Bus De-multiplexer Port Expander Using Inherent Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device selection systems in integrated circuits face limitations when trying to expand beyond a certain number of slave devices due to the need for dedicated address selection couplings, which restricts system expansion and requires additional coupling lines and decoding logic.
Innovation Solution
The system uses existing data/control couplings as device selection lines, employing a device determiner and router to enable flexible device selection through a counter, decoder, latch, and demultiplexer, allowing signals to be routed based on a device selection signal without the need for dedicated address couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated address selection couplings are used for each slave device, then device selection reliability is improved, but device complexity and number of coupling lines increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing data/control coupling lines to serve dual purposes: both data transmission and device selection. The device determiner circuit interprets specific patterns on these existing lines as selection signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated selection lines for each device. This multi-functional use of existing lines reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable device selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the data/control lines themselves to carry selection information without requiring external dedicated selection lines. The device determiner circuit extracts selection signals from the existing data/control traffic patterns, allowing the system to self-configure device selection using its own existing infrastructure rather than requiring additional dedicated wiring.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated address logic decoder is implemented, then device selection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device selection function from the traditional address logic decoder and implements it directly within the device determiner circuit. By taking out the selection logic from a separate dedicated decoder and integrating it into the existing data/control line processing path, the system achieves precise device selection without requiring a separate complex address decoding logic apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the device selection function with the existing data/control line processing functionality. The device determiner circuit combines data reception with selection signal extraction, merging what were previously separate functions into a single integrated circuit. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise device selection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional coupling lines are added for device expansion, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the existing data/control lines to dynamically serve as selection lines through software or configuration control. The device determiner circuit can be programmed or configured to interpret different patterns on the same physical lines for different selection purposes, allowing system expansion without adding physical coupling lines. This dynamic reconfiguration enables adaptability while avoiding increased hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit comprising: a device determiner configured to, in a first mode of operation, receive a device selection signal via at least one of: at least one control line and at least one signal line; and a device router configured to, in a second mode of operation, route signals between the at least one of: at least one control line and at least one signal line and at least one device dependent on the device selection signal.