Multi-device Read Protocol Using Single Group Command
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current serial communication protocols are inefficient for quickly reading similar information from multiple devices on a serial bus, requiring individual read commands for each device and resulting in high latency and bus congestion.
Innovation Solution
A group read protocol that uses a single serial transaction to read from multiple devices at the same register address, allowing each subordinate device to drive data only during its allotted time slot, reducing the total read time and number of transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual read commands are sent to each device sequentially, then each device can be read accurately, but the total read time and latency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual read commands into a single group read command that can read from multiple devices simultaneously. The host device sends one group read command containing a list of device addresses, and all targeted devices respond in parallel, combining what would have been multiple sequential operations into one unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a periodic response mechanism where devices respond at predetermined time intervals after receiving the group read command. Each device waits for its designated time slot before responding, creating a structured periodic pattern that allows multiple devices to be read without collision while maintaining timing precision.
2Loss of information
If individual read commands are sent to each device, then complete data can be retrieved from all devices, but the number of bus transactions increases causing bus congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate read transactions into a single group read transaction. Instead of sending N individual read commands for N devices, the host sends one group read command that aggregates all device addresses, reducing the number of bus transactions from N to 1 and eliminating the associated overhead and congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The group read command serves multiple functions simultaneously: it addresses multiple devices, initiates reads from all of them, coordinates their responses, and retrieves data from all devices in a single transaction. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized individual read operations.
3Loss of time
If multiple devices respond simultaneously on the serial bus, then read time is reduced, but data collision and timing conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the response phase into distinct time slots, with each device assigned a specific time window to respond. This temporal segmentation prevents data collision by ensuring that only one device drives the bus at any given moment, while still allowing multiple devices to be read within a single group transaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic timing control where devices adjust their response timing based on their position in the device list and predetermined time intervals. The host device dynamically manages the timing sequence, allowing each device to respond at the optimal moment without conflict, adapting the timing structure to the specific group of devices being read.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for managing operations associated with multi-device serial read for communication buses. Embodiments include a protocol controller coupled to a transmitter and receiver assembly of a device to control the transmitter and receiver assembly to perform a multi-device read protocol to read from a plurality of devices coupled to the serial bus using a single device group read command. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.