Clock Signal Line Power Transmission for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems require a large number of wiring lines for power supply and data transmission, which increases cost, weight, and reduces wearability, especially in wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a first communication unit that includes a transmission circuit, a resistor, a switch, and a controller to couple the power supply and terminal, and a second communication unit with a reception circuit, a power storage device, and a controller to operate using the stored voltage, reducing the need for separate power supply wiring by using the clock signal line for power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power supply wiring is provided for each communication unit, then power supply stability is improved, but the number of wiring lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function with the clock signal transmission line by providing a switch that couples the power supply to the clock signal line. This allows the clock signal line to serve dual purposes: transmitting clock signals during communication and providing power supply during non-communication periods, thereby reducing the number of separate power supply wiring lines while maintaining power supply stability through controlled switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The clock signal line is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits clock signals during active communication and serves as a power supply line during non-communication periods. The switch enables this multi-functionality by controlling the coupling between the power supply and the clock signal line, allowing the same physical line to fulfill different roles based on operational state.
2Device complexity
If the number of wiring lines is reduced, then cost and weight are reduced, but power supply capability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is configured to couple the power supply to the clock signal line in advance during non-communication periods, allowing the power storage device to be charged before power is needed. This preliminary charging action ensures that sufficient power is available when communication activities require energy, thereby maintaining adequate power supply capability with reduced wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between power supply mode and communication mode. During non-communication periods, the switch couples the power supply to charge the power storage device; during communication periods, the switch disconnects to allow normal clock signal transmission. This periodic action ensures both adequate power accumulation and proper communication function with minimal wiring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the number of wiring lines, lowers costs, enhances wearability by reducing weight and thickness of cables, and allows stable charging of power storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage device, a second switch configured to couple the second terminal and the power storage device to each other by being turned on
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system according to the present disclosure includes a first communication unit that includes a first terminal, a transmission circuit configured to transmit a clock signal via the first terminal, a first resistor inserted into a path between the first terminal and a power supply, a first switch configured to couple the power supply and the first terminal to each other by being turned on, and a first controller configured to control an operation of the first switch, and a second communication unit that includes a second terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first communication unit via a first wiring line, a reception circuit configured to receive the clock signal via the second terminal, a power storage device, a second switch configured to couple the second terminal and the power storage device to each other by being turned on, and a second controller configured to control an operation of the second switch, the second communication unit being configured to operate by supply of a voltage of the power storage device as a power supply voltage.