1-Wire I/O Expander Fast Access Mode for Simultaneous Broadcast
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Solution Overview
Problem
1-wire systems are limited in broadcasting a single message to multiple devices simultaneously due to their design, which only allows one device to be logically connected at a time, preventing simultaneous communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 1-wire I/O expanders and a timer-controlled electrical switch allows a microprocessor to establish 'fast access mode' for multiple systems, enabling simultaneous broadcasting of unaddressed messages by decoupling and recoupling the expanders from the bus, thereby overcoming the limitation of addressing only one device at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 1-wire bus is configured to address only one system at a time, then device addressing is simplified and reliable, but simultaneous communication with multiple systems is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into distinct phases: first establishing addressed communication sessions with individual systems, then transitioning to broadcast mode. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable addressing for individual devices while enabling simultaneous communication with multiple devices through the broadcast phase, effectively resolving the contradiction between addressing reliability and communication productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: addressed communication mode (for reliable individual device addressing) and broadcast mode (for simultaneous communication with multiple devices). This dynamic transition, controlled by the I/O expander and timer, allows the 1-wire bus to adapt its addressing behavior based on communication requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified addressing and simultaneous communication capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple systems are connected to a 1-wire bus, then system expansion is enabled, but simultaneous message broadcasting to all systems becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by first establishing addressed communication sessions with each system individually before initiating the broadcast. The I/O expander预先 (in advance) configures the electrical switches and places systems into appropriate states, ensuring that when the broadcast occurs, all systems are ready to receive the message simultaneously. This preliminary preparation enables both system expansion and effective message broadcasting to all connected devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O expander acts as an intermediary between the microprocessor and multiple systems on the 1-wire bus. It manages the electrical switches that connect or disconnect individual systems from the bus, and coordinates the transition between addressed communication and broadcast modes. This intermediary function enables the system to maintain expansion capability while simplifying message broadcasting to all connected systems through centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is used to connect an I/O expander to the 1-wire bus, then device coupling is flexible, but communication timing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the timer that monitors the state of electrical switches and the I/O expander's operation. The timer provides feedback signals to control the switching timing, ensuring that systems are connected or disconnected from the bus at precise moments. This feedback mechanism coordinates the flexible device coupling with accurate timing control, resolving the contradiction between coupling flexibility and timing precision by using real-time status information to adjust switch operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A message is simultaneously broadcast to multiple systems on a 1-wire bus. A first addressed communication session is established between a microprocessor and a first 1-wire I/O expander via a 1-wire bus, where the first 1-wire I/O expander is electrically coupled to a first system. The first 1-wire I/O expander is placed into “fast access mode”, and then removed from the 1-wire bus by opening a switch to the 1-wire bus. A second addressed communication session is established between the microprocessor and a second 1-wire I/O expander before the switch recloses, where the second 1-wire I/O expander is electrically coupled to a second system. The second 1-wire I/O expander is then placed into “fast access mode”. In response to the timer expiring and the switch reclosing, an unaddressed message is broadcast from the microprocessor to the first and second systems via the first and second 1-wire I/O expanders.