Coupled PCB Trace Telemetry for Single-Pin AC and DC Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring clock and data signals in computer systems is often neglected due to the requirement of valuable FPGA pins and board space, limiting the ability to gather valuable monitoring and debugging information.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves combining low frequency and high frequency telemetry using coupled conductors, where a high frequency signal is induced onto a low frequency conductor, allowing for monitoring of both signals using a single pin of a controller through a coupling section, with a first conductor carrying a low frequency signal and a second conductor carrying a high frequency signal, and a monitoring system to report the status of both signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate conductors are used for low frequency and high frequency signals, then signal monitoring capability is improved, but the number of controller pins and board space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines low frequency and high frequency signals onto a single conductor by utilizing electromagnetic induction. A coupling section with proximity between the first conductor (carrying low frequency signal) and second conductor (carrying high frequency signal) induces the high frequency signal onto the first conductor, allowing both signals to be monitored through a single controller pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The first conductor serves multiple functions: it carries the original low frequency signal and simultaneously carries the induced high frequency signal. This multi-functionality allows a single conductor and controller pin to monitor both low frequency and high frequency signals, reducing the total number of pins required.
2Loss of information
If multiple pins are used for monitoring different signals, then diagnostic information is improved, but board space and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal monitoring functions into a single conductor by inducing the high frequency signal onto the low frequency conductor through electromagnetic coupling. This consolidation maintains comprehensive diagnostic information while reducing board space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling section acts as an intermediary that enables signal transfer from the second conductor to the first conductor through electromagnetic induction. This intermediary mechanism allows high frequency signal monitoring without requiring a separate dedicated conductor for the entire signal path.
3Device complexity
If a single pin is used for combined telemetry, then hardware simplicity is improved, but signal separation and monitoring difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific coupling section with controlled proximity between conductors. This localized coupling enables selective electromagnetic induction of the high frequency signal onto the first conductor only in the coupling section, allowing the controller to distinguish between signals based on their origin and characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in signal frequency to enable separate monitoring. The controller can differentiate between the low frequency signal and the induced high frequency signal by detecting their distinct frequency characteristics, allowing simultaneous monitoring of both signals on a single pin.
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 approach enables efficient monitoring of both low and high frequency signals using a single pin, reducing the need for multiple pins and allowing for effective debugging and monitoring of computer systems without the need for additional hardware, thereby enhancing system performance and diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The high frequency signal component of the second signal on the second conductor induces an induced signal on the first conductor within the coupling section
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first conductor connected to a pin of a controller, where the first conductor includes a low frequency first signal component, and second conductor with a high frequency second signal component. A coupling section includes part of the first conductor situated in proximity to part of the second conductor. The second signal induces an induced signal on the first conductor within the coupling section. The high frequency is at least an order of magnitude higher than the low frequency. The apparatus includes the controller with a first signal monitor configured to monitor the first signal present on the pin of the controller and to report a status of the first signal, and a second signal monitor configured to monitor the second signal by monitoring the induced signal present on the pin and to report a status of the second signal based on the induced signal.