Cable Communication Front End Serial Interface Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cable communication systems face challenges in efficiently transferring high-speed downstream and upstream data signals over hybrid fiber-coaxial networks, particularly in maintaining low jitter and minimal delay characteristics while supporting a large number of channels, as existing protocols and architectures are not optimized for high-speed business data services.

Innovation Solution

A cable communication system that includes a Front End (FE) connected to a processor via a high-speed serial interface, utilizing a data link protocol to convert analog downstream data signals into digital samples and transfer them over a serial interface, supporting multiple downstream channels with a framing mode that ensures reliable and power-efficient data transfer, and includes a downstream converter to process and modulate upstream signals effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If existing protocols and architectures are used for cable communication, then basic data transfer is supported, but high-speed business data services cannot be efficiently transferred with low jitter and minimal delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidjitter and delay characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data transfer parameters by implementing a high-speed serial interface with optimized clock rates and data encoding schemes. The system adjusts sampling rates, frame structures, and signal timing parameters to achieve high-speed transmission while maintaining low jitter and delay characteristics required for business data services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptation mechanisms that allow the cable communication system to adjust its operating parameters in real-time based on traffic conditions and service requirements. This includes dynamic channel allocation, adaptive modulation, and flexible framing structures that optimize performance for different data service types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of supported channels is increased, then more data services are available, but system complexity and difficulty of managing high-speed transfers increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of supported channelsVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cable communication system into modular functional blocks including separate downstream and upstream converters, independent channel processing units, and distributed framing structures. Each channel can be processed independently through standardized modules, allowing high channel counts without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universal interface standards and protocols that allow the same hardware architecture to support multiple channels and service types. The system uses standardized data formats, common control mechanisms, and interchangeable module designs that enable versatile channel support without requiring separate complex infrastructure for each channel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2815563B1Method, apparatus and system of transferring data between elements of a cable communication device
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 INTEL CORP
  • EP2815563B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2815563B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2815563B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and methods of transferring information between elements of a communication device. For example, a device may include a front-end to receive an analog downstream input including a plurality of downstream data channels, and to provide a digital serial downstream output including at least one continuous stream of constant-size downstream frames including a plurality of constant-size downstream data frames, which include downstream sample data of the plurality of downstream data channels; a serial interface including at least one serial lane to transfer the at least on stream of the digital serial downstream output; and a processor to receive the digital serial downstream over the serial interface, and to process the downstream data frames.