Ethernet MAC Frame Serialization on a Single M-LVDS Line
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial networks using daisy chain topology for PLCs face latency issues and increased complexity, power consumption, and space requirements due to the use of multiple M-LVDS lines for Ethernet MAC frame transmission.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter module that encodes and serializes Ethernet MAC frames onto a single M-LVDS line using an 8b/10b encoding unit and a serializing unit, and a receiver module that decodes and deserializes frames using a CDR unit and 8b/10b decoding unit, reducing the need for multiple lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple M-LVDS lines are used to transmit Ethernet MAC frames, then the transmission capacity and reliability are improved, but the power consumption, space requirements, and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple M-LVDS transmission lines into a single line by implementing parallel-to-serial conversion. The transmitter module takes parallel data from multiple M-LVDS lines and converts it to a serial stream that can be transmitted over a single M-LVDS line, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission capacity through time-division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The single M-LVDS line is designed to handle multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated lines. The transmitter module implements encoding and serialization capabilities that allow one physical line to carry multiple data streams, making the communication interface more universal and reducing the overall number of components needed
2Productivity
If multiple M-LVDS lines are used for Ethernet MAC frame transmission, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission process is segmented into distinct functional stages: parallel data input, encoding/serialization conversion, and serial transmission. The transmitter module implements these as separate functional blocks that process data sequentially, allowing complex multi-line transmission to be achieved through coordinated simple stages rather than parallel complex circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding/serialization unit that acts as a mediator between the parallel M-LVDS interface and the single serial M-LVDS line. This intermediary component performs the complex conversion function, isolating the complexity from both the data source and the transmission medium, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If daisy chain topology is used to connect PLCs, then the network robustness and ease of installation are improved, but the transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the spatial dimension of daisy-chain connectivity (where data must physically pass through intermediate nodes) to a temporal dimension solution (where multiple data streams are multiplexed in time on a single line). This allows direct point-to-point communication logic to be implemented over a shared medium, reducing the effective transmission path while maintaining network topology flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter module, a receiver module and a communication system for exchanging Ethernet Medium Access Control (MAC) frames on a single Multipoint Low Voltage Differential Signaling (M-LVDS) line. The transmitter module includes: a first transmitter media-independent interface (MII) including parallel data lines for receiving bits of an Ethernet MAC frame to be transmitted on the single M-LVDS line: an 8b/10b encoding unit adapted to encode 8-bit words to produce 10-bit words, wherein the 8-bit words include bits of the Ethernet MAC frame received on the parallel data lines of the first transmitter MII; a serializing unit adapted to serialize the 10-bits words; and an M-LVDS transmitter unit for transmitting the serialized 10-bit words on the single M-LVDS line.