N-phase Polarity Data Transfer Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed data communications are limited by clock skew and interference, particularly in devices with large data transmission, where existing interfaces are expensive and power-intensive due to the need for multiple differential pairs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of N-phase polarity data transfer, which encodes data and control signals using a combination of phase states and polarities on multiple connectors, allowing for efficient data transfer with fewer active drivers and reduced power consumption, by using a processing system to encode and transmit symbols on a plurality of connectors, including bidirectional ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple differential pairs are used for high-speed data transmission, then data transfer speed and reliability are improved, but power consumption and device cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (data transmission, clock signaling, control signals) into a single differential pair using multi-phase encoding. Instead of using separate pairs for each function, the invention merges them by encoding multiple bits per symbol phase, thereby reducing the number of active drivers and power consumption while maintaining high-speed data transfer capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the encoding parameter from traditional single-bit per symbol to multi-bit per symbol encoding with N phases. This parameter change allows more data to be transmitted per clock cycle, reducing the need for multiple differential pairs and thereby reducing power consumption and device cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple differential pairs are used for high-speed data transmission, then bandwidth is improved, but device complexity and real-estate consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple interface functions into a single differential pair by implementing multi-phase encoding that carries data, clock, and control signals simultaneously. This consolidation reduces device complexity and board real-estate requirements while maintaining high bandwidth through efficient use of the single pair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The differential pair is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting data, carrying clock signals, and conveying control information, all within a single communication channel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall interface design

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

3Reliability

If traditional differential interfaces are used, then signal integrity is maintained through common-mode rejection, but clock skew and interference limit high-speed performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidmaximum transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic phase transitions in the encoding scheme, where symbols transition through defined phase states in a regular pattern. This periodic action provides inherent clock recovery capability and synchronization, allowing the system to achieve higher speeds by eliminating jitter accumulation and reducing the impact of clock skew

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding scheme incorporates feedback mechanisms where the receiver detects phase transitions and uses this information to regenerate timing signals and correct for skew. This feedback loop maintains signal integrity at higher speeds by continuously compensating for timing deviations and interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10134272B2N-phase polarity data transfer
Publication Date: 2018.11.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • US10134272B2 patent drawing
  • US10134272B2 patent drawing
  • US10134272B2 patent drawing

AI summary

System, methods and apparatus are described that facilitate transmission of data, particularly between two devices within an electronic apparatus. Data is selectively transmitted as N-phase polarity encoded symbols or as packets on differentially driven connectors. A data transfer method comprises encoding data and control signals in a sequence of symbols to be transmitted on a plurality of connectors, and transmitting the sequence of symbols on the plurality of connectors. Each symbol may be transmitted using a combination of a phase state of a first pair of connectors, a polarity of a second pair of connectors, and a selection of at least one undriven connector. Transmission of each symbol in the sequence of symbols may cause a change of state for at least one of the plurality of connectors.