Camera Transmission Interface Using Full-Swing Serial Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera interfaces face challenges with pin count and the need for additional analog circuits to handle differential signals in serial data transmission, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A transmission interface comprising a conversion unit and a decoding unit that converts full swing serial input data streams to parallel data and clock, reducing the number of pins required and eliminating the need for analog circuits to handle differential signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a parallel camera interface is used, then data transmission capability is improved, but the number of pins increases, increasing total area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from parallel data transmission (multiple pins simultaneously transmitting data) to serial data transmission (single pin transmitting data sequentially over time). This dimensional change in data transmission approach reduces the number of pins required while maintaining data transmission capability through time-multiplexed serial communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel data stream is segmented into sequential serial bits that are transmitted one after another. The conversion unit divides the parallel data into individual bits for serial transmission, then reconstructs the parallel data at the receiving end, reducing pin requirements while preserving data integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If a serial camera interface is used, then the number of pins is reduced, but additional analog circuits are required to handle differential signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal parameter from differential signaling (requiring analog circuits) to single-ended full-swing digital signaling. By transitioning to full-swing digital signals that operate at defined logic levels, the system eliminates the need for complex analog differential signal handling circuits while maintaining robust data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the analog circuit mechanism (differential signal handling) with a digital logic mechanism (full-swing digital signaling and conversion). This substitution eliminates analog circuits by using digital signal levels that can be directly processed by digital logic circuits, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If differential signals are used for data transmission, then signal integrity is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal parameter from differential signaling to full-swing single-ended digital signaling. By using full-swing signals with well-defined logic thresholds, the system achieves reliable signal integrity through voltage level robustness while avoiding the complexity of differential pair routing and analog signal processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission interface includes a first pin, a second pin, a conversion unit, and a decoding unit. The conversion unit receives a serial input data stream via the first pin and receives a serial clock via the second pin. The conversion unit converts the serial input data stream to parallel input data and converts the serial clock to a parallel clock. The serial input data stream has a full swing form. The decoding unit receives and decodes the parallel input data and generates an input data signal according to the decoded parallel input data.