Bi-directional Single-Wire Communication via Non-Overlapping Time Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet-based communication systems for bi-directional data transfer in applications like automotive and aircraft systems face challenges due to the need for echo cancellation circuitry, which increases cost and complexity, and the requirement for multiple wires or cables, leading to space and weight issues, especially under stringent electromagnetic interference (EMI) constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a non-overlapping (NOL) schedule for devices to alternate between active and silent modes, allowing for bi-directional communication over a single wire or pair without signal collisions, using a 'lock assist' technique to minimize synchronization overhead and enable efficient clock recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If echo cancellation circuitry is used for bi-directional communication on a single wire, then simultaneous transmission and reception is enabled, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating transmission directions in time slots. One device transmits while the other receives, then switches roles. This periodic switching eliminates the need for echo cancellation circuitry while enabling bi-directional communication over a single wire pair, directly resolving the contradiction between operational capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into distinct time slots where each device alternates between transmitting and receiving. This temporal segmentation allows simultaneous bi-directional communication capability without requiring both devices to transmit at the same time, thereby eliminating the need for complex echo cancellation circuitry
2Reliability
If two wires or wire pairs are used for bi-directional communication, then signal collisions are avoided, but cable weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic transmission slots where devices alternate between transmitting and receiving, the patent achieves reliable bi-directional communication without signal collisions using only a single wire pair. This eliminates the need for additional cables, directly reducing weight while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic time-division multiplexing that allows the single wire pair to serve both transmission directions sequentially. This dynamic allocation of the communication channel eliminates the need for static dedicated wires for each direction, reducing cable requirements while avoiding signal collisions
3Reliability
If two wires or wire pairs are used for bi-directional communication, then signal collisions are avoided, but cable space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic time-slot transmission mechanism enables reliable bi-directional communication on a single wire pair, eliminating the need for additional cables and reducing the space required for cable management in automotive and aircraft applications
Solution Approach 2:
The single wire pair is designed to perform multiple functions by alternating between forward and reverse transmission directions through time-division multiplexing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated wires for each direction, reducing cable space requirements while maintaining signal collision avoidance
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for bi-directional communications are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method comprises configuring the first device to enter an active mode according to a non-overlapping (NOL) schedule, the second device being in a silent mode. A transmitter of the first device transmits a first local data signal for a duration not exceeding a maximum tolerable silent duration of the second device. The first device is configured to enter the silent mode after transmitting the first local data signal, according to the NOL schedule.