I3C Sync Mode Parameter Update Timing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing I3C standard does not clearly describe how to dynamically change parameters such as TU, DT, ODR, and Tph during Sync Mode, leading to potential malfunctions and unreliable communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that includes a parameter transmitter to send changed parameters to a counterpart device during Sync Mode and a command transmitter to instruct when these changes are reflected, ensuring consistent parameter updates without ending or restarting communication modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parameters are dynamically changed during Sync Mode communication, then adaptability and responsiveness are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to potential malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter dynamic change capabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The master device transmits the changed parameter to the slave device in advance during Async Mode, before switching to Sync Mode. This preliminary transmission ensures the slave device has the updated parameter ready, allowing reliable Sync Mode operation with dynamic parameter changes without causing malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If parameter changes are implemented immediately, then responsiveness is improved, but synchronization stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter update speedVSAvoidsynchronization stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Parameter changes are prepared and transmitted in advance during Async Mode before Sync Mode begins. This timing allows the parameter update to be completed beforehand, ensuring both rapid responsiveness and stable synchronization during actual data transfer without disrupting the Sync Mode timing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system alternates between Async Mode (for parameter updates) and Sync Mode (for stable data transfer). This periodic switching allows parameter changes to occur at designated intervals without disrupting the stability of ongoing synchronous communication, maintaining both responsiveness and synchronization stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12189568B2Communication apparatus and communication method

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, and a program that enable more reliable communication. An I3C master transmits a parameter having been changed to an I3C slave during communication in Sync Mode with the I3C slave, and gives an instruction on a timing at which the parameter having been changed is reflected in the I3C slave by transmitting a predetermined command. The I3C slave holds the parameter having been changed, the parameter being received during communication in Sync Mode with the I3C master, and determines to reflect the parameter having been changed at a timing at which the predetermined command is transmitted from the I3C master. The present technology can be applied to, for example, an I3C bus.