Differential Interface Switching Between Voltage and Current Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential current driving schemes suffer from signal distortion and reduced transmission speeds due to interference between transmission lines and process deviations, leading to unstable data transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A system that selectively adopts a differential voltage driving scheme or differential current driving scheme using a transmitter with a voltage source, current source, and control mechanisms to control voltage and current directions on transmission lines, along with a receiver capable of detecting voltage or current directions to restore data, and an interface system that can switch between these schemes based on line states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a differential current driving scheme is used to transmit data at high speed, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal distortion occurs due to interference between transmission lines and process deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental driving parameter from current to voltage. The transmitter uses voltage sources instead of current sources to drive the transmission lines, and the receiver uses voltage detection instead of current detection. This parameter change eliminates the interference problems and process deviation sensitivity inherent in current driving schemes, thereby maintaining high transmission speed while improving signal quality and reliability.
2Productivity
If differential current driving is used, then data can be transmitted through transmission lines, but interference between the two transmission lines occurs due to their physical positions and parasitic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from current-driven to voltage-driven transmission. By using voltage sources at the transmitter and voltage detection at the receiver, the system eliminates the mutual interference and parasitic element effects that plague current driving schemes. The voltage driving method maintains data transmission capability while removing the harmful interference between closely spaced transmission lines.
3Productivity
If current sources are used to generate differential currents, then data transmission is possible, but process deviations cause different current values to be sourced or sunk, degrading signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces current sources with voltage sources in the transmitter and current detection with voltage detection in the receiver. This parameter change eliminates sensitivity to process deviations in current matching. Voltage sources inherently provide better matching and are less affected by manufacturing variations, thereby maintaining data transmission functionality while significantly improving current matching accuracy and overall signal integrity.
4Ease of operation
If a limited current source is used in differential current driving, then the system can operate, but signal distortion occurs when transmission line loads are substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the driving parameter from current to voltage, allowing the system to handle substantial transmission line loads without signal distortion. Voltage sources can provide the necessary power drive capability that limited current sources cannot, while maintaining system operability. This parameter change enables the system to operate reliably even with heavy loads on the transmission lines.
Data Source
AI summary
In the transmitter, receiver and interface system capable of selective adoption of a differential current driving scheme and a differential voltage driving scheme, a differential current driving scheme and a differential voltage driving scheme can be selectively adopted in one semiconductor chip depending upon the states of the transmission lines, so that effective data transmission is possible and common parts can be shared, whereby a design time can be shortened and a layout area can be reduced.