Configurable Two-Wire Interface Module Protocol Adaptation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional two-wire interface modules are typically configured to communicate using a single two-wire interface protocol, limiting flexibility and compatibility with other modules that may use different protocols, leading to communication issues when protocols do not match.

Innovation Solution

A two-wire interface module with a logic component that can dynamically switch between different two-wire interface protocols based on an input signal, allowing communication with various modules using different protocols over the same pair of wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a two-wire interface module is configured to use a single two-wire interface protocol, then the module structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different protocols is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two-wire interface module employs dynamic configuration capability, allowing it to switch between different two-wire interface protocols (such as I2C and MiLB) based on external control signals. This dynamic adaptability enables the same module to communicate with various devices using different protocols without requiring multiple dedicated modules, thereby resolving the contradiction between protocol compatibility and module structure simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal two-wire interface module that can perform multiple protocol functions through a single device. By integrating support for both I2C and MiLB protocols within one module, the design eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each protocol, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple module structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If different two-wire interface modules use different protocols, then each module can be optimized for its specific protocol, but communication compatibility between modules is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol performanceVSAvoidinter-module compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal two-wire interface module that can perform multiple protocol functions through a single device. By integrating support for both I2C and MiLB protocols within one module, the design eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each protocol, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple module structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The configurable two-wire interface module acts as an intermediary between devices using different protocols. It can translate or adapt communication between I2C and MiLB protocols, enabling compatibility between modules that would otherwise be incompatible, thus improving inter-module communication while maintaining protocol-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated modules are used to support different protocols, then protocol-specific functionality is optimized, but the system requires more chip or board space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol supportVSAvoidchip or board space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated protocol modules into a single configurable two-wire interface module. By combining support for I2C, MiLB, and potentially other two-wire protocols within one integrated module, the design significantly reduces the chip or board space required compared to using separate dedicated modules for each protocol, while maintaining full protocol support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal two-wire interface module that can perform multiple protocol functions through a single device. By integrating support for both I2C and MiLB protocols within one module, the design eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each protocol, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple module structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7765348B2Configurable two-wire interface module

Publication Date: 2010.07.27 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

A telecommunications system and constituent two-wire interface module. The two wire interface module includes a logic component configured to communicate over the same pair of wires using different two-wire interface protocols depending on an input signal presented on a configuration input. This configurability allows the two-wire interface module to use the same two wires to communicate with a variety of other two-wire interface modules, even if those two-wire interface modules communicate using different two-wire interface protocols.