HEC Transceiver Frequency Synchronization for Signal Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication technologies, such as HDMI's HEC transceivers, face issues with signal differentiation, frequency mismatches, and rapid network connection establishment, leading to malfunction during idle mode or connection establishment, especially when transceivers transmit and receive signals on the same twisted pair of conductors.

Innovation Solution

A communication device and method that utilize a transmitter with a scrambler and a receiver with a descrambler, both sharing the same scrambler generator polynomial, along with an oscillation circuit configured by a controller to adjust frequencies and synchronize signals, ensuring correct signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If HEC transceivers transmit and receive signals on the same twisted pair of conductors simultaneously, then full duplex communication is achieved, but near-end and far-end signals cannot be differentiated causing malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsignal differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the frequency parameter of the transmitted signals. Each transceiver transmits at a slightly different frequency (first frequency for near-end, second frequency for far-end), allowing the receiver to differentiate between near-end and far-end signals through frequency discrimination while maintaining full-duplex operation on the same twisted pair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where transceivers monitor received signals and adjust their transmission frequencies accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that frequency differences are maintained between near-end and far-end transmissions, enabling continuous signal differentiation and preventing malfunction during full-duplex communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of stationary object

If HEC transceivers transmit idle signals continuously in idle mode, then connection establishment is maintained, but both ends transmit the same idle signals causing failure to function correctly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection maintenanceVSAvoidsignal functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes to the idle signal transmission by assigning different frequencies to idle signals transmitted from each end. The near-end transceiver transmits idle signals at a first frequency while the far-end transceiver transmits at a second frequency, allowing both to maintain connections simultaneously without signal conflict

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the idle signal transmission scheme where each transceiver operates with distinct frequency parameters rather than symmetric identical signals. This asymmetric frequency assignment enables both transceivers to transmit idle signals continuously without interference or functional failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If transmission frequency difference of ±200 ppm is tolerated, then frequency tolerance is achieved, but near-end and far-end transceivers still transmit the same idle signals after a period of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency toleranceVSAvoidsignal differentiation over time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment where transceivers continuously monitor and adapt their transmission frequencies to maintain a deliberate offset. This dynamic behavior ensures that even with ±200 ppm tolerance, the frequency difference is actively maintained to prevent idle signal convergence and ensure continuous signal differentiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the frequency difference between near-end and far-end transceivers. When the frequency offset approaches zero due to tolerance accumulation, the feedback system adjusts frequencies to restore the differentiation, preventing the transmission of identical idle signals over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of time

If HEC transceivers establish network connection rapidly, then connection time is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio may be insufficient for maintaining connection after quiet mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment timeVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency synchronization and signal calibration during the connection establishment phase before entering quiet mode. This preliminary configuration ensures that the optimal signal-to-noise ratio is achieved and locked in before the transceivers transition to low-power state, enabling rapid connection while maintaining signal quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8755529B2Method and device for establishing network connection
Publication Date: 2014.06.17 REALTEK SEMICON CORP
  • US8755529B2 patent drawing
  • US8755529B2 patent drawing
  • US8755529B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for establishing network connection is disclosed, having a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a controller. The transmitting circuit, comprising a first scrambler having a plurality of first registers, transmits a first data scrambled by the first scrambler to a transmission line according to an oscillating signal generated by an oscillation circuit. The receiving circuit receives a second data scrambled by a second scrambler from the transmission line and comprises a descrambler having a plurality of second registers for descrambling the second data. The first and the second scramblers use the same scrambler generator polynomial. The controller compares at least one of the first data and the value of the first registers and at least one of the second data and the values of the second registers for configuring the oscillation circuit to adjust the frequency of the oscillating signal.