CI/CA Module Interleaving Data and Transport Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing common interface/conditional access (CI/CA) modules in digital televisions require multiple pins for transmitting conditional access data/command and transport streams, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission due to the use of separate buses for these functions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed CI/CA module employs a multiplexer-based architecture that interleaves the transmission of conditional access data/command and transport streams using a single I/O bus module, allowing for simultaneous transmission on the same port by controlling grant signals to manage different operational modes, thereby reducing the number of pins required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate buses (conditional access bus and transport stream bus) are used for transmitting conditional access data/command and transport stream, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the number of pins required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conditional access bus and transport stream bus into a single shared bus structure. The CI card and IC chip use the same physical bus for both conditional access data/command transmission and transport stream transmission, thereby reducing the number of pins while maintaining transmission reliability through protocol-based separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared bus is designed to serve multiple functions: it can transmit both conditional access data/commands and transport streams. The bus structure is universal, handling different types of data traffic by switching its function based on control signals and protocol states, rather than requiring dedicated physical paths for each data type.
2Reliability
If two separate buses are used for conditional access data and transport stream transmission, then data transmission security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security mechanisms into a unified bus protocol rather than requiring separate physical buses. Security is maintained through protocol-level controls, access rights management, and encrypted data transmission over the shared bus, reducing structural complexity while preserving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bus controller or intermediary management layer that mediates access between the CI card and IC chip. This intermediary manages the shared bus resources, controls data flow, and implements security protocols, simplifying the overall structure compared to multiple independent buses while maintaining security through centralized control.
3Productivity
If multiple pins are used for data transmission, then data transmission capacity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data transmission functions into a single shared bus, reducing the number of pins required. The shared bus maintains high data transmission capacity through high-speed signaling protocols, wide data paths, and efficient multiplexing, thereby reducing manufacturing costs associated with fewer pins and simpler PCB routing while preserving transmission capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the bus transmission, such as increasing the clock frequency, data width, or using advanced encoding schemes, to maintain or enhance data transmission capacity despite using fewer pins. This allows the system to achieve high productivity with reduced pin count and lower manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A common interface (CI)/conditional access (CA) module is used to transmit a conditional access data/command and a transport stream in an interleaving manner between a common interface card and an integrated circuit module having a conditional access module. With the aid of the CI/CA module, a same port can be shared for transmitting the conditional access data/command and the transport stream, instead of using two different and separated ports.