Communication system

Abstract

A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: an I3C device unit that generates an I3C command and data; and a communication device unit that, using a protocol other than I3C, uses a payload to transmit the I3C command and data to another communication device via a bus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to Communication system this.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a bus IF (Interface) used for communication within a board on which a plurality of devices are mounted, for example, I 2 C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) has been widely used. In recent years, there has been a demand for higher speed of I 2 C, and the standardization of I3C (Improved Inter Integrated Circuit) as a next-generation standard is in progress. For example, a communication system using I3C is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] By the way, in order to realize various communications, it is required to transmit I3C commands and data using a protocol different from I3C. Therefore, it is desirable to provide Communication system the possibility of transmitting I3C commands and data using a protocol different from I3C.

[0009] The communication system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first communication device and a second communication device that communicate via a bus. The first communication device includes an I3C device unit that generates I3C commands and data, and a communication device unit that transmits the I3C commands and data to other communication devices via a bus using a payload in a protocol different from I3C.

[0010] In the communication system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, I3C commands and data are transmitted from a first communication device to a second communication device via a bus using a payload in a protocol different from I3C. In this way, by using the payload, I3C commands and data can be transmitted in a protocol different from I3C.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description is a specific example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following aspects.

[0013] <Configuration Example of Communication System> FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration example of a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, for example, and includes a sensor device 10 and a control device 20. The sensor device 10 and the control device 20 are connected to each other via a bus 30. For signal transmission between the sensor device 10 and the control device 20 via the bus 30, A-PHY, which is a physical layer standard developed by the MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) Alliance, is used. In A-PHY, for example, it is assumed to support a transmission distance of up to 15 m.

[0014] The sensor device 10 has, for example, an image sensor 11 (CIS) and a communication device 12. The image sensor 11 is connected to the communication device 12 via a bus conforming to the I3C standard. The control device 20 has, for example, a communication device 21 and an application processor 22 (AP). The application processor 22 is connected to the communication device 21 via a bus conforming to the I3C standard. Communication between the communication device 12 and the communication device 21 is performed via the bus 30 in accordance with the A-PHY standard.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows an example of a frame format and a packet format used in communication conforming to the A-PHY standard in communication system 1.

[0016] For example, in the frame format for transmitting an image for one frame, packets storing the data for each line of the image are generated between a frame start (FS) indicating the start of the frame and a frame end (FE) indicating the end of the frame, or packets storing the data for each divided portion of the line are generated for each divided portion of the line.

[0017] In the packet format in A-PHY, a packet header is arranged at the head and a packet tail is arranged at the tail. And a payload for storing data is arranged between the packet header and the packet tail. The packet tail includes, for example, PHY CRC-32. The packet header includes, for example, Adaptation Descriptor, Service Descripotor, Placement Descriptor, PHY2, Target Address, PHY3, Payload Length, and PHY Header CRC. The Adaptation Descriptor includes, for example, Adaptation Type Value. Examples of the Adaptation Type Value include I 2 C, I3C, GPIO, etc. In this specification, it is assumed that I3C is set as the Adaptation Type Value.

[0018] <Functional Blocks of Communication Devices 12 and 21> FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional blocks of communication devices 12 and 21.

[0019] The communication device 12 includes, for example, conversion units 12a, 12b, 12c, a scrambler 12d, a decoder 12e, an encoder 12f, a transmitter 12g, and a receiver 12h. The communication device 21 includes, for example, a receiver 21a, a transmitter 21b, a descrambler 21c, an encoder 21d, a decoder 21e, and conversion units 21f, 21g, 21h.

[0020] The conversion unit 12a acquires I3C image data from the image sensor 11 and generates I3C commands. The conversion unit 12a further converts the I3C image data and commands into transmission data of A-PHY (a protocol different from I3C) and outputs the data to the scrambler 12d. The conversion unit 12b converts the A-PHY transmission data input from the decoder 12e into I3C data and commands and outputs the data to the image sensor 11. The conversion unit 12c acquires I3C image data from the image sensor 11 and generates I3C commands. The conversion unit 12c further converts the I3C image data and commands into A-PHY transmission data and outputs the data to the encoder 12f.

[0021] The scrambler 12d scrambles the A-PHY transmission data input from the conversion unit 12a and outputs the data to the transmitter 12g. The decoder 12e decodes the A-PHY transmission data input from the receiver 12h and outputs the data to the conversion unit 12b. The encoder 12f encodes the A-PHY transmission data input from the conversion unit 12c and outputs the data to the transmitter 12g. The transmitter 12g transmits the A-PHY transmission data input from the scrambler 12d or the encoder 21d to the communication device 21 via the bus 30. The receiver 12h receives the A-PHY transmission data transmitted from the communication device 21 via the bus 30 and outputs the data to the decoder 12e.

[0022] The receiver 21a receives the A-PHY transmission data transmitted from the communication device 12 via the bus 30 and outputs it to the descrambler 21c or the decoder 21e. The transmitter 21b transmits the A-PHY transmission data input from the encoder 21d to the communication device 12 via the bus 30. The descrambler 21c descrambles the A-PHY transmission data input from the receiver 21a and outputs it to the conversion unit 21f. The encoder 21d encodes the A-PHY transmission data input from the conversion unit 21g and outputs it to the transmitter 21b. The decoder 21e decodes the A-PHY transmission data input from the receiver 21a and outputs it to the conversion unit 21h.

[0023] The conversion unit 21f converts the A-PHY transmission data input from the descrambler 21c into I3C image data and commands, and transmits it to the application processor 22. The conversion unit 21g converts the I3C data and commands transmitted from the application processor 22 into A-PHY transmission data, and outputs it to the encoder 21d. The conversion unit 21h converts the A-PHY transmission data input from the decoder 21e into I3C image data and commands, and transmits it to the application processor 22.

[0024] <Hierarchical structure of communication devices 12 and 21> FIG. 4 shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the communication devices 12 and 21.

[0025] The communication device 12 has, for example, an application layer (AP layer) 31 as the top layer and an application program interface layer (API layer) 32 as the layer below the AP layer 31. The communication device 12 further has, for example, a LINK layer 33 as the layer below the API layer 32 and a PHY layer 34 as the bottom layer. The API layer 32 includes a Read section 32a and a Write section 32b. The communication device 21 has, for example, an application layer (AP layer) 41 as the top layer and an application program interface layer (API layer) 42 as the layer below the AP layer 41. The communication device 21 further has, for example, a LINK layer 43 as the layer below the API layer 42 and a PHY layer 44 as the bottom layer. The API layer 42 includes a Read section 42a and a Write section 42b.

[0026] The AP layer 31 generates data, commands, etc. and provides them to the API layer 32. The API layer 32 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 33 and the PHY layer 34. The API layer 32 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 33 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. The Read section 32a converts, for example, the Read data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 33 and the PHY layer 34. The Read section 32a converts, for example, the data, Read commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 33 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. The Write section 32b converts, for example, the data, Write commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 33 and the PHY layer 34. The Write section 32b converts, for example, the Write data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 33 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. The LINK layer 33 secures a physical communication path with the communication partner and performs contention control, etc. The PHY layer 34 performs physical interconnection with the PHY layer 44.

[0027] The AP layer 41 generates data, commands, etc. and provides them to the API layer 42. The API layer 42 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 41 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 43 and the PHY layer 44. The API layer 42 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 43 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. The Read section 42a, for example, converts the Read data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 41 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 43 and the PHY layer 44. The Read section 42a, for example, converts the data, Read commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 43 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. The Write section 42b, for example, converts the data, Write commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 41 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 43 and the PHY layer 44. The Write section 42b, for example, converts the Write data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 43 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. The LINK layer 43 ensures a physical communication path with the communication partner and performs collision control, etc. The PHY layer 44 performs physical interconnection with the PHY layer 34.

[0028] <Data Transmission> Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, a schematic description will be given of the data transmission process executed in the communication system 1. FIG. 5 shows an example of a flowchart of the write process executed in the communication system 1. FIGS. 6 and 7 show examples of flowcharts of the read process executed in the communication system 1. FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples of flowcharts of the error process when the read fails when the read process is executed in the communication system 1.

[0029] In FIGS. 5 to 9, "12A" is the I3C device section in communication device 12, and "12B" is the A-PHY device section in communication device 12. Also, in FIGS. 5 to 9, "21A" is the A-PHY device section in communication device 21, and "21B" is the I3C device section in communication device 21.

[0030] The I3C device section 12A is a circuit that executes data processing based on the I3C standard. The I3C device section 12A, for example, acquires I3C image data from the image sensor 11, generates I3C commands and data, and outputs them to the A-PHY device section 12B. The A-PHY device section 12B is a MIPI A-PHY circuit that converts the I3C data and commands input from the I3C device section 12A into A-PHY and transmits them to the A-PHY device section 21A, or converts the A-PHY data and commands transmitted from the A-PHY device section 21A into I3C data and commands and outputs them to the I3C device section 12A. The A-PHY device section 12B transmits an I3C command to the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the MIPI A-PHY circuit.

[0031] The I3C device section 21B is a circuit that executes data processing based on the I3C standard. The I3C device section 21B, for example, generates I3C data and commands, and outputs the generated I3C data and commands to the A-PHY device section 21A. The A-PHY device section 21A is a MIPI A-PHY circuit that converts the I3C data and commands input from the I3C device section 21B into A-PHY and transmits them to the A-PHY device section 12B, or converts the A-PHY data and commands transmitted from the A-PHY device section 12B into I3C data and commands and outputs them to the I3C device section 21B. The A-PHY device section 21A transmits an I3C command to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the MIPI A-PHY circuit.

[0032] (Writing process) First, with reference to FIG. 5, the write process executed in the communication system 1 will be described. First, the I3C device unit 21B generates an I3C command (S or Sr + I3C RESERVED BYTE (7’h7E) + R / W (0)) as a Write request command and transmits it to the A-PHY device unit 21A. When the A-PHY device unit 21A normally receives the Write request command, it returns an ACK to the I3C device unit 21B as a response to the reception of the Write request command.

[0033] When the I3C device unit 21B receives the ACK from the A-PHY device unit 21A, it transmits DATA including the I3C's Broadcast CCC (Common Command Code), the I3C's CCC Write command, and the I3C's Write data to the A-PHY device unit 21A together with the I3C's Broadcast CCC. When the A-PHY device unit 21A receives the I3C's Broadcast CCC and DATA, it encapsulates the Write request command and the DATA in the payload and transmits them as an A-PHY packet to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 21A transmits the Write request command, the I3C's CCC Write command, and the I3C's Write data to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30 using the payload in the A-PHY.

[0034] The A-PHY device unit 12B receives the A-PHY packet from the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 12B receives the A-PHY packet from the control device 20 (communication device 21) using the payload in the A-PHY via the bus 30. The A-PHY device unit 12B extracts the Write request command from the payload of the received A-PHY packet and transmits the extracted Write request command to the I3C device unit 12A. When the I3C device unit 12A normally receives the Write request command from the A-PHY device unit 12B, it returns an ACK to the A-PHY device unit 12B as a response to the reception of the Write request command.

[0035] When the A-PHY device unit 12B receives an ACK from the I3C device unit 12A, it transmits the I3C CCC Write command and the I3C Write data to the I3C device unit 12A. When the I3C device unit 12A receives the I3C CCC Write command and the I3C Write data from the A-PHY device unit 12B, it stores the received I3C Write data at a predetermined address. In this way, the write process in the communication system 1 is executed.

[0036] (Read process) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the read process executed in the communication system 1 will be described. First, the I3C device unit 21B generates an I3C command (S or Sr + I3C RESERVED BYTE (7’h7E) + R / W (0)) as a Read request command and transmits it to the A-PHY device unit 21A. When the A-PHY device unit 21A normally receives the Read request command, it returns an ACK to the I3C device unit 21B as a response to the reception of the Read request command.

[0037] When the I3C device unit 21B receives an ACK from the A-PHY device unit 21A, it transmits the I3C Directed CCC and the I3C Slave Address (RnW = 1) to the A-PHY device unit 21A. When the A-PHY device unit 21A normally receives the I3C Directed CCC and the Slave Address (RnW = 1), it returns an ACK to the I3C device unit 21B as a response. When the I3C device unit 21B receives an ACK from the A-PHY device unit 21A, it transmits the I3C CCC Direct Read command as DATA to the A-PHY device unit 21A. At this time, the I3C device unit 21B waits until an IBI command is sent from the A-PHY device unit 21A as a response to the I3C CCC Direct Read command.

[0038] When the A-PHY device unit 21A receives an I3C CCC Direct Read command, it encapsulates the Read request command and the I3C CCC Direct Read command in the payload, and transmits them as an A-PHY packet to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 21A transmits the Read request command and the I3C CCC Direct Read command to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30 in the A-PHY using the payload.

[0039] The A-PHY device unit 12B receives an A-PHY packet from the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 12B receives an A-PHY packet from the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30 in the A-PHY using the payload. The A-PHY device unit 12B extracts the Read request command from the payload of the received A-PHY packet and transmits the extracted Read request command to the I3C device unit 12A. When the I3C device unit 12A normally receives the Read request command from the A-PHY device unit 12B, it returns ACK to the A-PHY device unit 12B as a response to the reception of the Read request command.

[0040] When the A-PHY device unit 12B receives ACK from the I3C device unit 12A, it transmits the I3C CCC Direct Read command to the I3C device unit 12A. When the I3C device unit 12A receives the I3C CCC Direct Read command from the A-PHY device unit 12B, it acquires the I3C Read data, and transmits the acquired I3C Read data and the IBI (In-Band Interrupt) command to the A-PHY device unit 12B.

[0041] When the A-PHY device unit 12B receives I3C Read data together with an IBI command, it encapsulates the I3C Read data in the payload and transmits it as an A-PHY packet to the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 12B transmits, as a response to the A-PHY packet received from the control device 20 (communication device 21), an A-PHY packet including the I3C Read data to the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30 in the A-PHY using the payload.

[0042] When the A-PHY device unit 21A receives an A-PHY packet from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30 as a response to the transmission of a Read request command or the like, it extracts the I3C Read data from the payload of the A-PHY packet and transmits the extracted I3C Read data to the I3C device unit 21B together with the IBI command. When the I3C device unit 21B receives the I3C Read data together with the IBI command, it stores the received I3C Read data in a predetermined address. In this way, the read process in the communication system 1 is executed.

[0043] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, another example of the read process executed in the communication system 1 will be described. In this read process, until the I3C device unit 21B transmits the I3C CCC Direct Read command to the A-PHY device unit 21A in the above-described read process, the same process is executed. Therefore, hereinafter, the subsequent process will be described.

[0044] After the I3C device unit 21B transmits the I3C CCC Direct Read command to the A-PHY device unit 21A, it executes a polling process without waiting for the reception of the IBI command. Specifically, the I3C device unit 21B periodically transmits a Read request command to the A-PHY device unit 21A using the I3C Directed CCC.

[0045] When the A-PHY device unit 21A receives an I3C CCC Direct Read command, it encapsulates a Read request command and the I3C CCC Direct Read command in the payload, and transmits them as an A-PHY packet to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 21A transmits a Read request command and the I3C CCC Direct Read command to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30 in the A-PHY using the payload.

[0046] The A-PHY device unit 12B receives an A-PHY packet from the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 12B receives an A-PHY packet from the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30 in the A-PHY using the payload. The A-PHY device unit 12B extracts a Read request command from the payload of the received A-PHY packet and transmits the extracted Read request command to the I3C device unit 12A. When the I3C device unit 12A normally receives a Read request command from the A-PHY device unit 12B, it returns an ACK to the A-PHY device unit 12B as a response to the reception of the Read request command.

[0047] When the A-PHY device unit 12B receives an ACK from the I3C device unit 12A, it transmits an I3C CCC Direct Read command to the I3C device unit 12A. When the I3C device unit 12A receives an I3C CCC Direct Read command from the A-PHY device unit 12B, it acquires I3C Read data and transmits the acquired I3C Read data to the A-PHY device unit 12B. At this time, the I3C device unit 12A does not use an IBI command.

[0048] When the A-PHY device unit 12B receives the I3C Read data, it encapsulates the I3C Read data into the payload and transmits it as an A-PHY packet to the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30. That is, the A-PHY device unit 12B, as a response to the A-PHY packet received from the control device 20 (communication device 21), transmits an A-PHY packet containing the I3C Read data to the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30 in the A-PHY using the payload.

[0049] When the A-PHY device unit 21A receives an A-PHY packet from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) via the bus 30 as a response to the transmission of a Read request command or the like, it extracts the I3C Read data from the payload of the A-PHY packet, transmits an ACK to the I3C device unit 21B as a response to the Read request command, and then continues to transmit the extracted I3C Read data to the I3C device unit 21B. When the I3C device unit 21B receives an ACK as a response to the Read request command, it stores the subsequently received I3C Read data in a predetermined address. In this way, the read process in the communication system 1 is executed.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, when the A-PHY device unit 21A does not receive a response from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) during the polling process being executed for a predetermined period, it may transmit a NACK to the I3C device unit 21B. When the I3C device unit 21B receives a NACK from the I3C device unit 21B, it ends the polling process. In this case, even when a response cannot be received from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12), the polling process can be surely ended.

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when the A-PHY device unit 21A does not receive a response from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) for a predetermined period, it may transmit a communication failure flag (NG) to the I3C device unit 21B together with the IBI command. When the I3C device unit 21B receives the communication failure flag (NG) together with the IBI command from the I3C device unit 21B, it ends the polling process. In this case, even when the response cannot be received from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12), the polling process is surely ended.

[0052] [Effect] Next, the effects of the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the I3C commands and data are transmitted to other communication devices via the bus 30 using the payload in a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C. In this way, by using the payload, the I3C commands and data can be transmitted in a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C. Therefore, the I3C data can be transmitted in a protocol different from I3C.

[0054] Also, in the present embodiment, the I3C commands and data are encapsulated in the payload and transmitted to other communication devices. In this way, by using the encapsulation in the payload, the I3C commands and data can be transmitted in a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C. Therefore, the I3C data can be transmitted in a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C.

[0055] Also, in the present embodiment, the I3C commands include the I3C CCC command. Thereby, by utilizing the CCC command, address management necessary for ACK generation and control of Read data can be performed. As a result, the occurrence of latency in I3C communication via A-PHY can be eliminated.

[0056] Also, in this embodiment, in the A-PHY device unit 21A, when an I3C command is normally received, an ACK is returned to the I3C device unit 21B as a response to the reception of the I3C command. Thereby, smooth communication between the I3C device unit 21B and the A-PHY device unit 21A can be executed.

[0057] Also, in this embodiment, the I3C command includes an I3C CCC Write command and I3C Write data. Thereby, while utilizing the CCC command and performing address management necessary for ACK generation, a write process can be performed.

[0058] Also, in this embodiment, the I3C command includes an I3C CCC Read command. Thereby, while utilizing the CCC command and performing address management necessary for ACK generation, a read process can be performed.

[0059] Also, in this embodiment, in the A-PHY device unit 21A, the CCC Read command is encapsulated in the payload and transmitted to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12). As a response, Read data encapsulated in the payload is received from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12), and the received Read data is transmitted to the I3C device unit 21B as a response to the CCC Read command. Thereby, while utilizing the CCC command and performing address management necessary for ACK generation, a read process can be performed.

[0060] Also, in this embodiment, in the I3C device unit 21B, when an ACK is received from the A-PHY device unit 21A as a response to the reception of the CCC command, as a response, the I3C CCC Write command and the I3C Write data are transmitted to the A-PHY device unit 21A. Thereby, while utilizing the CCC command and performing address management necessary for ACK generation, a write process can be performed.

[0061] Also, in the present embodiment, in the I3C device unit 21B, when an ACK is received from the A-PHY device unit 21A as a response to the reception of a CCC command, an I3C CCC Read command is transmitted to the A-PHY device unit 21A as the response. Thereby, while utilizing the CCC command and performing address management necessary for ACK generation, a read process can be performed.

[0062] Also, in the present embodiment, in the A-PHY device unit 21A, when read data is not transmitted from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12) under a predetermined condition, a communication failure flag is transmitted to the I3C device unit 21B by NACK or IBI. Thereby, even when a response is not transmitted from the sensor device 10 (communication device 12), the polling process can be surely terminated.

[0063] Also, in the present embodiment, in the A-PHY device unit 21A, the I3C command is transmitted via the MIPI A-PHY circuit. Thereby, the I3C command and data can be transmitted by a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C.

[0064] Also, in the present embodiment, in the A-PHY device unit 12B, the I3C command and data are received from the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30 using a payload in a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C, and as a response to the received I3C command, the I3C data is transmitted to the control device 20 (communication device 21) via the bus 30 using a payload in a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C. Thus, by using the payload, the I3C command and data can be transmitted and received by a protocol different from I3C.

[0065] Also, in the present embodiment, in the A-PHY device unit 12B, an I3C command encapsulated in the payload is received, and I3C data is encapsulated in the payload and transmitted to the sensor device 10 (communication device 12). In this way, by using encapsulation into the payload, the I3C command and data can be transmitted and received using a protocol (A-PHY) different from I3C.

[0066] Also, in the present embodiment, when an I3C CCC Read command is received in the A-PHY device unit 12B, read data is acquired in the I3C device unit 12A, and the read data as I3C data and the I3C IBI command are output from the I3C device unit 12A to the A-PHY device unit 12B. Further, in the A-PHY device unit 12B, the read data and the I3C IBI command are encapsulated in the payload and transmitted to the control device 20 (communication device 21). Thereby, smooth read processing using the CCC command and the IBI command can be performed.

[0067] Also, in the present embodiment, when an I3C CCC Read command is received in the A-PHY device unit 12B, read data is acquired in the I3C device unit 12A, and the read data as I3C data is output from the I3C device unit 12A to the A-PHY device unit 12B. Further, in the A-PHY device unit 12B, the read data is encapsulated in the payload and transmitted to the control device 20 (communication device 21). Thereby, smooth read processing using the CCC command and the IBI command can be performed.

[0068] <Modification Example> [Modification Example A] In the above embodiment, the communication devices 12 and 21 may each have a plurality of types of PHY circuits. In this case, the communication devices 12 and 21 each transmit I3C commands and data via a PHY circuit selected from among the plurality of types of PHY circuits. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the communication device 12 further includes a transmitter 12i, a receiver 12j, and switches 12k and 12m, and the communication device 21 further includes a receiver 21i, a transmitter 21j, and switches 21k and 21m.

[0069] The conversion unit 12a converts I3C image data and commands into transmission data of A-PHY or another type of PHY and outputs the data to the scrambler 12d. The conversion unit 12b converts the transmission data of A-PHY or another type of PHY input from the decoder 12e into I3C data and commands and outputs the data to the image sensor 11. The conversion unit 12c converts I3C image data and commands into transmission data of A-PHY or another type of PHY and outputs the data to the encoder 12f.

[0070] The conversion unit 21f converts the transmission data of A-PHY or another type of PHY input from the descrambler 21c into I3C image data and commands and transmits the data to the application processor 22. The conversion unit 21g converts the I3C data and commands transmitted from the application processor 22 into transmission data of A-PHY or another type of PHY and outputs the data to the encoder 21d. The conversion unit 21h converts the transmission data of A-PHY or another type of PHY input from the decoder 21e into I3C image data and commands and transmits the data to the application processor 22.

[0071] The switch 12k outputs the A-PHY transmission data input from the scrambler 12d or the encoder 21d to either the transmitter 12g or the transmitter 12i. The switch 12m outputs either the A-PHY transmission data input from the receiver 12h or the transmission data of another type of PHY input from the receiver 12j to the decoder 12e.

[0072] Switch 21k outputs either the A-PHY transmission data input from receiver 21a or the transmission data of other types of PHY input from receiver 21i to descrambler 21c and decoder 21e. Switch 21m outputs the transmission data input from encoder 21d to either transmitter 21b or transmitter 21j.

[0073] In this modification example, the output terminal of transmitter 12g and the output terminal of transmitter 12i may be provided separately from each other, and the input terminal of receiver 21a and the input terminal of receiver 21i may be provided separately from each other. Also, in this modification example, the output terminal of transmitter 12g and the output terminal of transmitter 12i may be constituted by a common terminal, and the input terminal of receiver 21a and the input terminal of receiver 21i may be constituted by a common terminal.

[0074] FIG. 11 shows an example of the hierarchical structure of communication device 12 according to this modification example. FIG. 12 shows an example of the hierarchical structure of communication device 21 according to this modification example.

[0075] Communication device 12 has, for example, an application layer (AP layer) 31 as the topmost layer and an application program interface layer (API layer) 38 as the lower layer of AP layer 31. API layer 38 includes an I3C API layer 35 and an I3C API layer 32 for A-PHY transmission. API layer 35 includes a Read section 35a and a Write section 35b. Communication device 12 further has, for example, a LINK layer 39 as the lower layer of API layer 38 and a PHY layer 40 as the bottommost layer. LINK layer 39 includes an I3C LINK layer 36 and a LINK layer 33 for A-PHY transmission. PHY layer 40 includes an I3C PHY layer 37 and a PHY layer 34 for A-PHY transmission.

[0076] The communication device 21 has, for example, an application layer (AP layer) 41 as the topmost layer, and has an application program interface layer (API layer) 48 as a lower layer of the AP layer 41. The API layer 48 includes an I3C API layer 45 and an I3C API layer 42 for A-PHY connection. The API layer 45 includes a Read section 45a and a Write section 45b. The communication device 21 further has, for example, a LINK layer 49 as a lower layer of the API layer 48 and a PHY layer 50 as the bottommost layer. The LINK layer 49 includes an I3C LINK layer 46 and a LINK layer 43 for A-PHY connection. The PHY layer 50 includes an I3C PHY layer 47 and a PHY layer 44 for A-PHY connection.

[0077] The AP layer 31 generates data, commands, etc. and provides them to the API layer 38. The API layer 38 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 31 into a data format that can be processed by the LINK layer 39 and the PHY layer 40. Based on predetermined control, the API layer 38 selects either the API layer 32 or 35, and provides the data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 31 to the selected API layer. The API layer 38 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 39 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. Based on predetermined control, the API layer 38 selects either the API layer 32 or 35, and provides the data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 39 to the selected API layer.

[0078] The API layer 32 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 33 and the PHY layer 34. The API layer 32 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 33 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. The Read section 32a, for example, converts the Read data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 33 and the PHY layer 34. The Read section 32a, for example, converts the data, Read commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 33 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. The Write section 32b, for example, converts the data, Write commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 33 and the PHY layer 34. The Write section 32b, for example, converts the Write data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 33 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31.

[0079] The API layer 35 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the standard of another type of PHY different from A-PHY) that can be processed by the LINK layer 36 and the PHY layer 37. The API layer 35 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 36 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. The Read section 35a, for example, converts the Read data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the standard of another type of PHY different from A-PHY) that can be processed by the LINK layer 36 and the PHY layer 37. The Read section 35a, for example, converts the data, Read commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 36 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31. The Write section 35b, for example, converts the data, Write commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 31 into a data format (data format based on the standard of another type of PHY different from A-PHY) that can be processed by the LINK layer 36 and the PHY layer 37. The Write section 35b, for example, converts the Write data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 36 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 31.

[0080] The LINK layer 39 ensures a physical communication path with the communication partner and performs contention control and the like. The LINK layer 33 ensures a physical communication path with the communication partner via A-PHY and performs contention control and the like. The LINK layer 36 ensures a physical communication path with the communication partner via another type of PHY different from A-PHY and performs contention control and the like. The PHY layer 40 makes a physical interconnection with the PHY layer 50. The PHY layer 34 makes a physical interconnection with the PHY layer 44 via A-PHY. The PHY layer 37 makes a physical interconnection with the PHY layer 47 via another type of PHY different from A-PHY.

[0081] The AP layer 41 generates data, commands, etc. and provides them to the API layer 48. The API layer 48 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 41 into a data format that can be processed by the LINK layer 49 and the PHY layer 50. Based on predetermined control, the API layer 48 selects either the API layer 42 or 45 and provides the data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 41 to the selected API layer. The API layer 48 converts the data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 49 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. Based on predetermined control, the API layer 48 selects either the API layer 42 or 45 and provides the data, commands, etc. provided from the LINK layer 49 to the selected API layer.

[0082] The API layer 42 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 41 into a data format (a data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 43 and the PHY layer 44. The API layer 42 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 43 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. The Read section 42a, for example, converts the Read data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 41 into a data format (a data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 43 and the PHY layer 44. The Read section 42a, for example, converts the data, Read commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 43 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. The Write section 42b, for example, converts the data, Write commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 41 into a data format (a data format based on the A-PHY standard) that can be processed by the LINK layer 43 and the PHY layer 44. The Write section 42b, for example, converts the Write data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 43 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41.

[0083] The API layer 45 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 41 into a data format (a data format based on the standard of another type of PHY different from A-PHY) that can be processed by the LINK layer 46 and the PHY layer 47. The API layer 45 converts the data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 46 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. The Read section 45a, for example, converts the Read data, commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 41 into a data format (a data format based on the standard of another type of PHY different from A-PHY) that can be processed by the LINK layer 46 and the PHY layer 47. The Read section 45a, for example, converts the data, Read commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 46 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41. The Write section 45b, for example, converts the data, Write commands, etc. provided by the AP layer 41 into a data format (a data format based on the standard of another type of PHY different from A-PHY) that can be processed by the LINK layer 46 and the PHY layer 47. The Write section 45b, for example, converts the Write data, commands, etc. provided by the LINK layer 46 into a data format that can be processed by the AP layer 41.

[0084] The LINK layer 49 secures a physical communication path with the communication partner and performs contention control and the like. The LINK layer 43 secures a physical communication path with the communication partner via A-PHY and performs contention control and the like. The LINK layer 46 secures a physical communication path with the communication partner via another type of PHY different from A-PHY and performs contention control and the like. The PHY layer 50 makes a physical interconnection with the PHY layer 40. The PHY layer 44 makes a physical interconnection with the PHY layer 34 via A-PHY. The PHY layer 47 makes a physical interconnection with the PHY layer 37 via another type of PHY different from A-PHY.

[0085] In this modification example, except that the type of PHY for transmitting the bus 30 can be selected, the configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the I3C data can be transmitted by a protocol different from I3C (A-PHY or another type of PHY different from A-PHY).

[0086] In this modification example, in the API layer 38, either the API layer 32 or 35 is selected based on a predetermined control, and data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 31 are provided to the selected API layer. Also, in this modification example, in the API layer 48, either the API layer 42 or 45 is selected based on a predetermined control, and data, commands, etc. provided from the AP layer 41 are provided to the selected API layer. Thereby, for example, an appropriate PHY according to the capacity, speed, etc. of the data to be transmitted can be selected in the API layers 38 and 48.

[0087] [Modification Example B] In the above-described embodiments and their modifications, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, SER13 may be provided instead of the communication device 12, and DES23 may be provided instead of the communication device 21. SER13 and DES23 are FPDLink circuits. Specifically, SER13 is a serializer, DES23 is a deserializer, and the FPDLink standard is used for signal transmission between SER13 and DES23.

[0088] In this modification, except that the protocol for transmitting on the bus 30 is FPDLink, the configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, similar to the above-described embodiment, data of I3C can be transmitted by a protocol different from I3C (A-PHY or a type of PHY different from A-PHY).

[0089] <Application Example> FIG. 14 shows an example of the schematic configuration of an imaging system 2 including the communication system 1 according to the above-described embodiment and its modifications. The imaging system 2 includes, for example, an optical system 210, a shutter device 220, a communication system 1, a signal processing circuit 230, and a display unit 240.

[0090] The optical system 210 forms an image of object light (incident light) on the imaging surface of the communication system 1 (image sensor 11). The shutter device 220 is disposed between the optical system 210 and the imaging system 2, and controls the light irradiation period and the light shielding period to the communication system 1 (image sensor 11). The communication system 1 receives the incident object light (incident light) with the image sensor 11, and outputs a pixel signal corresponding to the received object light (incident light) to the signal processing circuit 230. The signal processing circuit 230 processes the image signal input from the communication system 1 to generate video data. The signal processing circuit 230 further generates a video signal corresponding to the generated video data and outputs it to the display unit 240. The display unit 240 displays a video based on the video signal input from the signal processing circuit 230.

[0091] In this application example, the communication system 1 according to the above-described embodiment and its modifications is applied to the imaging system 2. As a result, for example, appropriate communication can be performed according to the capacity and speed of data to be transmitted, etc., so that an imaging system 2 with high imaging quality can be provided.

[0092] <Application Example> The technology according to the present disclosure (this technology) can be applied to various products. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be realized as a device mounted on any type of moving body such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a personal mobility, an airplane, a drone, a ship, a robot, etc.

[0093] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system which is an example of a movement control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied.

[0094] The vehicle control system 12000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected via a communication network 12001. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle control system 12000 includes a drive system control unit 12010, a body system control unit 12020, an out-vehicle information detection unit 12030, an in-vehicle information detection unit 12040, and an integrated control unit 12050. Further, as a functional configuration of the integrated control unit 12050, a microcomputer 12051, an audio / video output unit 12052, and an in-vehicle network I / F (interface) 12053 are illustrated.

[0095] The drive system control unit 12010 controls the operation of devices related to the drive system of the vehicle according to various programs. For example, the drive system control unit 12010 functions as a control device such as a driving force generation device for generating a driving force of the vehicle such as an internal combustion engine or a driving motor, a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force to the wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, and a braking device for generating a braking force of the vehicle.

[0096] The body control unit 12020 controls the operations of various devices installed in the vehicle according to various programs. For example, the body control unit 12020 functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various lamps such as a headlamp, a backlamp, a brake lamp, a turn signal, or a fog lamp. In this case, radio waves transmitted from a portable device that substitutes for a key or signals from various switches can be input to the body control unit 12020. The body control unit 12020 receives these inputs of radio waves or signals and controls the vehicle's door lock device, power window device, lamps, etc.

[0097] The vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 detects information outside the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 12000. For example, an imaging unit 12031 is connected to the vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 causes the imaging unit 12031 to capture an image outside the vehicle and receives the captured image. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 12030 may perform object detection processing or distance detection processing on objects such as people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, or characters on the road surface based on the received image.

[0098] The imaging unit 12031 is an optical sensor that receives light and outputs an electrical signal according to the amount of received light. The imaging unit 12031 can output the electrical signal as an image or as distance measurement information. Also, the light received by the imaging unit 12031 may be visible light or non-visible light such as infrared light.

[0099] The vehicle interior information detection unit 12040 detects information inside the vehicle. For example, a driver state detection unit 12041 that detects the state of the driver is connected to the vehicle interior information detection unit 12040. The driver state detection unit 12041 includes, for example, a camera that images the driver, and the vehicle interior information detection unit 12040 may calculate the degree of driver fatigue or concentration or determine whether the driver is dozing off based on the detection information input from the driver state detection unit 12041.

[0100] Based on the information inside and outside the vehicle acquired by the out-vehicle information detection unit 12030 or the in-vehicle information detection unit 12040, the microcomputer 12051 can calculate the control target values of the driving force generator, the steering mechanism, or the braking device, and output a control command to the drive system control unit 12010. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control for realizing functions of an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) including collision avoidance or shock mitigation of the vehicle, following driving based on the inter-vehicle distance, constant vehicle speed driving, collision warning of the vehicle, or lane departure warning of the vehicle.

[0101] In addition, based on the information around the vehicle acquired by the out-vehicle information detection unit 12030 or the in-vehicle information detection unit 12040, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control for the purpose of autonomous driving, etc., which runs autonomously without relying on the driver's operation, by controlling the driving force generator, the steering mechanism, or the braking device, etc.

[0102] In addition, based on the out-vehicle information acquired by the out-vehicle information detection unit 12030, the microcomputer 12051 can output a control command to the body system control unit 12020. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control for the purpose of anti-glare, such as controlling the headlamp according to the position of the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle detected by the out-vehicle information detection unit 12030 and switching the high beam to the low beam.

[0103] The audio-visual output unit 12052 transmits at least one of an audio output signal and a video output signal to an output device capable of notifying information visually or auditorily to the vehicle occupants or outside the vehicle. In the example of FIG. 15, as the output device, an audio speaker 12061, a display unit 12062, and an instrument panel 12063 are illustrated. The display unit 12062 may include, for example, at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display.

[0104] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the installation position of the imaging unit 12031.

[0105] The vehicle 12100 has imaging units 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105 as the imaging unit 12031.

[0106] The imaging units 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105 are provided at positions such as, for example, the front nose, side mirror, rear bumper, back door, and the upper part of the front glass in the vehicle interior of the vehicle 12100. The imaging unit 12101 provided at the front nose and the imaging unit 12105 provided at the upper part of the front glass in the vehicle interior mainly acquire images in front of the vehicle 12100. The imaging units 12102 and 12103 provided at the side mirrors mainly acquire images on the sides of the vehicle 12100. The imaging unit 12104 provided at the rear bumper or the back door mainly acquires images behind the vehicle 12100. The front images acquired by the imaging units 12101 and 12105 are mainly used for detecting a preceding vehicle or detecting a pedestrian, an obstacle, a traffic signal, a traffic sign, a lane, or the like.

[0107] Note that FIG. 16 shows an example of the imaging ranges of the imaging units 12101 to 12104. The imaging range 12111 indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 12101 provided at the front nose, the imaging ranges 12112 and 12113 indicate the imaging ranges of the imaging units 12102 and 12103 provided at the side mirrors, respectively, and the imaging range 12114 indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 12104 provided at the rear bumper or the back door. For example, by overlapping the image data captured by the imaging units 12101 to 12104, an overhead image of the vehicle 12100 viewed from above can be obtained.

[0108] At least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may have a function of acquiring distance information. For example, at least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may be a stereo camera including a plurality of imaging elements, or may be an imaging element having pixels for phase difference detection.

[0109] For example, based on the distance information obtained from imaging units 12101 to 12104, microcomputer 12051 determines the distance to each three-dimensional object within imaging ranges 12111 to 12114 and the temporal change of this distance (relative speed with respect to vehicle 12100). Thus, it can extract, as the preceding vehicle, the closest three-dimensional object on the traveling path of vehicle 12100 that is traveling in substantially the same direction as vehicle 12100 at a predetermined speed (e.g., 0 km / h or more). Further, microcomputer 12051 can set the inter-vehicle distance to be secured in advance in front of the preceding vehicle and perform automatic brake control (including follow-up stop control) and automatic acceleration control (including follow-up start control), etc. In this way, cooperative control for the purpose of automatic driving, etc., which autonomously travels without relying on the driver's operation, can be performed.

[0110] For example, based on the distance information obtained from imaging units 12101 to 12104, microcomputer 12051 classifies and extracts three-dimensional object data regarding three-dimensional objects into motorcycles, ordinary vehicles, large vehicles, pedestrians, utility poles, and other three-dimensional objects, and can use it for automatic avoidance of obstacles. For example, microcomputer 12051 discriminates between obstacles around vehicle 12100 that are visible to the driver of vehicle 12100 and those that are difficult to visually recognize. Then, microcomputer 12051 determines a collision risk indicating the degree of risk of collision with each obstacle, and when the collision risk is equal to or higher than a set value and there is a possibility of collision, it can output an alarm to the driver via audio speaker 12061 or display unit 12062, or perform forced deceleration or avoidance steering via drive system control unit 12010 to provide driving assistance for collision avoidance.

[0111] At least one of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 may be an infrared camera that detects infrared rays. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can recognize a pedestrian by determining whether a pedestrian exists in the captured images of the imaging units 12101 to 12104. Such recognition of a pedestrian is performed, for example, by a procedure of extracting feature points in the captured images of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 as infrared cameras and a procedure of performing pattern matching processing on a series of feature points indicating the outline of an object to determine whether it is a pedestrian. When the microcomputer 12051 determines that a pedestrian exists in the captured images of the imaging units 12101 to 12104 and recognizes the pedestrian, the audio-visual output unit 12052 controls the display unit 12062 to superimpose and display a rectangular outline for emphasizing the recognized pedestrian. Further, the audio-visual output unit 12052 may control the display unit 12062 to display an icon or the like indicating a pedestrian at a desired position.

[0112] As described above, an example of a movement control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied has been described. The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to the imaging unit 12031 among the configurations described above. Specifically, the imaging system 2 can be applied to the imaging unit 12031. By applying the technology according to the present disclosure to the imaging unit 12031, a high-quality captured image can be obtained, so that highly accurate control using the captured image can be performed in the movement control system.

[0113] As described above, the present disclosure has been described by giving embodiments, modification examples, and application examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various modifications are possible. Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described in this specification. The present disclosure may have effects other than those described in this specification.

[0114] Further, for example, the present disclosure can have the following configuration. (1) An I3C device section that generates commands and data for I3C (Improved Integrated Circuit), A communication device section that transmits the commands and data of the I3C via a bus to other communication devices using a payload in a protocol different from that of the I3C, and a communication device. (2) The communication device section encapsulates the commands and data of the I3C in the payload and transmits them to the other communication devices. The communication device according to (1). (3) The commands of the I3C include the CCC (Common Command Code) commands of the I3C. The communication device according to (1) or (2). (4) When the communication device section normally receives the commands of the I3C, it returns ACK to the I3C device section as a response to the reception of the commands of the I3C. The communication device according to (3). (5) The commands of the I3C include the CCC Write commands of the I3C, and the data of the I3C includes Write data of the I3C. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The commands of the I3C include the CCC Read commands of the I3C. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (4). (7) The communication device section encapsulates the CCC Read command in the payload and transmits it to the other communication devices, and as a response thereto, receives the Read data encapsulated in the payload from the other communication devices, and transmits the received Read data to the I3C device section as a response to the CCC Read command. The communication device according to (6). (8) When the I3C device unit receives the ACK from the communication device unit as a response to the reception of the CCC command, as the response, it transmits an I3C CCC Write command and I3C Write data to the communication device unit. The communication device according to (4). (9) When the I3C device unit receives the ACK from the communication device unit as a response to the reception of the CCC command, as the response, it transmits an I3C CCC Read command to the communication device unit. The communication device according to (4). (10) When no Read data is transmitted from the other communication device under a predetermined condition, the communication device unit transmits a communication failure flag to the I3C device unit by NACK or IBI (In-Band Interrupt). The communication device according to (9). (11) The communication device unit has a MIPI A-PHY circuit and transmits the I3C command via the MIPI A-PHY circuit. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The communication device unit has an FPDLink circuit and transmits the I3C command via the FPDLink circuit. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (10). (13) The communication device unit has a plurality of types of PHY circuits and transmits the I3C command via the PHY circuit selected from the plurality of types of PHY circuits. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (12). (14) A receiving device unit that receives I3C (Improved Integrated Circuit) commands and data from another communication device via a bus using a payload in a protocol different from I3C, and As a response to the I3C commands and data received by the receiving device unit, a transmitting device unit that transmits I3C data to the other communication device via the bus using a payload in a protocol different from that of the I3C comprising a communication device. (15) The receiving device unit receives the I3C commands and data encapsulated in the payload, The transmitting device unit encapsulates the I3C data in the payload and transmits it to the other communication device The communication device according to (14). (16) The I3C commands include the I3C CCC Read command The communication device according to (14) or (15). (17) When the I3C CCC Read command is received by the receiving device unit, it further comprises an I3C device unit that acquires read data and outputs the read data as the I3C data and the I3C IBI command to the transmitting device unit, The transmitting device unit encapsulates the read data in the payload and transmits it to the other communication device The communication device according to (16). (18) When the I3C CCC Read command is received by the receiving device unit, it further comprises an I3C device unit that acquires read data and outputs the read data as the I3C data to the transmitting device unit, The transmitting device unit encapsulates the read data in the payload and transmits it to the other communication device The communication device according to (16). (19) Comprising a first communication device and a second communication device that communicate via a bus, The first communication device, An I3C device unit that generates commands and data of I3C (Improved Integrated Circuit), A communication device unit that transmits the commands and data of the I3C via the bus to the second communication device using a payload in a protocol different from I3C having A communication system. (20) The second communication device A receiving device unit that receives the commands and data of the I3C via the bus from the first communication device using a payload in a protocol different from I3C, A transmitting device unit that transmits commands and data of I3C via the bus to the first communication device using a payload in a protocol different from I3C as a response to the commands and data of the I3C received by the receiving device unit having The communication system according to (19).

[0115] According to the communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, since commands and data of I3C are transmitted via a bus to another communication device using a payload in a protocol different from I3C, commands and data of I3C can be transmitted in a protocol different from I3C.

[0116] According to the communication device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, commands and data of I3C are received via a bus from another communication device using a payload in a protocol different from I3C, and as a response to the received commands and data of I3C, commands and data of I3C are transmitted via the bus to another communication device using a payload in a protocol different from I3C, so that commands and data of I3C can be transmitted in a protocol different from I3C.

[0117] According to the communication system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the I3C commands and data are transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device via a bus using a payload in a protocol different from I3C. Therefore, the I3C commands and data can be transmitted in a protocol different from I3C.

[0118] This application claims priority based on U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 818,449 filed on March 13, 2020 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and all contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0119] Those skilled in the art may conceive various modifications, combinations, sub - combinations, and changes according to design requirements and other factors, but it is understood that they are included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A first communication device and a second communication device that communicate via a bus, wherein the first communication device, a first I3C device unit that generates an I3C CCC (Common Command Code) Write command as an I3C (Improved Integrated Circuit) command and generates I3C Write data as the I3C data; a first communication device unit that encapsulates the I3C CCC Write command and the I3C Write data into a payload and transmits them to the second communication device via the bus in a protocol different from I3C; and has, wherein the second communication device, a second communication device unit that receives the I3C CCC Write command and the I3C Write data encapsulated in the payload from the first communication device in a protocol different from I3C; a second I3C device unit that stores the I3C Write data received by the second communication device unit at a predetermined address; and has a communication system.

2. When the first communication device unit normally receives an I3C Write request command from the first I3C device unit, it returns a first ACK to the first I3C device unit as a response to the reception of the I3C Write request command. When the first I3C device unit receives the first ACK from the first communication device unit as a response to the transmission of the I3C Write request command, as a response thereto, it transmits the I3C Write request command, the I3C CCC Write command, and the I3C Write data to the first communication device unit. The communication system according to Claim 1.

3. When the second communication device unit receives the I3C Write request command, the I3C CCC Write command, and the I3C Write data, it transmits the I3C Write request command to the second I3C device unit. When the second I3C device unit normally receives the I3C Write request command from the second communication device unit, it returns a second ACK to the second communication device unit as a response to the reception of the I3C Write request command. When the second communication device unit receives the second ACK from the second I3C device unit, it transmits the I3C's CCC Write command and the I3C's Write data to the second I3C device unit. The communication system according to claim 2.

4. Comprising a first communication device and a second communication device that communicate via a bus, The first communication device, A first I3C device unit that generates an I3C's CCC (Common Command Code) Read command as an I3C (Improved Integrated Circuit) command, A first communication device unit that encapsulates the I3C's CCC Read command in a payload and transmits it to the second communication device via the bus in a protocol different from I3C, And has, The second communication device, A second communication device unit that receives the I3C's CCC Read command encapsulated in the payload from the first communication device in a protocol different from I3C, A second I3C device unit that transmits I3C's Read data to the second communication device unit when it receives the I3C's CCC Read command from the second communication device unit, And has, The second communication device unit encapsulates the I3C's Read data in a payload as a response to the reception of the I3C's CCC Read command and transmits it to the first communication device via the bus in a protocol different from I3C. Communication system.

5. When the first communication device unit normally receives an I3C's Read request command from the first I3C device unit, it returns a first ACK to the first I3C device unit as a response to the reception of the I3C's Read request command. When the first I3C device unit receives the first ACK from the first communication device unit as a response to the transmission of the I3C's Read request command, as a response thereto, it transmits the I3C's Read request command and the I3C's CCC Read command to the first communication device unit. The first communication device unit encapsulates the I3C's Read request command and the I3C's CCC Read command in a payload and transmits them to the second communication device via the bus in a protocol different from I3C. The communication system according to claim 4.

6. When the second communication device unit receives the Read request command of the I3C and the CCC Read command of the I3C from the first communication device in a protocol different from the I3C, it transmits the Read request command of the I3C to the second I3C device unit. When the second I3C device unit normally receives the Read request command of the I3C from the second communication device unit, it returns a second ACK to the second communication device unit as a response to the reception of the Read request command of the I3C. When the second communication device unit receives the second ACK from the second I3C device unit, it transmits the CCC Read command of the I3C to the second I3C device unit. The communication system according to claim 5.

7. When the second I3C device unit receives the CCC Read command of the I3C from the second communication device unit, it transmits an IBI (In-Band Interrupt) command and the Read data of the I3C to the second communication device unit. As a response to the reception of the CCC Read command of the I3C, the second communication device unit encapsulates the Read data of the I3C together with the IBI command in the payload and transmits it to the first communication device via the bus in a protocol different from the I3C. When the first communication device unit receives the Read data of the I3C together with the IBI command from the second communication device in a protocol different from the I3C, it transmits the Read data of the I3C together with the IBI command to the first I3C device unit. When the first I3C device unit receives the Read data of the I3C together with the IBI command, it stores the Read data of the I3C at a predetermined address. The communication system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. After transmitting the CCC Read command of the I3C to the first communication device unit, the first I3C device unit periodically transmits the Read request command to the first communication device unit using the Directed CCC of the I3C. In response to receiving the CCC Read command of the I3C, the second communication device unit encapsulates the Read data of the I3C into the payload without using the IBI command, and transmits it to the first communication device via the bus in a protocol different from I3C. When the first communication device unit receives the Read data of the I3C from the second communication device without the IBI command in a protocol different from I3C, it transmits a third ACK to the first I3C device unit as a response to the Read request command using the Directed CCC of the I3C, and then continues to transmit the Read data of the I3C to the first I3C device unit. The communication system according to claim 5 or claim 6.

9. When the Read data of the I3C is not transmitted from the second communication device under a predetermined condition, the first communication device unit transmits a communication failure flag to the first I3C device unit with NACK or IBI. The communication system according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. The first communication device unit and the second communication device unit have a MIPI A-PHY circuit, and transmit an I3C command via the MIPI A-PHY circuit. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The first communication device unit and the second communication device unit have an FPDLink circuit, and transmit an I3C command via the FPDLink circuit. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The first communication device unit and the second communication device unit have a plurality of types of PHY circuits, and transmit an I3C command via the PHY circuit selected from the plurality of types of PHY circuits. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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