DSPI Microcontroller CRC Framing for Multi-Protocol Bus Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microcontrollers face challenges in supporting a wide range of communication protocols without increasing costs, as implementing native protocol controllers can lead to higher costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller with a deserial-serial peripheral interface (DSPI) module configured to operate according to selected communication protocols, such as CAN FD Light, LIN, or FlexRAY, using a processing unit to calculate CRC values and program data registers for transmission via a communication bus, allowing emulation of protocols without dedicated hardware components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If native protocol controllers are implemented in a microcontroller, then communication protocol support is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DSPI module is configured to operate in multiple modes (SPI, DSI, CSI) to support different communication protocols. By making the existing DSPI hardware multi-functional through software configuration rather than adding dedicated hardware controllers for each protocol, the system achieves broad protocol support while avoiding the cost increase associated with multiple native protocol controllers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent emulates native protocol controller functionality by configuring the DSPI module to replicate the behavior of dedicated protocol controllers. Instead of implementing actual CAN, LIN, or FlexRay controllers, the system copies their operational characteristics through the DSPI's serialization and frame assembly capabilities, achieving protocol compatibility without the hardware overhead
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DSPI module serves as a universal communication interface that can be configured to support multiple protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet) through software settings. This single multi-functional module replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated protocol controllers, significantly reducing hardware complexity while maintaining broad protocol support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple protocol controllers into a single DSPI module. By merging the serialization, frame assembly, and transmission capabilities needed for different protocols into one unified hardware block, the system achieves protocol diversity without proportionally increasing hardware complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A microcontroller (80) comprises a processing unit and a deserial-serial peripheral interface module (81'). The deserial-serial peripheral interface module is configured to be coupled to a communication bus (84) which operates according to a selected communication protocol. The processing unit is configured to read user data intended for inclusion in an outgoing frame encoded according to the selected communication protocol. The processing unit is further configured to calculate, as a function of the user data, a CRC value intended for inclusion in the outgoing frame. The processing unit is further configured to compose the outgoing frame including the user data and the calculated CRC value into the outgoing frame. The processing unit is further configured to produce a DSPI frame encoded according to the selected communication protocol as a function of the outgoing frame. The processing unit is further configured to program a data register of the deserial-serial peripheral interface module (81') with the DSPI frame. Operation of the deserial-serial peripheral interface module (81') results in transmission of the DSPI frame via the communication bus (84).