Code Multiplexing for Asymmetric Vehicle Data Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) systems experience high peak power consumption and data overhead due to active receiver components monitoring for signal transitions, especially in high-speed applications, which is inefficient for asymmetric data links with varying data throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing code multiplexing using modulated carrier signals with a predetermined sequence of symbols, allowing for asymmetric data communication by transmitting at different data rates in each direction, enabling devices to enter low power mode when not transmitting, and simplifying the receiver architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional EEE systems use active receiver components to monitor for signal transitions, then the system can detect signal presence and maintain communication readiness, but the peak power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal detection function from the traditional continuous monitoring approach by implementing a simplified receiver that only processes pre-synchronized data bursts. The receiver components are taken out of continuous operation and activated only during predetermined time windows when data is actually transmitted, eliminating the need for continuous signal transition monitoring while maintaining reliable data reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic data transmission with predetermined synchronization patterns at specific time intervals. Both transmitter and receiver operate in synchronized periodic cycles, where the receiver activates only during expected data arrival windows. This periodic operation allows the receiver to remain in low-power state between activations while maintaining reliable communication through predictable timing patterns.
2Loss of energy
If EEE systems transmit data in bursts during normal mode, then power savings can be achieved during idle periods, but frequent transitions from LPI to normal mode create data overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization actions where both transmitter and receiver establish predetermined timing patterns and synchronization sequences before actual data transmission. This preliminary setup allows the receiver to be pre-ready for data arrival, eliminating the need for lengthy mode transition warm-up periods. The synchronization patterns are established once and reused, reducing repeated overhead from frequent LPI-to-normal mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action through predetermined synchronized data bursts that eliminate idle transition periods. By using continuous synchronization patterns and predetermined timing, the system ensures that whenever the receiver is active, it is immediately ready to process data without interruption. This continuity eliminates the harmful idle periods associated with frequent mode transitions while maintaining power savings during actual idle states.
3Reliability
If EEE systems monitor for Alert signals during LPI mode, then the receiver can detect when data transmission is imminent, but the power consumption during monitoring remains substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the notification function from active signal monitoring by using predetermined synchronization patterns embedded in the data transmission protocol itself. Instead of requiring separate Alert signal monitoring, the receiver detects incoming data through the presence of expected synchronization patterns at predetermined times. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous monitoring circuits while maintaining reliable notification of incoming data through the data bursts themselves.
4Device complexity
If symmetric data links are used for asymmetric communication needs, then communication infrastructure can be simplified, but power consumption increases due to maintaining full capability in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetric communication by allowing different data rates in opposite directions of the same physical link. The transmitter and receiver operate at different speeds based on actual communication needs, with the slower device setting the effective data rate. This asymmetry allows the system to use simplified symmetric physical infrastructure while achieving power-efficient asymmetric communication performance by activating only the necessary transmission capacity in each direction.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide for data transmission using modulated carrier signals to carry data, where the carrier signal comprises a predetermined sequence of symbols. An embodiment can be used in such applications as data network communications between sensors (e.g., cameras, motion, radar, etc.) and computing equipment within vehicles (e.g., smart and autonomous cars).