Arbitration Module for Dual Interface Tag Memory Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual interface tags face challenges in preventing concurrent access to memory by multiple interfaces, which can lead to data corruption, especially in environments with both radio frequency (RF) and wired connections.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit (IC) with an arbitration module that manages access by monitoring the status of both RF and wired interfaces through field detection pins and registers, transitioning between idle, locked, and active states to ensure exclusive access, thereby preventing data corruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If concurrent access to memory by multiple interfaces is allowed, then data access speed and interface versatility are improved, but data corruption occurs due to simultaneous access conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The arbitration module performs preliminary actions by setting status registers and detecting interface activity before allowing memory access. It proactively manages access rights by detecting when RF or wired interfaces are active and preventing concurrent access attempts before they can cause data corruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The arbitration module acts as an intermediary between the RF interface, wired interface, and memory. It mediates access requests by monitoring interface status registers and controlling which interface can access memory at any given time, preventing direct conflicts while maintaining both interface pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an arbitration module is implemented to prevent concurrent access, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arbitration module is designed to handle multiple interface types (RF and wired) through a universal control mechanism. It uses a common status register system and arbitration logic that works regardless of which interface is involved, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate control logic for each interface pair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The arbitration module uses self-service mechanisms by automatically detecting interface activity through status registers and field detection pins, and autonomously controlling access without requiring external arbitration logic. The system monitors itself and makes access decisions based on its own state, reducing the need for additional control infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9514067B2Interface arbitration for a wired tag

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 NXP BV

AI summary

Various exemplary embodiments relate to an integrated circuit (IC) including: a memory; a radio frequency (RF) interface configured to access the memory; a wired interface connected to a host and configured to access the memory; and an arbitration module configured to prevent concurrent access to the memory by more than one interface. Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method of controlling access in a dual interface tag having a wired interface and a radio frequency (RF) interface operable in an idle state, a wired lock state, and a RF locked state.