Multi-Protocol IR Receiver With Segmented Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumer electronic systems face challenges in supporting multiple infrared remote control protocols, leading to compatibility issues and interference between different protocols, such as IrDA and CIR protocols, which can cause operational inefficiencies and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A single infrared sensor coupled with multiple receiver channels, each configured to process and decode different IR remote control protocols, producing wake-up signals to switch the host system between active and sleep states, and using run-length or binary port circuits to format data accordingly, reducing power consumption and handling multiple wake-up signals through shared circuitry and logic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple receiver channels are used to support different IR protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidreceiver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is divided into multiple independent receiver channels, where each channel is dedicated to processing a specific IR protocol (e.g., IrDA channel, CIR channel). This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific protocol while maintaining overall system versatility, resolving the contradiction between protocol compatibility and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver incorporates multiple receiver channels that can handle different IR protocols simultaneously, making the device universal and capable of working with various remote controls. This multi-functionality approach enables single-device support for multiple protocols without requiring separate receivers for each protocol type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple protocols are supported simultaneously, then ease of operation is improved, but interference between protocols occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control usabilityVSAvoidprotocol interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different IR protocols are processed in separate receiver channels with dedicated signal processing paths. This segmentation prevents protocol interference by isolating the processing of each protocol type, allowing multiple protocols to coexist without mutual interference while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Protocol identification circuits act as intermediaries that detect and classify incoming IR signals before routing them to the appropriate receiver channel. This intermediary mechanism ensures that signals are processed by the correct protocol handler, preventing interference and enabling seamless operation across multiple protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the host system remains in active state to handle multiple protocols, then response time is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem response timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The host system alternates between active and sleep states periodically. During sleep state, only essential functions are maintained. When an IR signal is detected by the receiver channels, the host system is awakened to process the signal and then returns to sleep state. This periodic action reduces power consumption while maintaining responsive capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver channels continuously monitor IR signals even when the host system is in sleep state, performing preliminary detection and signal processing. This preliminary action allows the host system to be awakened only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining fast response time for actual processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 seamless operation of host systems with multiple IR protocols, reducing power consumption, and simplifying protocol handling, allowing users to control diverse electronic devices with a single remote control device, while minimizing hardware and power costs.

Implementation Method 1

a single infrared (IR) sensor, which is coupled to sense an IR signal carrying data and to produce an electrical signal responsively to the IR signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7738792B2Multi-protocol infrared receiver

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 WINBOND ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A receiver includes a single infrared (IR) sensor, which is coupled to sense an IR signal carrying data and to produce an electrical signal responsively to the IR signal. The receiver further includes multiple receiver channels arranged to accept the electrical signal from the single IR sensor, each receiver channel configured to process the electrical signal in accordance with a different, respective IR remote control protocol so as to extract the data, and to output the extracted data to a host system.