LPC Serial Interrupt Level Shifting for Mixed-Voltage Signal Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LPC bus serial interrupt system faces challenges in efficiently exchanging signals between CPUs with low operating voltages and external devices with higher operating voltages, leading to potential hardware damage and incorrect signal determination due to unconverted voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes an interrupt direction signal generator to determine the current interrupt direction signal and a level-shifter to convert voltage levels based on this signal, allowing efficient and safe signal exchange between the host and external devices without the need for complex circuit designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage level conversion is not implemented between host and external devices, then signal exchange can proceed without additional circuitry, but hardware damage may occur and signal interpretation becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a level-shifter circuit as an intermediary component between the host CPU and external devices. This level-shifter acts as a mediator that automatically converts voltage levels based on the direction of signal transmission, ensuring reliable signal exchange without requiring complex control logic in the main system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The level-shifter circuit operates autonomously by detecting the interrupt direction signal itself to determine when voltage conversion is needed. The circuit self-regulates its voltage conversion function based on the signal flow direction, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a level-shifter is always present between host and external devices, then voltage level conversion is ensured, but signal exchange time increases due to additional conversion steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic level-shifter that activates voltage conversion only when needed based on the interrupt direction. When the host sends interrupts to external devices, the level-shifter converts voltages appropriately. When external devices send interrupts to the host, the level-shifter remains inactive or reverses conversion, minimizing unnecessary processing time and enabling rapid signal exchange.
3Reliability
If complex circuit design is used to handle voltage level differences, then signal exchange reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The level-shifter circuit serves as a dedicated intermediary component that handles all voltage level conversion requirements. By isolating the complexity into this single modular component, the rest of the system remains simple and easy to manufacture. The level-shifter can be produced as a standalone module using standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage level conversion function into a separate, dedicated level-shifter circuit rather than integrating it into the main host or device logic. This segmentation allows the level-shifter to be manufactured independently and tested separately, simplifying the overall manufacturing process and improving ease of assembly and repair.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and efficient voltage level shifting between the host and external devices, preventing hardware damage and ensuring accurate signal interpretation, thereby improving signal exchange efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a level-shifter configured to convert a voltage level of a signal exchanged between the host and the external device according to the current interrupt direction signal
Data Source
AI summary
A low pin count (LPC) bus serial interrupt system includes: an interrupt direction signal generator configured to determine a current interrupt direction signal according to whether a host currently sends a first interrupt signal to an external device; and a level-shifter configured to convert a voltage level of a signal exchanged between the host and the external device according to the current interrupt direction signal.