Multi-Level Data Transmission Encoding for Compact Circuit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transmission methods face challenges in compact display panel circuitry design due to limited space, leading to inefficiencies in multi-level signal transmission, where encoded signals lack reference levels and do not allow for additional command signals, increasing complexity and error risk.

Innovation Solution

The method involves encoding a 2-bit or 3-bit data signal into three or four ternary/quaternary signals with distinct levels, transmitted through multiple channels, allowing for efficient data transmission with embedded clock signals and reduced circuit complexity by eliminating the need for additional reference voltages and clock recovery circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If encoded multi-level signals are used for data transmission, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but additional reference voltage is required which increases circuit complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data signal and clock signal into a single multi-level signal stream. By encoding data bits into multi-level signals where different signal levels represent different data combinations and transitions between levels indicate clock timing, the system eliminates the need for separate reference voltage and clock signals, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining high transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-level signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries data information through different signal levels and provides clock synchronization through level transitions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated reference and clock circuits, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and circuit complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If one-to-one mapping of data to multi-level signals is used, then data transmission is simplified, but no space is left for command signals such as clock signaling information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidcommand signal transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data signaling and clock signaling into a single integrated multi-level signal system. By using different signal levels to represent data and transitions between levels to indicate clock timing, the system achieves both simple circuit implementation and the ability to transmit command signals without requiring separate dedicated channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If additional reference voltage and clock signals are provided, then signal level determination accuracy is improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal level determination accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-level signal system is self-sufficient, using its own signal levels and transitions to provide both data information and timing reference. The signal levels themselves serve as the reference for determination, and transitions between levels provide the clock timing, eliminating the need for external reference voltages and clock signals while maintaining accurate signal level determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2962472B1Methods for multi-level data transmission
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 AU OPTRONICS CORP
  • EP2962472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2962472B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2962472B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for multi-level data transmission includes encoding a data signal to be transmitted into N multi-level signals in accordance with an encoding table, where the data signal is characterized with a stream of binary data segments each of which has a data length of M bits, transmitting simultaneously the N multi-level signals through N data transmission channels, respectively; and decoding the N multi-level signals into the data signal by comparing each two of the N multi-level signals transmitted through the two data transmission channels to obtain a respective bit of the M bits of each binary data segment of the data signal based on comparison between the two corresponding multi-level signals.