Full-Duplex Single-Ended Serial Link for Space-Constrained Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transfer systems in applications like automotive and aircraft require reducing physical space and weight by simultaneously transmitting high-speed and low-speed data over a single communication link, which is challenging due to stringent space and weight requirements.

Innovation Solution

A system for full-duplex communication using a single-ended communications link, where a first link interface generates a signal for transmission and a second link interface modulates it to encode both forward and reverse channel data simultaneously, allowing for simultaneous transmission of high-speed and low-speed data over a single coaxial cable or printed circuit board trace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate cables are used for high-speed data and low-speed control data, then data transmission reliability is maintained, but physical space and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcable weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines high-speed data transmission and low-speed control data transmission into a single differential serial link. The system uses a single cable with two conductors to carry both forward channel (high-speed video data) and reverse channel (low-speed control data) signals simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs frequency division multiplexing to transmit different types of data over the same physical medium. By assigning high-speed data to one frequency range and low-speed control data to another frequency range, the system effectively adds a frequency dimension to the single cable, allowing simultaneous transmission without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If separate cables are used for high-speed data and low-speed control data, then signal interference is avoided, but physical space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcable routing space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges high-speed and low-speed data transmission into a single cable assembly, dramatically reducing the space required for cable routing. The compact single-cable design occupies significantly less space compared to multiple separate cables, making it ideal for space-constrained applications like automotive and aircraft systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses frequency filtering as an intermediary mechanism to separate and isolate the forward channel and reverse channel signals within the single cable. By employing filters at the receiver end, the system effectively manages signal interference and ensures clean separation of high-speed and low-speed data streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Weight of moving object

If a single communication link is used for both high-speed and low-speed data, then cable weight and space are reduced, but signal isolation becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable weightVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic frequency modulation and filtering techniques to manage signal isolation. By using periodic sampling and frequency-based separation, the system can distinguish between forward and reverse channel signals despite their simultaneous transmission, reducing the complexity of signal processing compared to alternative approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If simultaneous bidirectional data transmission is implemented over a single link, then communication efficiency is improved, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from spatial separation (multiple cables) to frequency separation (single cable with multiple frequency channels). By assigning different frequency ranges to forward and reverse channels, the system achieves simultaneous bidirectional transmission while minimizing interference through spectral isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces frequency filtering as an intermediary mechanism to manage signal interference. The filters act as mediators that allow the desired frequency range to pass while blocking unwanted frequencies, enabling clean separation of simultaneous bidirectional signals over the single communication link.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8923170B2Full-duplex single-ended serial link communication system
Publication Date: 2014.12.30 MAXIM INTEGRATED PROD INC
  • US8923170B2 patent drawing
  • US8923170B2 patent drawing
  • US8923170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for full duplex communication using a single-ended communications link is described. The system includes a first link interface configured to generate a signal for transmission via the single-ended communications link. The signal includes data encoded in a forward channel. The system also includes a second link interface configured to receive the signal from the first link interface via the single-ended communications link and modulate the signal to encode data in a reverse channel so that the signal includes the forward channel data and the reverse channel data simultaneously.