In-Band Interrupt Signaling on Data Lines Without Extra IRQ Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication interfaces in memory devices lack a standard mechanism for a target device to initiate transactions, leading to increased complexity, reduced signal integrity, and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional interrupt request lines.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an in-band interrupt signal mechanism where the target device transmits interrupt signals via the same data lines used for data communication when the chip select signal is de-asserted, eliminating the need for a separate interrupt request line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate interrupt request line is added to enable target device to initiate transactions, then the interrupt signaling capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data lines in the communication interface are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data signals during active transactions and interrupt signals during idle periods (when chip select is de-asserted). This eliminates the need for dedicated interrupt request lines while maintaining full interrupt signaling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt signaling function is merged with the existing data communication function by using the same physical data lines for both purposes. The communication interface combines data transmission and interrupt notification into a single unified channel, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate interrupt request line is added, then the interrupt signaling capability is improved, but the integrated circuit size and connector space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data lines are designed to serve dual purposes: carrying data during active communication and carrying interrupt signals during idle states. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of physical connections required, thereby reducing connector space and integrated circuit area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional interrupt request lines are added, then the interrupt signaling capability is improved, but the signal integrity deteriorates due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By merging interrupt signaling into the existing data communication channel, the system reduces the total number of signal lines. Fewer lines mean fewer potential sources of signal interference, crosstalk, and integrity issues, while still providing reliable interrupt notification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, a system may transmit, via a main device of the system, a first value of a chip select signal indicating chip select de-assertion. The system may transmit, via a target device of the system, an interrupt signal while the chip select line indicates the first value. The system may transmit, via the main device and via the chip select line, a second value of the chip select signal indicating chip select assertion. The system may perform, via at least one of the one or more data lines, one or more data operations based on the target device transmitting the interrupt signal. Numerous other aspects are described.