Multi-protocol Dynamic Address Allocation for Sensor Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interfaces optimized for specific applications, such as the MIPI CCI, are not suitable for use in other applications, leading to inefficiencies in data communication between diverse peripherals and processors in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a serial bus interface, such as the Sensors Global Bus (SGbus), which allows for communication using different protocols and signaling schemes, enabling coexistence with I2C devices and supporting higher data rates through encoding data in symbol sequences with embedded clock information and the use of extra symbols to prevent undesired signaling conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional interface optimized for a specific application (e.g., MIPI CCI) is used, then data communication performance for that specific application is improved, but adaptability to other applications and peripherals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The SGbus interface is designed to support multiple communication protocols (I2C, CCI, CCIe) within a single bus structure, enabling it to serve diverse peripherals including sensors, displays, and cameras. The interface can dynamically switch between protocols based on the connected device type, providing universal connectivity without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface employs dynamic protocol selection and switching capabilities, allowing the bus to transition between different communication modes (I2C mode, CCI mode, CCIe mode) based on real-time requirements and connected devices. This dynamic adaptation enables optimal performance for each specific application while maintaining overall system versatility.
2Speed
If a high-speed protocol like CCIe is used to achieve higher data rates, then data transfer speed is improved, but compatibility with legacy I2C devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The SGbus is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate both legacy I2C devices and high-speed CCIe devices on the same physical bus. The interface includes protocol translation and mode switching capabilities that allow I2C devices to communicate at high speeds when connected to CCIe-capable peripherals, while maintaining backward compatibility with traditional I2C protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The SGbus master device acts as an intermediary between I2C devices and CCIe devices, translating and coordinating communications between the different protocol domains. This mediator function enables high-speed data transfer to legacy devices without requiring them to directly support the CCIe protocol, thus maintaining compatibility while achieving high data rates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol switching between I2C and CCIe modes is implemented to support diverse devices, then adaptability is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SGbus interface is segmented into distinct protocol handling modules, with separate I2C mode and CCIe mode subsystems that can operate independently. This modular segmentation allows for cleaner code organization, easier debugging, and more efficient protocol switching, as each module can be activated or deactivated based on the connected devices without affecting the entire interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus are described that offer improved performance of a sensor bus. A first command is transmitted to devices coupled to a serial bus operated in a first mode in accordance with a first protocol to cause the serial bus to be operated in a second mode. After communicating in accordance with a second protocol while the serial bus is operated in the second mode, a second command is transmitted to the plurality of devices in accordance with the first protocol to terminate the second mode. In the second mode, extra symbols inserted into a sequence of symbols transmitted on the serial bus prevent the occurrence of an unintended signaling state on the serial bus. Pulses transmitted on a wire of the serial bus in the second mode may have their duration limited such that a filter of a second device suppresses the limited-duration pulses.