External Timing Signal Generation for Multimedia Interface Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic modules, particularly multimedia interfaces, provide only one synchronization point per frame, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary power consumption, and require expensive hardware components for data buffering, while existing solutions for generating additional synchronization signals often require modifying the module's hardware or software.

Innovation Solution

Generate digital timing signals that emulate internal synchronization signals within the module, allowing for multiple synchronization points without modifying the module, using frequency division and edge counting to create trigger signals that optimize control operations and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If synchronization signals are made available outside the electronic module for external control, then external control capability is improved, but signal integrity and security deteriorate due to risk of manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal control capabilityVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (activating signal generator) that converts internal synchronization signals into external activating signals. This mediator allows external control while preventing direct access to internal signals, thus maintaining signal integrity while enabling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the synchronization signal functionality through activating signals generated externally. The activating signal generator produces equivalent control signals based on internal synchronization signals without exposing the original internal signals, enabling external control while preserving security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If activating signals are generated externally based on internal synchronization signals, then external control is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal control capabilityVSAvoidsignal generation architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the signal generation function from the main electronic module and places it in a separate activating signal generator. This extraction enables external control while managing complexity by isolating the signal generation logic in a dedicated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The activating signal generator serves multiple functions: it receives internal synchronization signals, processes them according to control inputs, and generates appropriate activating signals. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control logic in a single universal component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3650980B1Method for manufacturing activating signals for controlling a multimedia interface, and corresponding integrated circuit
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
  • EP3650980B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3650980B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3650980B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The integrated circuit includes a timing signal generator (620) configured to generate, outside an electronic module (EM), at least one digital timing signal (LCK, TCK) emulating at least one first synchronization signal (HSYNC, VSYNC) internal to the module and not available outside the module. The integrated circuit further includes a trigger signal processing circuit (IC) for external control of the module (EM).