Self-Synchronizing Data Communication via PWM Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication methods require multiple connections and fixed timing, which is inefficient and not suitable for low-pin count components or applications where flexibility and simplicity are needed, especially in cost-sensitive or low-complexity products.
Innovation Solution
A method using pulse width modulation (PWM) over a single communication line, where the duration of time intervals in a PWM cycle is used to encode data, allowing for flexible timing and bidirectional communication without the need for multiple connections, enabling self-synchronization and adaptability to varying transmission conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple connections are used for data transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and pin count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (data transmission, clock synchronization, bidirectional communication) into a single physical connection. The transmitter and receiver share one communication line, eliminating the need for separate clock lines and data lines that would otherwise be required in traditional differential communication schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single communication line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries data signals, provides clock synchronization through PWM timing, and enables bidirectional communication. The same line is used for both transmitting and receiving data, making the connection multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If fixed timing is used in data communication, then synchronization is simplified, but adaptability to varying transmission conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing where the transmitter and receiver continuously adjust their operation based on measured time intervals. The receiver measures the time between transmitted pulses and uses this information to dynamically adjust its timing, allowing the system to adapt to varying transmission conditions such as different cable lengths, temperatures, and electrical loads while maintaining synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the receiver measures the actual time intervals between transmitted pulses and this measurement is used to adjust future timing operations. The transmitter and receiver continuously exchange timing information, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain accurate synchronization despite environmental variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pulse width modulation with time interval encoding is used, then data transmission flexibility is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent encodes data by varying the time interval parameters between PWM pulses rather than using fixed-width pulses. By changing the duration and spacing of pulses according to the data being transmitted, the system achieves flexible data encoding while the measurement precision requirement is managed through the natural timing resolution of the PWM generator and counter.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises: detecting a first change of a physical property of a signal; starting a measurement of a duration of a first time interval that begins with the detection of the first change; detecting a second change of the physical property; stopping the measurement of the duration of the first time interval and starting a second measurement of a duration of a second time interval in response to the detection of the second change; detecting a third change of the physical property, and stopping the second measurement in response to detecting the third change; determining a relation of the durations of the first time interval and the second time interval from the first measurement and the second measurement; and determining the received data value based on the determined relation of the durations of the first time interval and the second time interval.