Bidirectional Edge Timing Communication Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems in microprocessor applications require multiple communication paths and external clock signals, which complicate design and can lead to slower communication and potential interference, especially in safety-relevant applications where fast and reliable communication is critical.
Innovation Solution
The use of edge timing in a common signal allows for bidirectional communication between a master and slave device using a single signal line without an external clock, enabling simultaneous communication of status and data by interpreting the timing of rising and falling edges, thereby simplifying the design and ensuring fast and reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple communication paths and external clock signals are used, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and pin requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (data transmission, status monitoring, clock signaling) into a single bidirectional communication path. The master and slave devices share one communication line where both devices can transmit and receive information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated paths for each function while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-based error detection and acknowledgment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single communication line serves multiple purposes: transmitting data bidirectionally, carrying timing information through edge transitions, and enabling status monitoring. The same physical medium handles both control and data functions, reducing pin requirements and simplifying the overall device interface while preserving functional reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple communication paths are used, then communication reliability is improved, but the number of pins and components required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication channels into a single bidirectional path where the master and slave devices share the same physical line for both transmitting and receiving signals. This consolidation reduces the pin count from multiple dedicated pins to a single shared communication pin, while reliability is maintained through protocol-level error checking and acknowledgment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If conventional communication paths are used, then communication is reliable, but communication speed may be slower due to interference and extensive paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bidirectional communication and timing functions into a single path, reducing signal propagation distance and eliminating interference from separate dedicated paths. The direct edge-triggered signaling on the shared line enables faster communication by removing redundant signaling stages while maintaining reliability through synchronized edge-based timing and protocol-level error detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and circuitries are provided to perform bidirectional communication using edge timing in a common signal. In one example, a method includes receiving a common signal on a signal line between a device and another device. The common signal includes a series of signal periods, and each signal period includes a first edge of a first type and a second edge of a second type different from the first type. In each signal period of the series of signal periods: information being communicated by the other device is determined based at least on the determined timing of the first edge and a timing for a subsequent second edge with respect to the signal period is determined based on information to be communicated to the other device. The subsequent second edge is generated at the selected timing in a subsequent signal period of the series of signal periods.