Multichannel Data Conversion Preserving Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for converting multichannel Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) data streams into packets often result in loss of timing information, which is detrimental for timing-sensitive applications like voice and video communications.
Innovation Solution
A method that packs data bits from multiple channels into segment queues, creates payloads, and uses pointers to form packets at rates responsive to individual channel data rates, thereby preserving timing information and maintaining the order of packet transmission based on channel data rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional methods are used to convert multichannel TDM data streams into packets, then the conversion process is simple, but timing information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multichannel TDM data stream into individual channel streams, processes each channel independently through separate queues and pointers, and then reassembles them into packets. This segmentation allows timing information to be preserved for each channel while maintaining the overall conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures including channel-specific queues, pointers, and a scheduler that mediate between the input TDM channels and the output packet stream. These intermediaries enable precise timing control and data rate alignment for each channel while facilitating the conversion process.
2Reliability
If data is packed into packets at fixed rates, then the packetization process is simple, but timing-sensitive applications suffer from phase deviation and jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packet transmission rates for each channel based on the actual data rate of that channel. The scheduler dynamically adjusts when packets are transmitted from each channel queue, allowing the system to adapt to varying data rates while maintaining timing accuracy and reducing jitter for timing-sensitive applications.
3Loss of information
If multiple channels are processed simultaneously, then the conversion efficiency is high, but timing information for individual channels cannot be preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multichannel processing into separate channel-specific processing paths, with each channel having its own queue and pointer. This segmentation enables independent timing control for each channel while maintaining efficient parallel processing through the scheduler that coordinates multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-allocating channel-specific queues and pointers before processing begins. This preliminary setup enables efficient parallel processing while preserving timing information, as each channel's data is ready in its designated queue with associated timing metadata when needed for packet assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for converting multichannel serial data streams into packets. The method accepts a plurality of serial data streams in a corresponding plurality of channels. In a time domain multiplexed (TDM) fashion, groups with an undetermined number of data bits are packed from each data stream, into an associated channel segment queue, where each segment includes a predetermined number of bits. In a TDM fashion, segments are loaded into an associated channel payload queue, where each payload includes a predetermined number of segments. Once a payload is filled, an associated pointer is created in a pointer queue. The method selects a pointer from the pointer queue, creates a packet from the payload associated with the selected pointer, and transmits the packet via a packet interface. The packet overhead may include information stored in the pointer, a packet header, or a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) checksum.