CAN Bus Clock Ratio Synchronization for Low-Power Serial Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and systems connected via a CAN bus face issues with synchronization due to different clocks, leading to inefficiencies in communication, increased energy consumption, and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that synchronize communication by determining a measurement value of the ratio between the cycle time of a clock and the duration of edges on the CAN bus, using a stored value to send bits, and employing a multiplexer to maintain this value during data transmission, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices with different clocks communicate via CAN bus, then communication flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of clock frequency by allowing devices to operate with different clock frequencies while maintaining communication through a standardized bit duration. The measurement value representing the ratio between local clock cycle time and bit duration is dynamically adjusted to compensate for frequency differences, enabling flexible clock speeds without sacrificing synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a measurement value that mediates between devices with different clock frequencies. This measurement value, representing the ratio between local clock cycle time and bit duration, acts as a conversion factor that enables accurate timing synchronization despite clock frequency differences, allowing devices to communicate effectively without requiring identical clock speeds.
2Reliability
If continuous clock operation is maintained for synchronization, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing the device to operate in low-power modes between communication events. The measurement value is stored and reused for multiple transmission cycles, eliminating the need for continuous clock operation. The device can suspend or reduce clock activity during idle periods while maintaining synchronization capability through the stored measurement value, thereby reducing energy consumption without compromising communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the measurement value representing the ratio between clock cycle time and bit duration. This pre-computed value is saved in memory and reused for subsequent communications, eliminating the need for continuous real-time measurement and clock synchronization operations. The device can enter low-power states between communications while retaining the stored measurement value, reducing energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
3Measurement precision
If complex synchronization mechanisms are implemented, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex real-time synchronization calculations and reduces them to a simple stored measurement value. Instead of implementing complex continuous synchronization mechanisms, the patent separates the measurement function (determining the ratio between clock cycle time and bit duration) from the transmission function (using the stored measurement value to time bit transmissions). This extraction simplifies the device architecture by replacing complex ongoing synchronization processes with a simple lookup of pre-computed values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a copy of the measurement value (the ratio between clock cycle time and bit duration) and storing it in memory for reuse. Instead of continuously calculating synchronization parameters, the device copies the measurement value and applies it repeatedly during bit transmission. This copying approach replaces complex real-time calculations with simple data retrieval and application, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method comprising receiving edges conveyed by a serial bus and separated by multiples of a same duration, determining a measurement value of a ratio between a cycle time of a clock and the duration, and sending bits on the serial bus using the measurement value.