Daisy-Chained Slave Devices With Centralized Master Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems with daisy-chained devices require each device to carry both master and slave logic, increasing cost and complexity, and often necessitate command lines and master operating modes, which are not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A time-division multiplexed communication system where a controller provides a clock and frame synchronization signals to slave-only devices, allowing them to auto-initialize and operate without master logic, using a simplified bus arrangement with only three signal lines, enabling devices to determine their time slots and operate independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each device carries both master and slave logic, then devices can operate in different modes, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the master logic functionality from slave devices and concentrates it solely in the controller. Each slave device now only contains slave logic, eliminating the need for master logic in every device. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability for devices to operate in their designated roles within the TDM communication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to universally handle master operations for all slave devices in the daisy-chain configuration. A single controller provides clock signals, frame synchronization signals, and command signals to multiple slave devices, replacing the need for each device to have master capabilities. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If command lines are used for device configuration, then devices can be properly configured, but the number of signal lines and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration function into the existing TDM data line by utilizing idle time slots within the time-division multiplexed frame structure. Command signals are embedded within the data transmission timeline rather than requiring separate dedicated configuration lines. This combining approach maintains device configuration capability while reducing the number of physical signal lines required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic time slots within the TDM frame structure to transmit command signals to slave devices. During designated time slots in each frame, the controller sends configuration commands to specific devices, while other time slots are used for data transmission. This periodic utilization of the data line for configuration purposes eliminates the need for continuous dedicated command lines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If master logic is included in each device, then devices can initiate communication, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-intensive master logic operations from slave devices and consolidates them in the controller. Slave devices now only perform reception and data transmission functions, which consume significantly less power. The controller, which is typically powered from the host system, handles all master operations including clock generation, frame synchronization, and communication initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
Slave devices are designed to autonomously determine their identity and operational parameters by monitoring the frame synchronization signal and counting time slots. This self-configuration capability eliminates the need for power-intensive master mode operations while maintaining the ability to participate in communication effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication system has a number of communicatively coupled devices, including at least one slave-only device. Techniques for use in the data communication system include techniques for synchronization and re-synchronization of frame and bit clocks, techniques for assigning device address, techniques for dynamically controlling transmit power based on the number of devices, and techniques for serialized signal processing.