Bidirectional Signal Interface With Edge-Triggered Level Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bidirectional signal interfaces are often slow and consume significant power in standby conditions due to their design requirements, which limits signal bandwidth and efficiency in communication between circuits with different voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional signal interface with first and second nodes and translating circuits that sense logic signal transitions to couple signals between nodes, allowing for faster operation and reduced standby power consumption by disabling opposing signal paths during transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing bidirectional signal interfaces are used to translate voltage levels between circuits, then communication between circuits with different voltage levels is enabled, but the signal bandwidth is limited due to slow operation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of signal path coupling by detecting transition edges of logic signals. The translating circuits couple signal paths only during transition periods and decouple them during steady states, creating a dynamic operation mode that increases signal bandwidth while maintaining voltage level translation capability between different logic families.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface operates in periodic cycles of coupling and decoupling based on signal transitions. By activating signal path coupling only during the periodic transition moments and maintaining decoupling during steady periods, the system achieves higher effective bandwidth without compromising the voltage translation function.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If existing bidirectional signal interfaces are used to translate voltage levels between circuits, then communication between circuits with different voltage levels is enabled, but power consumption is significant during standby conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The translating circuits switch between active and inactive states periodically based on signal transitions. During standby conditions with no signal transitions, the circuits remain inactive and consume minimal power. When signal transitions occur, the circuits activate to perform voltage level translation, ensuring reliability is maintained when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface automatically detects signal transitions and activates the appropriate translating circuit without requiring external control signals. This self-service mechanism ensures that power consumption is minimized during standby while maintaining reliable operation during active signal transmission, as the system responds autonomously to actual communication needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direction signals are used to control bidirectional signal interface, then proper signal direction control is achieved, but circuits unable to generate direction signals cannot be interfaced
Solution Approach 1:
The translating circuits autonomously detect the direction of signal flow by monitoring transition edges on their respective input nodes. When a transition is detected on the first node, the first translating circuit activates to couple signals from the first circuit to the second circuit. Similarly, transitions on the second node activate the second translating circuit. This self-service direction detection eliminates the need for external direction control signals while maintaining proper bidirectional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal transition detection to control the coupling state of translating circuits. By continuously monitoring input signals and using this feedback to activate or deactivate the appropriate translating path, the interface achieves automatic direction control that is compatible with circuits unable to generate dedicated direction control signals.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a bidirectional signal interface includes first and second nodes and first and second translating circuits. The first and second nodes are respectively operable to receive a first logic signal and a second logic signal. The first translating circuit has a first signal path coupled between the first and second nodes, is operable to sense a transition of the first logic signal on the first node, and, in response to the transition, is operable to couple the first logic signal to the second node via the first signal path. The second translating circuit has a second signal path that is coupled between the first and second nodes and that is parallel to the first signal path, is operable to sense a transition of the second logic signal on the second node, and is, in response to the transition of the second logic signal, operable to couple the second logic signal to the first node via the second signal path.