Interface Converter for Expanded Memory in Communications Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited storage capacity of local memory in communications controllers and the substantial processing utilization required for frequent data access lead to performance issues and delays in data transfer between communication devices in wireless local area networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with an interface converter that converts a serial bus interface protocol, such as I2C, to a parallel bus interface protocol, allowing for efficient burst read and write operations with external memory, like flash memory, to expand storage capacity and reduce processing utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If local memory is used to store configuration data and application parameters, then data access speed is improved, but storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides memory storage into two segments: local memory (SRAM/cache) for frequently accessed configuration data and application parameters, and external memory (EEPROM/Flash) for bulk storage. This segmentation allows fast access to critical data while expanding total storage capacity through the external memory interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the memory architecture by introducing an external memory interface that operates independently from the local memory. This creates a multi-layered memory hierarchy, expanding storage capacity without compromising the speed of local memory access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local memory is repeatedly accessed for each communications application, then application switching is enabled, but processing utilization increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading configuration data and application parameters into local memory before they are needed. The external memory interface handles data preparation and transfer in advance, reducing the need for repeated processing operations when applications are switched.
Solution Approach 2:
The external memory interface acts as an intermediary between the communications controller and the external memory storage. It manages data transfer operations independently, handling the burden of data access and reducing the processing utilization required by the main communications controller for memory management.
3Ease of operation
If local memory is used for storing application parameters, then data access is simplified, but other components such as RF interface are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bulk storage function from the local memory system and places it in external memory. This removes the bottleneck caused by local memory access conflicts, allowing the RF interface and other components to operate without being blocked by memory access operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The external memory interface serves as an intermediary that handles all external memory access operations, isolating them from the main communications controller and RF interface. This allows the RF interface to operate independently without being blocked by memory access operations.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention includes a communication system. The system comprises a communications controller configured to control transmission and reception of communications data in a network. The system also comprises a memory configured to store configuration data associated with the communications controller and application parameters associated with each of a plurality of communications applications. The system further comprises an interface converter interconnecting the communications controller and the memory and configured to convert a first bus interface protocol associated with the communications controller to a second bus interface protocol for providing read and write data transfer of the configuration data and the application parameters between the communications controller and the memory.