Bi-directional One-Wire Bus Interface with Select Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master-slave systems face challenges in cost efficiency due to the need for additional pins and components in slave devices when using prior bus interfaces like I2C, SPI, PSI5, CAN, and LIN, which increase system complexity and power consumption, and lack simple methods for triggering multiple slave devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a serial companion (SCP) interface with a bi-directional, one-wire communication line and individual select lines for each slave device, allowing for low-power, low-cost operation with reduced pin requirements and supporting direct communication, inaccurate clocks, and data integrity checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior bus interfaces (I2C, SPI, PSI5, CAN, LIN) are used, then communication between master and slave devices is achieved, but additional pins and components are required in slave devices increasing system complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication line and select line into a single integrated bus interface structure. The bi-directional one-wire communication line serves both data transmission and device selection functions, eliminating the need for separate pins and components that would be required in traditional I2C, SPI, or CAN interfaces. This merging reduces slave device complexity while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus interface is designed with multi-functionality where the same physical line performs multiple roles: it serves as both the communication data channel and the select line for device identification. The master device can simultaneously control multiple slave devices through this single interface, making the system more versatile and reducing the overall component count compared to dedicated interfaces for each function.
2Reliability
If prior bus interfaces are used, then communication between master and slave devices is achieved, but system power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master device activates select lines periodically to trigger specific slave devices for communication only when needed, rather than maintaining continuous active communication paths. This periodic activation of select lines enables the system to minimize power consumption by keeping most slave devices in low-power states while still maintaining the ability to communicate with any slave device when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the selection function from the communication data line by using a separate select line mechanism. This allows the communication line to remain in a low-power state most of the time, with only the select line actively controlling which slave device communicates when needed, thereby reducing overall system power consumption compared to interfaces where the entire bus must remain powered and active.
3Reliability
If prior bus interfaces are used, then communication is established, but there is no simple method for triggering multiple slave devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The master device performs preliminary action by activating multiple select lines simultaneously before initiating communication. This allows the master device to pre-select and trigger multiple slave devices in advance, making it easy to communicate with multiple slaves simultaneously or in sequence without complex timing protocols. The select lines are prepared and activated in a simple, straightforward manner that enhances ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a plurality of slave devices connected to a master device via a bus interface that includes a communication line and a plurality of select lines. The communication line may connect the master device to each of the plurality of slave devices and may permit bi-directional, one-wire communication among the master device and the plurality of slave devices. A select line, of the plurality of select lines, may connect the master device to a slave device, of the plurality of slave devices, and enable signaling, associated with the bi-directional, one-wire communication, between the master device and the slave device.