I2C Bus High-Speed Data Link via Parallel Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The speed of data communication over an I2C bus is limited by its serial nature and clock frequency, which is constrained for technical and power consumption reasons, making it inadequate for high-speed data transfer applications like programming EEPROMs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an additional direct data link between devices connected to an I2C bus, allowing for a high-speed communication mode by using additional conductors to convey data in parallel, while maintaining compatibility with the standard I2C protocol through mode switching controlled by signal states on the direct link during acknowledgement bits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data communication is performed over the I2C bus using standard serial protocol, then compatibility with existing I2C devices is maintained, but communication speed is limited by clock frequency constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into two parts: the standard I2C bus for control and addressing signals, and additional direct data links for high-speed data transfer. This allows the system to maintain I2C protocol compatibility while enabling faster data transmission through dedicated parallel pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimension to data communication by introducing additional conductors beyond the standard I2C bus. These extra data links provide parallel communication channels, transforming single-serial communication into multi-channel communication and thereby increasing overall data transfer capacity.
2Productivity
If additional direct data links are added between devices, then communication speed is increased, but device complexity and number of conductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional data links are designed to serve multiple functions: they can operate as high-speed data channels when activated, and remain inactive or serve as backup channels when not needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high-speed communication without permanently increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between standard I2C mode and high-speed mode based on communication requirements. The additional data links can be activated or deactivated as needed, allowing the device complexity to be managed dynamically rather than statically, thus reducing the burden on control circuits.
3Productivity
If high-speed mode is activated using direct links, then data transfer efficiency improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or on-demand activation of high-speed mode rather than continuous operation. The additional data links are activated only when high-speed transfer is required and deactivated otherwise, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining high transfer efficiency when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes an I2C bus interconnecting at least one first device and one second device. At least one direct data link, other than the I2C bus, interconnects the first and second devices. The system is configurable to operate in: a first operating mode providing for data only transmission between the first and second devices over the I2C bus; and a second operating mode providing for simultaneous data transmission between the first and second devices over both the I2C bus and said data link.