Interrupt-Pin Data Transmission Using Atypical Signal Sequences
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission methods between integrated circuits and downstream circuits, such as NFC tags, are hindered by systems that do not support write commands or fail to differentiate between interrupt signals and actual data transfer, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in communication.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing targeted triggering of atypical interrupt signals or sequences of regular and atypical interrupt signals to facilitate data transfer, enabling communication even in systems not originally designed for it, and incorporating an evaluation unit divided into a logic unit and a microcontroller to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interrupt signals are used to signal events, then event detection is achieved, but data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the characteristics of interrupt signals to encode data. Specifically, it uses different pulse widths ( durations) of interrupt signals to represent different data values. Regular interrupt signals have a standard pulse width for event notification, while atypical interrupt signals have extended or modified pulse widths to convey additional information, enabling data transmission through the interrupt mechanism without compromising event detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the interrupt signal system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original purpose of event detection and a new function of data transmission. By carefully designing the signal encoding scheme where regular and atypical interrupt signals can be distinguished and interpreted, the same interrupt pin and signaling mechanism can simultaneously notify events and transmit arbitrary data, achieving versatility without losing reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If atypical interrupt signals are used for data transmission, then data transfer capability is improved, but signal differentiation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes (specifically pulse width variations) to encode data in interrupt signals. Atypical interrupt signals have extended or modified durations compared to regular signals, creating a clear distinguishable parameter difference that enables data transmission while maintaining relatively simple signal generation and detection logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by using sequences of interrupt signals to transmit data. Multiple interrupt signals are sent in sequence, where each signal's characteristics (regular or atypical) contribute to the overall data pattern. This sequential approach allows complex data transmission to be broken down into manageable discrete signal events that can be processed incrementally
3Productivity
If the microcontroller is continuously active for data evaluation, then data processing speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the microcontroller operate in cycles rather than continuously. The microcontroller enters sleep mode during periods when no data transmission is occurring, consuming minimal energy. When an atypical interrupt signal sequence is detected, the microcontroller is activated to process the data, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic activation pattern significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining data processing capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically wake the microcontroller from sleep mode when data transmission is detected through the interrupt signal pattern recognition. The logic unit monitors interrupt signals and autonomously activates the microcontroller only when atypical signal patterns indicating data transmission are detected, eliminating the need for continuous operation while ensuring timely data processing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention describes a method for data transmission between an integrated circuit and an evaluation unit connected to an interrupt pin of the integrated circuit, characterized in that the data transmission is carried out by targeted triggering of an atypical interrupt signal or a plurality of interrupt signals composed of regular and/or atypical interrupt signals.