Asynchronous 2-to-1 Multiplexor Arbitration for Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed asynchronous communication systems are not amenable to time division multiplexing due to limitations in arbitration capabilities, particularly in applications with multiple data streams, where prior art methods struggle to accurately determine the type of request transition expected by subsequent pipeline stages.
Innovation Solution
A fully asynchronous 2-to-1 multiplexor system with two independent data input stages, an arbitration module, a request/release module, and a reset module, implementing a 4-phase bundled data protocol to select and transmit data between pipeline stages, ensuring proper arbitration and synchronization without relying on external clocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If transition-signaling bundled data protocol is used for high-speed asynchronous communication, then data transmission speed is improved, but time division multiplexing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process into distinct phases (request, acknowledge, data transfer, completion) and introduces separate arbitration mechanisms for different data streams. Each pipeline stage independently manages its own request-acknowledge handshake while the arbitration unit coordinates between multiple streams, enabling TDM functionality without compromising the speed benefits of asynchronous transition-signaling protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an arbitration unit as an intermediary component between multiple data streams and the pipeline stages. This mediator resolves conflicts and coordinates access rights between competing streams, allowing transition-signaling protocols to operate at high speed while maintaining multiplexing capability through centralized coordination of request and acknowledge signals.
2Productivity
If prior art arbitration methods are used, then data transmission is enabled, but timing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where pipeline stages send acknowledge signals back to previous stages, and the arbitration unit receives status information from all pipeline stages. This feedback loop allows precise timing control by adjusting request and acknowledge transitions based on actual stream conditions, maintaining timing precision while enabling reliable data transmission across multiple streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary arbitration decisions before data transmission begins by evaluating request signals and acknowledge states in advance. The arbitration unit pre-determines which stream has priority and prepares the appropriate request-acknowledge sequence, eliminating timing uncertainties during actual data transfer and improving overall timing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-to-one multiplexor comprises a first data input configured to hold data provided from a first preceding asynchronous pipeline stage and a second data input configured to hold data provided from a second preceding asynchronous pipeline stage, a 4-phase bundled data protocol facilitating communication between the first and the second data inputs and the first and second preceding asynchronous pipeline stage, an arbitration unit connected to the first data input and the second data input, and configured to select which of the data from the first and the second data inputs is released, a request release unit, and a reset unit wherein the arbitration unit, the request release unit, and the reset unit implement and complete a second 4-phase bundled data protocol facilitating communication with a succeeding asynchronous pipeline stage for transmission of the data chosen by the arbitration unit thereby providing asynchronous multiplexing of the data.