitry.

[0137] For example, if the physical layer circuitry detects activity on the shared medium, it can notify the data transmission control module, which can then assert a CRS signal to indicate that the medium is busy. Similarly, if the physical layer detects a collision between transmissions from multiple devices, it can relay this information to the data transmission control module, which can then assert a CRS signal.

[0138] Therefore, the physical layer circuitry can be configured to monitor the occupancy of the shared communication medium to determine whether the shared communication medium is occupied, i.e., whether the shared communication medium is in use. In response to determining that the shared communication medium is occupied, the physical layer circuitry can provide an indication of shared communication medium occupancy to the data transmission control module—the data transmission control module can then assert the Carrier Sense Signal (CRS). Similarly, in response to determining that the shared communication medium is not occupied, the physical layer circuitry can provide an indication of shared communication medium occupancy to the data transmission control module—the data transmission control module can then deactivate the Carrier Sense Signal (CRS).

[0139] The data transmission control module 310 and / or the physical layer circuitry can thus assert the CRS signal to indicate that the shared communication medium is currently in use. This may occur when another device is transmitting data or when any other activity is detected on the medium. By controlling the CRS signal, the data transmission control module and / or the physical layer circuitry can notify the media access control module about the availability of the medium used for transmission.

[0140] Therefore, as mentioned earlier, the Media Access Control (MAC) module can be configured to monitor the CRS signal and, when the CRS signal is asserted, avoid initiating transmission even if the hold signal is revoked. This helps prevent potential conflicts by ensuring that the MAC module does not attempt to transmit when the shared communication medium is already in use.

[0141] In some examples, the physical layer circuitry can be responsible for detecting collisions on the shared communication medium and asserting the COL signal accordingly. When the physical layer circuitry detects simultaneous transmissions from multiple devices on the shared medium, it can assert the COL signal to notify the media access control module and the data transmission control module of the collision event.

[0142] Although not illustrated, one or more other modules of the electronic device may also be able to control or assert the CRS and / or COL signals. This improves the overall reliability and efficiency of the system.

[0143] One or more data transmission lines (TXD) of the media access control module can be connected to the data transmission control module.

[0144] In some examples, the data transmission control module may include data gates that control the data flow between the media access control module and the physical layer circuitry. When the hold signal is revoked, the data gates can become on to allow data to be passed from the media access control module to the physical layer circuitry via the data transmission control module.

[0145] The data transmission control module may be unable to receive and buffer the first data packet from the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0146] In this way, the Media Access Control (MAC) module maintains complete control over data packet buffering and transmission, while the Data Transmission Control (DTC) module focuses on managing hold signals and controlling transmission timing to indicate when transmission is permitted. Preventing the DTC module from receiving data packets eliminates any potential data duplication or synchronization problems that could arise if both modules were buffering the same data.

[0147] In some examples, the data transmission control module is configured to remove the hold signal from the media access control module at the start of each transmission opportunity. In other words, when a transmission opportunity for an electronic device begins, the data transmission control module can immediately remove the hold signal, allowing the media access control module to initiate data transmission without delay, if it has data ready to be sent.

[0148] In other examples, the data transmission control module is configured to withdraw the hold signal to the media access control module after a first predefined inter-packet gap has elapsed following the start of each transmission opportunity. This helps ensure that any data packet transmissions performed by the data transmission control module comply with network timing requirements and protocol specifications. The inter-packet gap provides a buffer period to allow proper signal propagation and synchronization across the shared communication medium.

[0149] The media access control module immediately begins data transmission upon detecting the withdrawal of the hold signal.

[0150] As previously mentioned (when operating in the first mode), the media access control module is configured to prevent the transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium while asserting the hold signal.

[0151] In some examples, the media access control module is configured to prevent any portion of the first datagram from being transmitted outside the media access control module when a hold signal is asserted. This could include preventing the transmission of any preamble, open frame delimiter, or other components of the datagram.

[0152] Therefore, in some examples, the media access control module can internally buffer the entire data packet until the hold signal is revoked, at which point it can begin transmitting the complete data packet.

[0153] In other examples, the media access control module can hold the value of the transmission data (signal) TXD at the first symbol of the datagram until the hold signal is withdrawn. In this case, the media access control module can prepare the first symbol of the datagram on the transmission data signal TXD, but maintain that value without advancing to subsequent symbols until the hold signal transitions to the withdrawn state.

[0154] Once the hold signal is withdrawn, this method allows for faster initiation of transmission because the first symbol has been prepared and is ready for immediate transmission.

[0155] In addition to the first mode described above, the Media Access Control (MAC) module can also operate in one or more other modes. These additional modes provide flexibility in network communication and allow the MAC module to adapt to different network configurations or requirements.

[0156] In some implementations, the MAC module can operate in standard Ethernet mode. In this mode, the MAC module can function according to conventional Ethernet protocols without utilizing hold signals or any of the other collision avoidance mechanisms described above. This mode is suitable for full-duplex networks.

[0157] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that a communication arrangement for an electronic device is provided. The communication arrangement includes any data transmission control module and any media access control module proposed herein.

[0158] In some examples, the data transmission control module and the media access control module are formed from separable chiplets. In other words, the data transmission control module and the media access control module can be implemented as separate, physically distinct semiconductor chips or chiplets that can be integrated onto a common substrate or package. This modular approach allows for greater flexibility in design and manufacturing.

[0159] In some examples, the data transfer control module and the media access control module can be integrated within the same system-on-a-chip, such as within the same package. This helps reduce the physical footprint of the device.

[0160] The communication setup may include a hold line connecting the media access control module and the data transmission control module, the hold line carrying a hold signal.

[0161] The communication setup may include a carrier sensing line carrying a carrier sensing signal between the data transmission control module and the media access control module. The data transmission control module may be configured to: assert the carrier sensing signal in response to an indication that the shared communication medium is occupied; and to deactivate the carrier sensing signal in response to an indication that the shared communication medium is not occupied. The media access control module may be configured to, in response to asserting the carrier sensing signal, prevent data transmission outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0162] Similarly, if used, the collision detection signal can be carried by a collision detection line connected between the data transmission control module and the media access control module.

[0163] The communication setup may further include physical layer circuitry for connection to a shared communication medium. The physical layer circuitry is configured to convert a first data packet into physical signals for delivery over the shared communication medium. Specifically, the physical layer circuitry acquires the first data packet and converts it into a format suitable for transmission over the physical medium. This may include steps of encoding, framing, line encoding / decoding, signal modulation, and subsequent transmission (over the physical shared communication medium).

[0164] As mentioned earlier, the physical layer circuitry may include corresponding modules for functioning as the Physical Codec Sublayer (PCS), Physical Medium Attachment (PMA) Sublayer, and Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) Sublayer.

[0165] Preferably, the module embodying the Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) sublayer is formed on a chip separate from the rest of the physical layer circuitry (i.e., the modules embodying the PCS and PMA). In such an example, the module embodying the PMD can be connected to the rest of the physical layer circuitry via no more than three pins (e.g., an Open Consortium 3-pin interface (OA3P)).

[0166] In some examples, one or more modules embodying the PCS and PMA can be integrated into the same system-on-chip (e.g., within the same package) as the data transmission control module and preferably the media access control module.

[0167] In some examples, the physical layer circuitry is connected to the data transmission control module via a medium-independent interface (MII). This standardized interface allows for greater flexibility and interoperability between different components of the network stack, while still defining a standard set of signaling and timing requirements for communication between the physical and data link layers. This modular approach allows manufacturers to mix and match, for example, different physical and data link layer implementations from different vendors, as long as they conform to the MII standard.

[0168] A communication network comprising multiple electronic devices is also provided, each electronic device including the communication arrangement described herein and being communicatively connected via a shared communication medium.

[0169] Preferably, the shared communication medium is an Ethernet cable.

[0170] The arrangement discussed above can be used in communication methods fully compatible with the IEEE 10Base T1S standard, where the signals on the Ethernet cable perfectly match those specified in the standard, even if the hardware described above differs from that in the standard. For example, the currently drafted IEEE standard proposes a Physical Layer Collision Avoidance (PLCA) module, which has a FIFO buffer in addition to the buffer in the MAC. This introduces considerable complexity in the IEEE standard version. When a device is ready to transmit, it transfers a small amount of data to the PLCA, which holds the data in a buffer. If the device can transmit before any other device, it initiates transmission directly from the buffer in the PLCA. On the other hand, if another device initiates transmission first, in the 10Base T1 standard proposal, the small buffer in the PLCA is emptied; when it is the device's turn to transmit, the PLCA uses a carrier sense signal to send a transmission message back to the MAC indicating that transmission is possible; the MAC then transfers the data to the buffer in the PLCA, and the data is transmitted forward from there. All of this introduces significant and variable delays in the standard approach.

[0171] In the arrangement discussed above, the addition of hold circuitry allows the standard PLCA to be replaced by the proposed data transfer control module without a buffer. This reduces the time from when the transfer window opens to when data is transmitted; furthermore, the latency during transmission can therefore be less variable. Furthermore, omitting the buffer in the PLCA results in a lower overall chip area.

[0172] Therefore, the arrangement discussed above can be operated as follows, referring to... Figure 8 In this example, there are N devices on the network, each of which is identified by a unique identifier I, which is an integer in the range [0, (N-1)].

[0173] In the first step 802, if the device is a device with identification number 0, the data transmission control module transmits a beacon signal on the Ethernet to synchronize the device on the Ethernet. Otherwise, the device waits for a beacon signal from the device with identification number 0.

[0174] In the second step 804, the device counter D is initialized to 0. At this point, the hold signal is asserted to prevent the media access control module from transmitting signals.

[0175] In the third step 806, the device counter D is tested to see if it is equal to the identity number I.

[0176] If not, then it is a transmission opportunity for another device with an identity number equal to device counter D. In this case, processing continues at step 808, where the device waits for a predetermined time and tests 809 to see if data has been received on the Ethernet. The received data may be an assertion that the device with an identity number equal to device counter D wishes to transmit, or alternatively, the data may be the opening of an Ethernet frame.

[0177] If data is received, the device waits at step 810 for the Ethernet frame to be transmitted and for the transmission to complete. If the Ethernet frame includes an indication in its header that it is intended for use by the device, the Ethernet frame is passed to the MAC for processing.

[0178] After receiving the Ethernet frame in step 810, the device counter is incremented by 1 in step 812. Note that this step is also performed after the processing discussed below, if the device counter D is indeed equal to the identity number I, then the processing is triggered.

[0179] At step 814, it is tested whether the device counter D has reached N. If so, the process returns to the first step 802. Otherwise, the process returns to step 806. Therefore, the device counter counts up to give each device a transmission opportunity in turn. Note that the counting is done separately by each device; the predetermined time is the same for each device.

[0180] If the test indicates that the device counter is equal to the identity number I in the third step, then the process continues in step 820, where the hold signal is not asserted.

[0181] If the MAC has data to transmit, it will now begin transmitting the data. The data is routed through the data transmission control module, which does not buffer the data but simply checks (step 822) to see if the MAC has transmitted the data within the predetermined time. Since this example involves Ethernet, the data will be in the form of Ethernet frames.

[0182] If no data is transmitted within the predetermined time, the hold signal is re-asserted (step 824) and then the process proceeds to step 812.

[0183] Otherwise, the data transmission control module waits for the Ethernet frame transmission to finish at step 826. Only after this does the process proceed to step 824 to reassert the hold signal and continue.

[0184] It should be noted that this method is fully compatible with 10 Base T1S because the signals on the line are exactly the same as those defined by the standard. However, the internal processing is slightly different; the internal state machine has the same effect on the Ethernet line as that presented in the standard, but is different from that presented in the standard.

[0185] While the above description discussed counting upwards, the device counter can alternatively count downwards. For example, the device counter can be initialized to an identity number in step 804. Instead of counting upwards, the device counter can count downwards. In this alternative example, a transmission opportunity occurs when the device counter reaches zero. This can simplify some hardware implementations because a unique identity number is thus required only during initialization step 804, which occurs once per complete cycle, instead of at test step 806 which occurs in every cycle.

[0186] Reference Figure 9 Now, another example will be described. In this example, the transfer ready signal from the MAC to the PHY is additionally provided in... Figure 9 The transmission is ready on the line indicated as FR.

[0187] The transmit-ready signal is sent by the MAC to indicate that a frame is available and ready for transmission. Typically, this signal is triggered when a frame ready for transmission is present in the MAC's FIFO buffer.

[0188] Reference Figures 10 to 13 Now another example will be described, in which the semiconductor device has both a hold signal and a transmission ready signal.

[0189] Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the device; the additional signal lines are indicated: the frame availability signal will be referred to as txFrameAvailH, and the hold signal will be referred to as miiTXDHoldH. Note that PLCA 310 performs the same operation as in... Figure 3 It has the same function as the Data Transmission Control Module (DTCM) 310, which acts as the Synchronization Sublayer (RS).

[0190] Note that in this device, the use of the frame availability signal txFrameAvailH and the hold signal miiTXDHoldH is optional and can be controlled by registers that control the PLCA. This allows the PLCA to be used with legacy equipment, including legacy MACs that do not provide the additional functionality of these two lines.

[0191] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the use of txFrameAvailH in an arrangement with a carrier sense signal (CRS). The top row shows the tick number. The second row shows the master clock frequency, 1MHz. The third row shows the transmission clock, TX_CLK, as defined in the standard, and in this case, it is 2.5MHz. The fourth row shows the MAC TX_EN signal, the fifth row shows the four-bit transmission data signal MAC_TXD[3,0], the sixth row shows txFrameAvailH, and the last row shows the CRS signal.

[0192] The sequence of events used for transmission is as follows.

[0193] 1. Frames become available in the MAC.

[0194] 2. The MAC assertion txFrameAvailH indicates that the frame is ready for transmission.

[0195] 3. CRS was asserted during tick 1 and tick 2, preventing frame transmission.

[0196] 4. At point 3, cancel CRS and allow MAC to begin transmission processing.

[0197] 5. The MAC waits for the inter-packet interval IPG from tick 3 to tick 12, which is 9.6 μs. This ensures that packets used for transmission are not transmitted too quickly.

[0198] 6. Once the first nibble crosses the MII interface between the MAC and PLCA, if there are no other frames pending, the transmission begins at tick 12 and txFrameAvailH is canceled; if there are other frames pending, the assertion txFrameAvailH is maintained until the last frame crosses the MII interface.

[0199] Figure 12 The illustration shows the use of txFrameAvailH in an arrangement without carrier sensing signals. These signals are related to... Figure 11 The same applies to the previous one. Note that in this case, transmission starts faster because there is no waiting time for the IPG. Conversely, transmission starts after the delay time determined by the transmission process.

[0200] Note that this method works slightly differently from the standard 10-Base T1S method between the MAC and PHY. Specifically, in the standard method, a nibble is transmitted from the MAC to the PLCA, and this notifies the PLCA that the frame is ready for transmission. Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 Such transmission is not required in this method because the frame availability signal works instead. At some point after the frame availability signal is received, it is the PLCA's turn to transmit, and then this communication is sent back to the MAC, so that the MAC starts transmitting the frame half-byte at some point when the PLCA can forward the signal (half-byte) to the PHY and thus forward to the 10 Base T1S link.

[0201] Importantly, this difference in the internal operation of MAC and PLCA is transparent and does not make a difference to each other node on the network; other nodes simply see a standard 10 Base T1S node, although it is a node that can operate slightly faster and more efficiently.

[0202] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the use of the miiTXDHoldH signal in addition to the txFrameAvailH signal. Figure 11The same signal is illustrated along with the additional signal line miiTXDHoldH, which is sent back to the MAC by the PLCA to apply backpressure to the transmission of data nibbles by instructing the MAC to hold the current nibbles. This allows the PLCA to apply backpressure without using the CRS or COL signals. In particular, the COL signal is used only to signal actual collisions. This means that the MAC does not need to wait for a backoff time when the miiTXDHoldH signal is asserted. Conversely, in the conventional 10 Base T1S method, the PLCA uses the COL signal for signaling even when no actual collision exists, thus requiring the MAC to unnecessarily wait for a backoff time in the absence of an actual collision. In the method described herein, data transmission can begin immediately when the miiTXDHoldH signal is withdrawn.

[0203] Additionally, note that the MAC can immediately resume transmission when the signal miiTXDHoldH is withdrawn. In the standard 10 Base T1S method, the MAC is inserted into the IPG. In the arrangement described here, if it is required to maintain the inter-packet gap requirements of the 10 Base T1S standard, the PLCA may need to insert an IPG.

[0204] The sequence of events used for transmission is as follows.

[0205] 1. The frame becomes available in the MAC, and the MAC provides a nibble with a value of 5 (shown as 5a).

[0206] 2. The MAC assertion txFrameAvailH indicates that the frame is ready in Figure 13 Transmitted at tk30 in the middle.

[0207] 3. In response, at tk 31, assert miiTXDHoldH to hold half a byte 5 (shown as 5b) on the bus.

[0208] Note that miiTXDHoldH can assert against N clock ticks, and once not asserted, it will not assert again against that frame for that transmission attempt. The miiTXDHoldH signal should assert before the first nibble of the frame's preamble, not after that nibble has crossed into the PHY. The miiTXDHoldH signal can assert before TX_EN is asserted and does not prevent TX_EN assertions.

[0209] Note that in this example, no buffer is required in the PLCA; all buffering can be performed in the MAC and is controlled using signals as described above. This arrangement, which uses one or more additional signals instead of buffers in the PLCA, reduces jitter in signal transmission.

[0210] The use of the frame-available signal and hold signal can be optional; in particular, the PLCA block can be configured to use or not use signals, for example, via register entries. This allows the PLCA block to be used with conventional MACs that do not use the frame-available signal, as well as with MACs that use one or both of these signals. Furthermore, the use of signals can be determined separately, so that these signals are not used, or one or both of these signals can be used in any particular design.

[0211] In addition to the examples described above, the following examples are also disclosed.

[0212] Example 1: A data transmission control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, via a shared communication medium. The data transmission control module is configured to, at least when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device to transmit a first data packet: Outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, a hold signal is continuously asserted to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0213] Example 2. A data transmission control module as in Example 1, wherein the data transmission control module cannot receive and buffer the first data packet from the media access control module for communication via a shared communication medium.

[0214] Example 3. A data transmission control module as in any of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the data transmission control module is configured to withdraw the hold signal from the media access control module at the start of each transmission opportunity.

[0215] Example 4. A data transmission control module as in any of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the data transmission control module is configured to: withdraw the hold signal to the media access control module after a first predefined inter-packet gap has elapsed following the start of each transmission opportunity.

[0216] Example 5. A data transmission control module as in any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to monitor indications from the media access control module to determine whether a first data packet to be transmitted exists.

[0217] Example 6. A data transmission control module as in Example 5, wherein the data transmission control module is configured to assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device only in response to determining that a first data packet to be transmitted exists, outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0218] Example 7. A data transmission control module as in any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to: continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0219] Example 8. The data transmission control module of Example 7, when subordinate to Example 6, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to: at each transmission opportunity for the electronic device, only in response to determining that a first data packet to be transmitted exists, the media access control module of the electronic device withdraws the holding signal.

[0220] Example 9. A data transmission control module as in Example 7, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to withdraw the holding signal from the media access control module at each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0221] Example 10. A media access control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, wherein the media access control module is configured to operate in a first mode: Monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; For transmitting the first data packet: In response to an assertion of a hold signal, transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module is prevented for communication via the shared communication medium; and In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0222] Example 11. A media access control module as in Example 10, wherein the media access control module is configured to operate in a first mode: When a first data packet to be transmitted is present, an instruction is provided to the data transmission control module of the electronic device; and The first data packet is transmitted only when the hold signal is withdrawn in response to an instruction provided to the data transmission control module.

[0223] Example 12. A media access control module as in Example 10 or 11, wherein the media access control module is configured to: when operating in the first mode, block any transmission of the first data packet to outside the media access control module until the hold signal is revoked.

[0224] Example 13. A media access control module as in any of Examples 10 to 12, wherein the media access control module is configured to record the time when a first data packet is transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0225] Example 14. A communication arrangement for an electronic device, comprising: Data transmission control modules such as any of Examples 1 to 9; and Media access control modules such as any of Examples 10 to 13.

[0226] Example 15. A communication arrangement as in Example 14, wherein the data transmission control module and the media access control module are formed from separable chiplets.

[0227] Example 16. A communication arrangement as in Example 14 or 15 further includes physical layer circuitry for connection to a shared communication medium, wherein the physical layer circuitry is configured to convert a first data packet into a physical signal for delivery over the shared communication medium.

[0228] Example 17. A communication arrangement as in Example 16, wherein the physical layer circuitry is connected to the data transmission control module via a medium-independent interface.

[0229] Example 18. A communication arrangement for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, wherein the communication arrangement includes: A media access control module is used to transmit a first data packet via a shared communication medium; Data transmission control module; and A hold line is configured to carry a hold signal, wherein the hold line is connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module; The data transmission control module is configured to, at least when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device to transmit a first data packet: In addition to asserting signal persistence for each transmission opportunity of the electronic device; and At each transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the hold signal is removed; Furthermore, the media access control module is configured to operate in the first mode as follows: Monitor and maintain signals; and For transmitting the first data packet: In response to an assertion of a hold signal, transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module is prevented for communication via the shared communication medium; and In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0230] Example 19. The communication arrangement as in Example 18 further includes a carrier sense line connecting the media access control module and the data transmission control module, wherein: The data transmission control module is configured as follows: In response to an indication that the shared communication medium is occupied, assert the carrier sense signal; and The carrier sensing signal is withdrawn in response to an indication that the shared communication medium is not occupied; and The media access control module is configured to prevent data transmission outside the media access control module in response to an assertion of a carrier sense signal for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0231] Example 20. A communication arrangement as in Example 18 or 19 further includes physical layer circuitry for connection to a shared communication medium, wherein the physical layer circuitry is configured to convert a first data packet into a physical signal for delivery over the shared communication medium.

[0232] Example 21. The communication arrangement of Example 20, when subordinate to Example 15, wherein the physical layer circuitry is configured as follows: Monitoring the occupancy of shared communication media to determine whether the shared communication media is occupied; and In response to determining that the shared communication medium is occupied, an indication that the shared communication medium is occupied is provided to the data transmission control module; and In response to determining that the shared communication medium is not occupied, an indication that the shared communication medium is not occupied is provided to the data transmission control module.

[0233] Example 22. A communication network comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each electronic device including a communication arrangement as in any of Examples 14 to 21, and communicatively connected via a shared communication medium.

[0234] Example 23. A communication network as in Example 22, where the shared communication medium is an Ethernet cable.

[0235] Example 24. A method of communication for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the method comprising: At least when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device that a first data packet is to be transmitted, outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, a continuous assertion hold signal is sent to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0236] Example 25. A communication method for a media access control module of an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device via a shared communication medium. include, When operating in the first mode, monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; For transmitting the first data packet: In response to the assertion of the hold signal, the transmission of the first data packet via the shared communication medium to outside the media access control module is prevented; and In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0237] Example 26. A method of communication for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device has a medium access control module for transmitting a first data packet via a shared communication medium, a data transmission control module, and a hold line connected between the medium access control module and the data transmission control module and configured to carry a hold signal, the electronic device being configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via the shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the method comprising: In the data transmission control module, a continuous assertion and hold signal is maintained outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the hold signal is canceled using the data transmission control module; and In the media access control module, when operating in the first mode: Monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; In the case of transmitting the first data packet: In response to the assertion of the hold signal, the transmission of the first data packet via the shared communication medium to outside the media access control module is prevented; and In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0238] Example 27. A method for performing Ethernet communication using an electronic device, the electronic device having a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a hold line configured to carry a hold signal connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module, and an Ethernet transceiver connected to an Ethernet link, the method comprising: Assertions maintain the signal; Sending or receiving beacon signals via an Ethernet transceiver; Initialize the device counter; The device counter is periodically passed through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; and When the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, the hold signal is withdrawn to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link.

[0239] Example 28. The method of Example 27 further includes: transmitting the Ethernet frame over the Ethernet link when the media access control has an Ethernet frame including a data packet to be transmitted and a hold signal is withdrawn to indicate that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity.

[0240] Example 29. A method as in Example 27 or 28, wherein the electronic device has a unique identity I, and the step of initializing the device counter initializes the device counter D to 0, the method comprising: incrementing the device counter D once per cycle, comparing the device counter D with the unique identity I, and identifying a transmission opportunity when the device counter D equals the unique identity I.

[0241] Example 30. A method as in Example 27 or 28, wherein the electronic device has a unique identity I, and the step of initializing the device counter initializes the device counter D to I, the method comprising: decrementing the device counter once per cycle, and identifying a transmission opportunity when the device counter D equals zero.

[0242] Example 31. The method of any of Examples 27 to 30 further includes: the data transmission control module continuously asserting a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device.

[0243] Example 32. The method of any one of Examples 27 to 31 further includes: the data transmission control module sending a trigger signal to the media access control module of the electronic device to indicate a transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

[0244] Example 33. A method as in any of Examples 27 through 32, wherein the media access control module: Monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; In response to an assertion of a hold signal, transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module is prevented for communication via the shared communication medium; and In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0245] Example 34. An electronic device having a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a hold line configured to carry a hold signal connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module, and an Ethernet transceiver for connecting to an Ethernet link, the electronic device being arranged as follows: Assertions maintain the signal; Sending or receiving beacon signals via an Ethernet transceiver; Initialize the device counter; The device counter is periodically passed through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; and When the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, the hold signal is withdrawn to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link.

[0246] Example 35. An electronic device as in Example 34, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device.

[0247] Example 36. A network comprising: An electronic device having a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a holding line connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module and configured to carry a holding signal, and an Ethernet transceiver; An Ethernet link, which is connected to an Ethernet transceiver; Other electronic devices connected to the Ethernet link; Each of the electronic devices and other devices is arranged as follows: Sending or receiving beacon signals via an Ethernet transceiver; Initialize the device counter; This causes the device counter to periodically pass through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; When the device counter corresponds to the electronic device or another device, the available data packets are transmitted; and Otherwise, when the device counter does not correspond to the electronic device or another device, it operates in receive mode to receive data packets; The electronic device is configured to remove the hold signal when the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, so as to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link.

[0248] Example 37. The network of Example 36 is a multipoint network having multiple of the other devices.

[0249] Example 38. A network as in Examples 36 or 37, wherein electronic devices are also arranged to transmit Ethernet frames via an Ethernet link when the media access control has an Ethernet frame including a data packet to be transmitted and a hold signal is withdrawn to indicate that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity.

[0250] Example 39. A network like Examples 36, 37, or 38, where electronic devices have a unique identity I and are arranged as follows: Initialize device counter D to 0. The device counter D increments once per cycle. Compare the device counter D with the unique identity I; and When the device counter D equals the unique identity I, a transmission opportunity is identified.

[0251] Example 40. A network like Examples 36, 37, or 38, where electronic devices have a unique identity I and are arranged as follows: Initialize the device counter D to I. The device counter D is decremented once per cycle. Compare the device counter D with 0; and A transmission opportunity is identified when the device counter D equals 0.

[0252] Example 41. A method for operating a network, comprising: An electronic device having a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a holding line connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module and configured to carry a holding signal, and an Ethernet transceiver; An Ethernet link, which is connected to an Ethernet transceiver; and Other electronic devices connected to the Ethernet link; The methods include: Initialize the device counter; This causes the device counter to periodically pass through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; When the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, the hold signal is withdrawn to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link. When the device counter corresponds to the electronic device or another device, the available data packets are transmitted; and Otherwise, when the device counter does not correspond to the electronic device or another device, it operates in receive mode to receive data packets.

[0253] Example 42. The communication arrangement as in Example 14 also includes: A hold signal line, connected between the data transmission control module and the media access control module, is used to transmit the hold signal from the data transmission control module to the media access control module; and A frame-available signal line is connected between the Media Access Control (MAC) module and the Data Transmission Control (DTC) module to transmit a hold signal from the MAC module to the DTC module.

[0254] Example 43. The communication arrangement as in Example 42 also includes: A collision detection signal line to the media access control module is provided for receiving a collision detection signal (COL) from the physical layer circuitry when a collision is detected on the data link, wherein the media access control module is configured to back off transmission within a predetermined backoff time when it receives the collision detection signal; and A carrier sense line to the media access control module is used to receive a carrier sense signal (CRS) when a signal transmitted by another node on the data link is detected, wherein the media access control module is arranged to wait for an inter-packet gap (IPG) after detecting an unasserted carrier sense signal and before transmitting the first data packet.

[0255] Example 44. A data transmission control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, via a shared communication medium. The data transmission control module is configured as follows: Receive a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted from the media access control module of the electronic device; When a transmission opportunity for the electronic device occurs and a frame availability signal is asserted, a signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to induce the media access control module to transmit the first data packet. Receive the first data packet; and Transmit data packets forward to the shared communication network.

[0256] Example 45. A data transmission module as in Example 44, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to, at least when a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted has been received from the media access control module of the electronic device: Outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, a hold signal is continuously asserted to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0257] Example 46. A data transmission control module as in Example 44 or 45, The data transmission module is configured such that when a transmission opportunity occurs for the electronic device and the data transmission control module receives the first data packet, Data packets are transmitted directly forward without buffering them in the shared communication network.

[0258] Example 47. A communication method for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the method comprising: Receive a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted from the media access control module of the electronic device; When a transmission opportunity for the electronic device occurs and a frame availability signal is asserted, a signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to cause the media access control module to transmit a first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium. Receive the first data packet, and Transmit data packets forward to the shared communication network.

[0259] Example 48. The method, as in Example 47, also includes: At least when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device that a first data packet is to be transmitted, outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, a continuous assertion hold signal is sent to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0260] Example 49. A media access control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, wherein the media access control module is configured to operate in a first mode: When the media access control signal has a frame available for transmission, the transmission frame available signal is used, and the frame includes a first data packet; Monitor the signals received from the data transmission control module; For transmitting the first data packet: In response to the monitored signal, the transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium is prevented until the signal indicates that the data transmission control module is ready to transmit, and then the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

[0261] Example 50. A communication arrangement for an electronic device, comprising: Data transmission control module; Media access control module; A hold signal line, connected between the data transmission control module and the media access control module, is used to transmit the hold signal from the data transmission control module to the media access control module; and A frame-available signal line is connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module to transmit a hold signal from the media access control module to the data transmission control module; wherein This data transmission control module is configured as follows: Receive a frame availability signal from the media access control module of the electronic device indicating that a first data packet is to be transmitted along the frame availability signal line; In addition to each transmission opportunity for the electronic device, a hold signal is continuously asserted along the hold signal line to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet. When a transmission opportunity occurs for an electronic device and a frame availability signal is asserted, the media access control module of the electronic device does not assert a hold signal, causing the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium. Receive the first data packet, and Transmit data packets forward to the shared communication network.

[0262] Example 51. A communication arrangement for an electronic device, as in Example 50; It also includes physical layer circuitry for driving the data link, wherein a data transmission control module is provided between the physical layer circuitry and the media access control module; A collision detection signal line from the physical layer circuitry to the media access control module, wherein the physical layer circuitry is configured to send a collision detection signal (COL) when it detects a collision on the data link, and the media access control module is configured to back off transmission within a predetermined backoff time when it receives the collision detection signal; and From the physical layer circuitry to the carrier sense line of the media access control module, wherein the physical layer is configured to transmit a carrier sense signal (CRS) when it detects a signal from another node on the data link, and wherein the media access control module is configured to wait for an inter-packet gap (IPG) after detecting an unasserted carrier sense signal and before transmitting the first data packet.

[0263] Example 52. A data transmission control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, via a shared communication medium. The data transmission control module does not have a buffer. It is configured to directly transmit data received from the media access control for transmission over the shared communication medium. Furthermore, the data transmission control module is configured as follows: When a transmission opportunity arises for the electronic device, a signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to cause the media access control module to transmit a first data packet outside the media access control module in order to conduct communication via the shared communication medium. Receive the first data packet; and In the next clock cycle, data packets are transmitted forward to the shared communication network.

[0264] Example 53. A data transmission control module as in Example 52, wherein the data transmission control module is configured to receive a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted from the media access control module of the electronic device; and When a transmission opportunity for an electronic device occurs, but only when a frame availability signal is asserted, the signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to induce the media access control module to transmit a first data packet.

[0265] Example 54. A data transmission module as in Example 53, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to: after receiving a frame available signal outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

[0266] While specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various alternatives and / or equivalent implementations may be made in place of the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein, and therefore, the invention is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0267] It should be noted that modules, devices, arrangements, and methods, including those with preferred embodiments outlined in this document, can be used alone or in combination with other modules, devices, arrangements, and methods disclosed in this document. Furthermore, features outlined in the context of a module, device, and / or arrangement are also applicable to the corresponding method, and vice versa. Moreover, all aspects of the modules, devices, arrangements, and methods outlined in this document can be combined arbitrarily. In particular, features in the claims can be combined with other features in any manner.

[0268] It should be noted that the description and accompanying drawings only illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements, which, while not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and embodiments outlined in this document are primarily intended for illustrative purposes only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Moreover, all statements herein providing the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to cover their equivalents.

Claims

1. A data transmission control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, via a shared communication medium. The data transmission control module is configured to, at least when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device to transmit a first data packet: Outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, a hold signal is continuously asserted to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

2. The data transmission control module as described in claim 1, wherein the data transmission control module cannot receive and buffer the first data packet from the medium access control module for communication via a shared communication medium.

3. The data transmission control module as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the data transmission control module is configured to withdraw the holding signal from the media access control module at the start of each transmission opportunity.

4. The data transmission control module as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the data transmission control module is configured to: withdraw the hold signal to the media access control module after a first predetermined inter-packet gap has elapsed following the start of each transmission opportunity.

5. The data transmission control module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to: continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

6. A media access control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, wherein the media access control module is configured to operate in a first mode: Monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; For transmitting the first data packet: In response to an assertion of a hold signal, transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module is prevented for communication via the shared communication medium; and In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

7. The media access control module of claim 6, wherein the media access control module is configured to operate in the first mode as follows: When a first data packet to be transmitted is present, an instruction is provided to the data transmission control module of the electronic device; and The first data packet is transmitted only when the hold signal is withdrawn in response to an instruction provided to the data transmission control module.

8. The media access control module as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the media access control module is configured to: when operating in the first mode, block any transmission of the first data packet to outside the media access control module until the hold signal is revoked.

9. The media access control module as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the media access control module is configured to record the time when the first data packet is transmitted outside the media access control module.

10. A communication arrangement for an electronic device, comprising: The data transmission control module as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; as well as The media access control module as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. The communication arrangement of claim 10, wherein the data transmission control module and the media access control module are formed from separable chiplets.

12. The communication arrangement of claim 10 or 11 further includes physical layer circuitry for connection to a shared communication medium, wherein the physical layer circuitry is configured to convert the first data packet into a physical signal for delivery over the shared communication medium.

13. The communication arrangement of claim 12, wherein the physical layer circuitry is connected to the data transmission control module via a medium-independent interface.

14. The communication arrangement as described in claim 10, 11, 12, or 13, further comprising: A hold signal line is connected between the data transmission control module and the media access control module to transmit the hold signal from the data transmission control module to the media access control module; as well as A frame-available signal line is connected between the Media Access Control (MAC) module and the Data Transmission Control (DTC) module to transmit a hold signal from the MAC module to the DTC module.

15. The communication arrangement of claim 14, further comprising: A collision detection signal line to the media access control module is used to receive a collision detection signal (COL) from the physical layer circuit when a collision is detected on the data link, wherein the media access control module is arranged to back off transmission within a predetermined backoff time when it receives the collision detection signal. as well as A carrier sense line to the media access control module is used to receive a carrier sense signal (CRS) when a signal transmitted by another node on the data link is detected, wherein the media access control module is arranged to wait for an inter-packet gap (IPG) after detecting an unasserted carrier sense signal and before transmitting the first data packet.

16. A communication network comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each electronic device including the communication arrangement as described in any one of claims 10 to 15, and communicatively connected via a shared communication medium.

17. The communication network of claim 16, wherein the shared communication medium is an Ethernet cable.

18. A method of communication for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the method comprising: At least when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device that a first data packet is to be transmitted, an assertion hold signal is continuously sent to the media access control module outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium. as well as At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

19. A communication method for a media access control module of an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, via a shared communication medium. include, When operating in the first mode, monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; For transmitting the first data packet: In response to the assertion of the hold signal, the transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module via the shared communication medium is prevented. as well as In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data message is immediately transmitted to the media access control module.

20. A method of communication for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device has a medium access control module for transmitting a first data packet via a shared communication medium, a data transmission control module, and a hold line connected between the medium access control module and the data transmission control module and configured to carry a hold signal, the electronic device being configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via the shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the method comprising: In the data transmission control module, an assertion is continuously made to maintain the signal in addition to each transmission opportunity for the electronic device; as well as At each transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the data transmission control module cancels the hold signal; as well as In the media access control module, when operating in the first mode: Monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; In the case of transmitting the first data packet: In response to the assertion of the hold signal, the transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module via the shared communication medium is prevented. as well as In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

21. A method for performing Ethernet communication using an electronic device, the electronic device having a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a hold line configured to carry a hold signal connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module, and an Ethernet transceiver connected to an Ethernet link, the method comprising: Assertions maintain the signal; Sending or receiving beacon signals via an Ethernet transceiver; Initialize the device counter; This causes the device counter to periodically pass through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; as well as When the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, the hold signal is withdrawn to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: Ethernet frames are transmitted over an Ethernet link when the media access control has an Ethernet frame containing the data packet to be transmitted and the hold signal is withdrawn to indicate that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the electronic device has a unique identity I, and the step of initializing the device counter initializes the device counter D to 0, the method comprising: The device counter D is incremented once per cycle, and the device counter D is compared with the unique identity I. When the device counter D equals the unique identity I, a transmission opportunity is identified.

24. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the electronic device has a unique identity I, and the step of initializing the device counter initializes the device counter D to I, the method comprising: The device counter is decremented once per cycle, and a transmission opportunity is indicated when the device counter D equals zero.

25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising: The data transmission control module continuously asserts a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device for each transmission opportunity of the electronic device.

26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 25, further comprising: The data transmission control module sends a trigger signal to the media access control module of the electronic device to indicate a transmission opportunity for the electronic device.

27. The method of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the media access control module: Monitor the hold signal received from the data transmission control module; In response to an assertion of a hold signal, transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module is prevented for communication via the shared communication medium; and In response to the cancellation of the hold signal, the first data packet is immediately transmitted outside the media access control module.

28. An electronic device comprising a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a holding line configured to carry a holding signal connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module, and an Ethernet transceiver for connection to an Ethernet link, the electronic device being arranged as follows: Assertions maintain the signal; Sending or receiving beacon signals via an Ethernet transceiver; Initialize the device counter; The device counter is periodically passed through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; and When the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, the hold signal is withdrawn to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link.

29. The electronic device of claim 28, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module of the electronic device outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device.

30. A network comprising: An electronic device having a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a holding line connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module and configured to carry a holding signal, and an Ethernet transceiver; An Ethernet link, which is connected to an Ethernet transceiver; Other electronic devices connected to the Ethernet link; Each of the electronic devices and other devices is arranged as follows: Sending or receiving beacon signals via an Ethernet transceiver; Initialize the device counter; This causes the device counter to periodically pass through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; When the device counter corresponds to the electronic device or another device, a usable data packet is transmitted; as well as Otherwise, when the device counter does not correspond to the electronic device or another device, it operates in receive mode to receive data packets; The electronic device is configured to remove the hold signal when the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, so as to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link.

31. The network of claim 30 is a multipoint network having a plurality of the other devices.

32. The network of claim 30 or 31, wherein the electronic device is further arranged to transmit the Ethernet frame via the Ethernet link when the media access control has an Ethernet frame including a data packet to be transmitted and a hold signal is withdrawn to indicate that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity.

33. The network of claim 30, 31, or 32, wherein the electronic device has a unique identity I and is arranged such that: Initialize device counter D to 0. The device counter D increments once per cycle. Compare the device counter D with the unique identity I; and When the device counter D equals the unique identity I, a transmission opportunity is identified.

34. The network of claim 30, 31, or 32, wherein the electronic device has a unique identity I and is arranged such that: Initialize the device counter D to I. The device counter D is decremented once per cycle. Compare the device counter D with 0; and A transmission opportunity is identified when the device counter D equals 0.

35. A method for operating a network, comprising: An electronic device having a media access control module, a data transmission control module, and a holding line connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module and configured to carry a holding signal, and an Ethernet transceiver; An Ethernet link, which is connected to an Ethernet transceiver; as well as Other electronic devices connected to the Ethernet link; The methods include: Initialize the device counter; This causes the device counter to periodically pass through a set of values ​​corresponding to the devices on the Ethernet link; When the device counter indicates that the electronic device has a transmission opportunity, the hold signal is withdrawn to allow the media access control module to transmit data packets via the Ethernet link. When the device counter corresponds to the electronic device or another device, the available data packets are transmitted; and Otherwise, when the device counter does not correspond to the electronic device or another device, it operates in receive mode to receive data packets.

36. A data transmission control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, via a shared communication medium. The data transmission control module is configured as follows: Receive a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted from the media access control module of the electronic device; When a transmission opportunity for the electronic device occurs and a frame availability signal is asserted, a signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to induce the media access control module to transmit the first data packet. Receive the first data packet; and Transmit data packets forward to the shared communication network.

37. The data transmission module of claim 36, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to: at least when a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted has been received from the media access control module of the electronic device: Outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, a hold signal is continuously asserted to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

38. The data transmission control module as described in claim 36 or 37, The data transmission module is configured such that when a transmission opportunity occurs for the electronic device and the data transmission control module receives the first data packet, Data packets are transmitted directly forward without buffering them in the shared communication network.

39. A communication method for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, the method comprising: Receive a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted from the media access control module of the electronic device; When a transmission opportunity for the electronic device occurs and a frame availability signal is asserted, a signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to cause the media access control module to transmit a first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium. Receive the first data packet, and Transmit data packets forward to the shared communication network.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: At least when there is an indication from the media access control module of the electronic device that a first data packet is to be transmitted, an assertion hold signal is continuously sent to the media access control module outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium. as well as At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

41. A media access control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, wherein the media access control module is configured to operate in a first mode: When the media access control signal has a frame available for transmission, the transmission frame available signal is used, and the frame includes a first data packet; Monitor the signals received from the data transmission control module; In response to the monitored signal, the transmission of the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium is prevented until the signal indicates that the data transmission control module is ready to transmit, and then the first data packet is transmitted outside the media access control module.

42. A communication arrangement for an electronic device, comprising: Data transmission control module; Media access control module; A hold signal line is connected between the data transmission control module and the media access control module to transmit the hold signal from the data transmission control module to the media access control module; as well as A frame-available signal line is connected between the media access control module and the data transmission control module to transmit a hold signal from the media access control module to the data transmission control module; wherein the data transmission control module is configured to: Receive a frame availability signal from the media access control module of the electronic device indicating that a first data packet is to be transmitted along the frame availability signal line; In addition to each transmission opportunity for the electronic device, a hold signal is continuously asserted along the hold signal line to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet. When a transmission opportunity occurs for an electronic device and a frame availability signal is asserted, the media access control module of the electronic device does not assert a hold signal, causing the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium. Receive the first data packet, and Transmit data packets forward to the shared communication network.

43. The communication arrangement for an electronic device as described in claim 42, It also includes physical layer circuitry for driving the data link, wherein a data transmission control module is provided between the physical layer circuitry and the media access control module; From the physical layer circuitry to the media access control module, the collision detection signal line is provided, wherein the physical layer circuitry is configured to send a collision detection signal (COL) when it detects a collision on the data link, and the media access control module is configured to back off transmission within a predetermined backoff time when it receives the collision detection signal. as well as From the physical layer circuitry to the carrier sense line of the media access control module, wherein the physical layer is configured to transmit a carrier sense signal (CRS) when it detects a signal from another node on the data link, and wherein the media access control module is configured to wait for an inter-packet gap (IPG) after detecting an unasserted carrier sense signal and before transmitting the first data packet.

44. A data transmission control module for an electronic device in a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network only during any transmission opportunity for the electronic device, via a shared communication medium. The data transmission control module does not have a buffer. It is configured to directly transmit data received from the media access control for transmission over the shared communication medium. Furthermore, the data transmission control module is configured as follows: When a transmission opportunity arises for the electronic device, a signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to cause the media access control module to transmit a first data packet outside the media access control module in order to conduct communication via the shared communication medium. Receive the first data packet; and In the next clock cycle, data packets are transmitted forward to the shared communication network.

45. The data transmission control module of claim 44, wherein the data transmission control module is configured to receive a frame availability signal indicating the presence of a first data packet to be transmitted from the media access control module of the electronic device; and When a transmission opportunity for an electronic device occurs, but only when a frame availability signal is asserted, the signal is sent to the media access control module of the electronic device to induce the media access control module to transmit a first data packet.

46. ​​The data transmission module of claim 45, wherein the data transmission control module is further configured to: after receiving a frame available signal outside of each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, continuously assert a hold signal to the media access control module to prevent the media access control module from transmitting the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium; and At each transmission opportunity of the electronic device, the holding signal is removed from the media access control module of the electronic device to allow the media access control module to transmit the first data packet outside the media access control module for communication via the shared communication medium.

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