Microcontroller Transceiver Interface Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfaces between microcontrollers and transceiver components require multiple additional pins for exchanging additional data, which complicates the data transfer process and increases hardware complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a single interface with a first pin for transmitting output data and a second pin for receiving input data, where additional data are intermittently transferred using time-division multiplexing, frequency-division multiplexing, or amplitude-division multiplexing, allowing for deterministic and efficient data exchange without the need for additional interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple additional pins are used at the microcontroller for exchanging additional data with the transceiver component, then the additional data can be transferred simultaneously with input/output data, but the hardware complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission of additional data with the transmission of input/output data through a single interface using time-division multiplexing. The existing TX and RX pins are utilized to carry both types of data by alternating their usage in different time slots, thereby merging multiple data transfer functions into a single hardware interface and eliminating the need for additional pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing TX and RX pins are made multi-functional by enabling them to transmit both additional data and input/output data. Through time-division multiplexing, these pins dynamically switch between different data types, allowing a single interface to perform multiple data transfer functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated pins.
2Device complexity
If a single interface is used for transferring both additional data and input/output data, then hardware complexity is reduced, but data transfer reliability may be compromised due to potential data conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the single interface alternates between transferring additional data and input/output data in periodic time slots. This structured periodic switching ensures that different data types are transmitted at different times, preventing data conflicts and maintaining reliable data transfer while using only a single interface.
3Device complexity
If additional data are transferred intermittently using time-division multiplexing, then hardware complexity is reduced and deterministic transmission is achieved, but the data transfer speed may be reduced compared to simultaneous transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Time-division multiplexing alternates between transmitting additional data and input/output data in structured time slots, achieving deterministic transmission timing. While this prevents simultaneous transmission of all data types, the organized periodic approach ensures predictable data delivery and maintains efficient overall throughput by fully utilizing the available bandwidth in each time slot.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating between a microcontroller and a transceiver component. The microcontroller includes a first pin for transmitting output data to the transceiver component. The microcontroller includes a second pin for receiving input data from the transceiver component, which includes a first input for receiving the output data. The transceiver component includes a first output for transmitting the input data. The transceiver component includes an interface for a data bus. The transceiver component transmits output data via the interface and receiving input data via the interface. The transceiver component includes an additional function device with a second input and a second output. Additional data are at least intermittently transferred from the first pin to the second input via the first input, and/or from the second output via the first output to the second pin. A device and a computer program via which this method may be carried out.