Physical Layer Timing Signalization via Pipeline Frame Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultra-wide band transmitting systems face difficulties in maintaining exact timing for the PHY_ACTIVE signal due to high-speed front-end circuits and varying data rates, making real-time tracking of the last sample to the antenna challenging and requiring high effort in physical layer hardware.
Innovation Solution
Detecting the end of a frame of payload data at a predetermined point within the data processing pipeline, close to the digital-to-analogue converter and antenna, and using a timer to delay the de-assertion of the PHY_ACTIVE signal, allowing the base band controller to compensate for specific delays in vendor-specific filters and converters, ensuring accurate timing signaling between the physical layer and medium access control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time tracking of the last sample to the antenna is implemented, then exact timing for PHY_ACTIVE signal is achieved, but hardware complexity and implementation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the end of the payload frame at a predetermined point in the data processing pipeline (before the high-speed front-end) and using this early detection to calculate and compensate for the remaining delay. This allows the system to prepare timing compensation in advance rather than attempting real-time tracking, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining timing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a predetermined detection point in the data processing pipeline as an intermediate stage. At this point, the end of the payload frame is detected, and timing compensation is calculated based on the known delay characteristics of subsequent components (high-speed front-end, DAC, filters). This intermediary detection point allows accurate timing without requiring direct real-time monitoring at the antenna.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed delay value is used for PHY_ACTIVE signal, then implementation is simplified, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to varying data rates and component delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the delay compensation adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically calculates the total delay based on the actual data rate and detects the end of the payload frame at a predetermined point, then compensates for the specific delay introduced by vendor-specific components. This dynamic adjustment maintains timing accuracy across different data rates while keeping the implementation relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the timing compensation based on the actual data rate and detected payload frame end position. Instead of using a fixed delay value, the system changes the compensation parameter according to the specific operating conditions (data rate, component characteristics), thereby maintaining timing accuracy without requiring complex hardware for every possible scenario.
3Reliability
If vendor-specific high-speed filters and converters are used, then system performance is optimized, but timing delay variation increases and standard compliance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by detecting the actual end position of the payload frame in the data processing pipeline and using this feedback to calculate the precise delay introduced by vendor-specific components. The system then adjusts the PHY_ACTIVE signal timing based on this feedback, ensuring compliance with standards while allowing the use of optimized vendor-specific hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by detecting the payload frame end at a predetermined point before the high-speed front-end and using this early knowledge to pre-calculate the required timing compensation. This allows the system to accommodate vendor-specific components with their unique delay characteristics while still achieving standard compliance through proactive timing adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for transmitting data from a medium access control device (2) via a digital interface (IF1) to a physical layer (4) and to an antenna (5), wherein the physical layer (4) comprises a base band (4) with a base band controller (7) and a data processing pipeline (3) comprising a plurality of functional blocks (FB1...13), comprising the steps of: detecting an end of a frame of payload data, which leaves the antenna (5), at a predetermined point (P1 to P3) within the data processing pipeline (3), especially at the end of the data processing pipeline (3), thereupon, starting a timer (T1) for delaying a de-assertion of an activity signal (PHY_ACTIVE) of the physical layer (4), and after expiration of the timer (T1), de-asserting the activity signal (PHY_ACTIVE).