Receiver Timing Scheme for Higher-Throughput Signal Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission protocols in fields like automotive systems face challenges in achieving a balance between robustness against distortions, simplicity of implementation, and high throughput, particularly in high-volume, low-cost applications where components must communicate reliably under tough conditions.
Innovation Solution
A receiver and sender circuit configuration that utilizes time intervals between signal transitions to transmit additional data, allowing for increased throughput while maintaining robustness and simplicity, potentially violating legacy protocols to enhance compatibility and bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple digital transmission protocol is used, then implementation simplicity and cost-efficiency are improved, but data throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the time dimension within existing signal transitions. By measuring the time interval between the first transition (start of nibble) and the second transition (within the nibble), an additional data dimension is created without adding more signal lines or complex protocols. This allows one extra bit of information to be transmitted per nibble period, effectively doubling the throughput capability while keeping the protocol structure simple.
2Reliability
If robust transmission schemes are employed, then resistance to distortions is improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing signal transitions serve dual purposes: the first transition marks the start of the nibble (original function), and the time interval to the second transition now also carries data information (additional function). The second transition itself continues to serve its original purpose of indicating bit position. This self-service approach allows the protocol to embed additional information without requiring separate robustness mechanisms, maintaining reliability while avoiding increased complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy protocol specifications are followed, then downward compatibility is maintained, but additional data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial deviation from the legacy protocol by allowing the second transition to occur at variable time positions within the nibble period. While the overall nibble structure and first/third transitions remain compliant with legacy specifications, the second transition's timing is modified to encode additional data. This partial action approach enables enhanced bandwidth while maintaining sufficient compatibility for receivers that can interpret the extended protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver includes a receiver circuit to receive a first transition in a first direction, a second transition in a second, different direction after the first transition and a third transition in the first transition after the second transition of a signal. A first time period between the first and third transitions is indicative of a datum to be received. The receiver circuit is also configured to determine a second time period between the first transition and a second transition and to determine an additional datum to be received based at least on the determined second time period between the first and second transitions. Using the determined second time period allows for more information to be received in a reliable manner.