Programmable Serial Controller for Multi-Protocol Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current serial transmission receivers, such as USB and I2C receivers, are limited to receiving data specific to their respective protocols, preventing interoperability between different interface protocols.
Innovation Solution
A programmable serial input-output controller is introduced, comprising a timer circuit, pin controller, and sequence controller, which allows for adaptive timing operations and signal decoding to facilitate communication between microcontrollers and external circuits using different protocols, enabling the conversion and processing of serial input and output data across various interface protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol-specific receivers (USB receiver, I2C receiver) are used to support different interface protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal serial receiver that can adapt to multiple interface protocols (USB, I2C, and other serial protocols) through a single device. The receiver includes a protocol identification module that automatically detects the incoming protocol type and configures the reception parameters accordingly, allowing one receiver to perform the functions previously requiring multiple protocol-specific receivers, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver dynamically changes its operational parameters based on the detected protocol type. When a USB protocol is detected, the receiver configures specific USB reception parameters; when I2C is detected, it switches to I2C parameters. This parameter adaptation allows the same hardware receiver to handle different protocols effectively, resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple protocols and maintaining simple device architecture
2Reliability
If protocol-specific receivers are used for each interface protocol, then reception accuracy for specific protocols is improved, but adaptability to different protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol identification module as an intermediary between the physical reception layer and the protocol processing layer. This intermediary first analyzes the incoming serial data to identify the protocol type, then routes the data to the appropriate processing path. This mediation mechanism ensures that each protocol is handled with its specific processing requirements while maintaining the ability to adapt to multiple protocols, thus preserving reception accuracy across different protocol types
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive protocol-specific hardware is implemented to support multiple protocols, then protocol support capability is improved, but memory usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol configuration where the receiver's operational characteristics change based on the detected protocol. Instead of having fixed hardware configurations for each protocol, the system dynamically adjusts reception parameters, timing characteristics, and processing logic according to the identified protocol type. This dynamic approach allows the same hardware resources to be efficiently utilized across multiple protocols, reducing the need for extensive protocol-specific hardware and associated memory requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable serial input-output controller is provided. A timer circuit performs a timing operation. An input pin is configured to receive an input signal from an external circuit. An output pin is configured to provide an output signal to the external circuit. In an output mode, the sequence controller provides an initial level to the output pin and controls the timer circuit to perform the timing operation. In response to a duration of the timer circuit performing the timing operation reaching first transmission time, the sequence controller inverts the level of the output pin and controls the timer circuit to re-perform the timing operation. In response to the duration of the timer circuit re-performing the timing operation reaching second transmission time, the sequence controller inverts the level of the output pin.