Multiplexing Independent Data Streams via UART Allocation Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting multiple independent data streams to a corresponding number of receivers due to hardware limitations, such as a limited number of UARTs, which often requires costly components or complex individual programming of microcontrollers.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission method that multiplexes multiple independent data streams into a smaller number of multiplexed data streams, which are then transmitted through a fewer number of UARTs. Each data stream is allocated a specific identifier, allowing microcontrollers to demultiplex and select the correct data stream using an allocation protocol, thereby enabling efficient transmission to the designated receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of UARTs is increased to match the number of independent data streams, then the transmission capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent data streams are merged into a single multiplexed data stream that is transmitted through one UART. The receiver then demultiplexes the stream and uses an allocation protocol to distribute data to the correct receivers, eliminating the need for multiple UARTs while maintaining full transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
A single UART is made universal by implementing multiplexing and demultiplexing functionality, allowing it to handle multiple independent data streams simultaneously. This makes one UART perform the work of multiple UARTs, reducing device complexity and cost
2Manufacturing precision
If individual programming of microcontrollers is performed to select correct data streams, then the data transmission accuracy is improved, but the ease of manufacture and programming complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
All microcontrollers are programmed with the same allocation protocol instead of individual custom programs. The protocol uses data stream identifiers to automatically route each data stream to its designated receiver, making the programming homogeneous and significantly easier to manufacture while maintaining accurate data transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a data transmission method to transmit data contained in k independent data streams (10) to k receivers (44) with a data transmission device (32), wherein specific data stream identifiers (13) are attached to the independent data streams (10) and then multiplexed into I multiplexed data streams (15). The multiplexed data streams (15) are then transmitted via I UARTs (36) to k microcontrollers (38) which demultiplex the multiplexed data streams (15) and select one of the contained independent data streams (10) via an allocation protocol (40). The allocation protocol (40) is identical on all microcontrollers (38) and utilizes the specific data stream identifiers (13) to allocate the k independent data streams (10) to exactly one of the k receivers (44). The microcontrollers (38) then send their selected independent data stream (10) to an allocated receiver (44). The invention further relates to a corresponding data transmission device (32) and data transmission system (88).