Ethernet Transceiver Module With Dynamic Threshold Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols in automotive networks, such as CAN and Ethernet, face challenges with interference-induced erroneous data transmission due to abrupt voltage transitions, leading to hardware inefficiencies and potential errors in data decoding.
Innovation Solution
A module is introduced that dynamically adjusts detection threshold voltages and clock frequencies/coding schemes for Ethernet messages, allowing seamless transitions between DME and NRZ encoding based on predefined patterns, thereby enhancing data integrity and robustness against interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed detection threshold voltage is used in transceiver, then hardware implementation is simplified, but data transmission reliability deteriorates due to interference-induced erroneous decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of detection threshold voltage in the transceiver by introducing a module that dynamically changes the threshold between a first value (for DME encoding) and a second value (for NRZ encoding). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize detection accuracy for different encoding schemes while maintaining reliable communication in automotive networks with varying interference conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single encoding scheme is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different communication conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the transceiver to support multiple encoding schemes (DME and NRZ) through a universal detection mechanism. The module detects encoding type based on voltage threshold comparisons and automatically configures the transceiver accordingly, allowing a single hardware design to universally handle different Ethernet physical layer encoding requirements in automotive networks.
3Measurement precision
If high detection threshold voltage is used, then false positive detection is reduced, but legitimate signal detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different detection threshold values based on the local encoding scheme being used. For DME encoding, a first detection threshold voltage is applied, while for NRZ encoding, a second detection threshold voltage is applied. This localized optimization ensures that each threshold is appropriately matched to its specific encoding context, maximizing both false positive reduction and legitimate signal detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to module comprising: a first transmit data input, TX input, a first receive data output, RX output, a first transmit data output, TXD output, and a first receive data input, RXD input, wherein the module is configured to be coupled to an Ethernet controller or a digital Ethernet Phy via the first TX input and the first RX output, wherein the module is configured to be coupled via the first TXD output and the first RXD input to a transceiver that can be coupled via a bus interface to bus lines, wherein the module is configured to receive, via the first RXD input, an RXD input signal representing a first Ethernet message, wherein the module is configured to detect a predefined first pattern of the first Ethernet message based on the RXD input signal, wherein the module is configured to generate, in response to the detection of the first pattern, a first instruction for the transceiver to change a detection threshold voltage for detecting a symbol from a first bus threshold voltage to a second bus threshold voltage, wherein the module is configured to detect a predefined second pattern of the first Ethernet message based on the RXD input signal, and wherein the module is configured to generate, in response to the detection of the second pattern, a second instruction for the transceiver to change the detection threshold voltage from the second bus threshold voltage to the first bus threshold voltage.