Interconnection Controller Test Mode for Advanced Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection protocols, such as MIPI UFS, face limitations in achieving high-speed data transmission with low power consumption due to the 8b/10b coding scheme, which results in inefficiencies and overheads, and lack effective methods for testing advanced line encoding schemes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an advanced line encoding (ALE) scheme with reduced overhead, such as 128b/130b or 256b/258b coding, and adopting signaling schemes like PAM-n, along with modified UniPro and M-PHY specifications to enhance data throughput and facilitate testing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 8b/10b coding scheme is used, then DC balance is achieved, but effective data rate is reduced due to 20% overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coding parameters from traditional 8b/10b (8 data bits + 2 overhead bits per 10-bit symbol) to advanced line encoding schemes such as 64b/66b or 128b/130b, where the overhead ratio is reduced from 20% to approximately 3.1% or 1.56% respectively. This parameter change maintains DC balance while significantly improving effective data rate by reducing the proportion of overhead bits in each transmitted symbol.
2Productivity
If advanced line encoding is implemented, then data throughput is improved, but testing and validation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary test mode functionality directly into the controller design, allowing test patterns to be generated and transmitted before actual data operations. This preliminary testing capability enables validation of the advanced line encoding implementation without requiring external test equipment, thereby reducing testing complexity while maintaining high throughput performance.
3Speed
If higher transmission speeds are achieved, then data rate is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the line encoding parameters to achieve higher transmission speeds with reduced power consumption by minimizing the overhead ratio. Advanced encoding schemes like 128b/130b reduce the number of transitions and signaling events required per unit of data transmitted compared to 8b/10b, thereby achieving higher effective data rates while reducing the power consumption associated with signal generation and detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for facilitating testing for an interconnection protocol, a controller, and an electronic device are provided. The method is suitable for an electronic device capable of communicating with another electronic device. The method comprises the following steps. At a controller of the electronic device, a test mode request signal is received to enter a test mode in which data transmission is to be performed by using an advanced line encoding having an improved effective data rate as compared to 8b/10b encoding. At the controller, a test data signal is generated to indicate a test pattern including an ordered set portion and a data pattern portion by using the advanced line encoding. The test data signal is transmitted according to the advanced line encoding through the electronic device to the other electronic device.