Multichannel Transmission Over I2C Bus Using Time Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current I2C bus communication protocols are limited to single-channel data transmission, leaving unused potential in the twin-wire bus structure for additional data transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for multichannel transmission over a twin-wire bus by using state coding during the first state of the synchronization signal and pulse coding outside this period for a second channel, compatible with existing I2C system architectures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If single-channel I2C protocol is used, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but communication capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidtransmission protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission timeline is segmented into two distinct periods: a first period for I2C protocol data transmission and a second period for secondary channel data transmission. This temporal segmentation allows multiple communication channels to coexist on the same physical bus without interfering with each other, thereby increasing communication capacity while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a temporal dimension to the communication system by utilizing time periods outside the I2C data stable period for secondary transmission. This dimensional expansion allows the twin-wire bus to carry multiple types of data simultaneously in different time slots, transforming a single-channel system into a multi-channel system without adding physical wires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multichannel transmission is implemented, then communication capacity increases, but protocol compatibility may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission timeline is segmented into two distinct periods: a first period for I2C protocol data transmission and a second period for secondary channel data transmission. This temporal segmentation allows multiple communication channels to coexist on the same physical bus without interfering with each other, thereby increasing communication capacity while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary I2C protocol transmission during the first time period before transitioning to secondary channel transmission in the second period. This preliminary action ensures that I2C communication requirements are met before utilizing the bus for additional purposes, maintaining protocol compatibility while enabling extended functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If time periods outside I2C stable period are utilized, then unused bus time is exploited, but transmission timing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebus utilization efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary I2C protocol transmission during the first time period before transitioning to secondary channel transmission in the second period. This preliminary action ensures that I2C communication requirements are met before utilizing the bus for additional purposes, maintaining protocol compatibility while enabling extended functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention continues useful action by utilizing otherwise idle time periods outside the I2C stable period for secondary data transmission. This continuous utilization of bus resources eliminates wasted time and increases overall productivity, transforming dead time into productive transmission time while maintaining timing precision through defined transition criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8948209B2Transmission over an 12C bus

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS

AI summary

A method and a system of multichannel transmission over a twin-wire bus including a data signal and a synchronization signal, data of a first channel being transmitted by a state coding of the data signal for a time period containing a first state of the synchronization signal, data of a second channel being transmitted by pulse coding outside of said period.