Power Sequence Assist Circuitry for Contactless Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless communication systems face challenges in conforming to power sequencing rules of conventional hard-wired data connections, as they lack direct control over power sequencing due to the absence of physical hard-wired connections between data controllers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Power Sequence Assist (PSA) circuitry in contactless communication systems, which includes host and device delay circuitry, contactless communications transmitters and receivers, and state machines to synchronize pin activations and ensure compliance with timing sequence requirements of wired interface protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contactless communication units are used to replace hard-wired data connections, then ease of operation and connection flexibility are improved, but the ability to directly control power sequencing between controllers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces power sequence assist (PSA) circuitry as an intermediary component between the contactless communication units and the controllers. This PSA circuitry monitors the power states of both controllers and generates appropriate control signals to ensure proper power sequencing compliance, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling contactless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The PSA circuitry performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of power states before actual data transfer begins. By evaluating the power sequencing conditions in advance and preparing control signals accordingly, the system ensures that power sequencing rules are satisfied before communication starts, preventing potential issues during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contactless connections are inserted between hard-wired data connections, then adaptability and connection methods are improved, but compliance with specification timing requirements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The PSA circuitry continuously monitors the power states and timing of both controllers, comparing actual sequencing against specification requirements. Based on this feedback, the PSA dynamically adjusts control signals to ensure timing compliance, maintaining precision despite the contactless connection insertion.
3Ease of operation
If direct controller communication over hard-wired connections is replaced with contactless communication, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional power sequence assist circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The PSA circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring power states, generating control signals, enforcing timing requirements, and managing the overall power sequencing process. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for conforming to power up sequencing rules of a conventional hard-wired data connection even though the hard-wired data connection that would ordinarily exist between two data controllers has been replaced with one or more contactless connectors. A consequence of replacing the hard-wired connection with a contactless connector is that the data controllers no longer directly control the power sequencing between the controllers because they are not able to directly communicate with each other over the hard-wired data connections. Power sequence assist circuitry may be used to assists the data controllers in establishing a link in accordance with the power sequencing rules of a particular wired interface despite the intentionally broken hard-wired data connection between the two controllers by instructing the contactless connectors to communicate with their respective data controllers in compliance with the power sequencing rules.