Ring Communication System with Fixed-Length Packets for Pin Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in achieving ultra-wide bandwidth and large capacity data transfer between a controller and multiple devices while minimizing the number of connection pins, as traditional methods either require a large number of pins for high-speed communication or suffer from limited data transfer efficiency in ring-type configurations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that uses a ring-type communication path with a communication frame comprising multiple packets of fixed data length, allowing each device to insert or extract packets based on predetermined conditions, and includes error correction codes in packet headers to ensure reliable data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional parallel communication methods are used to achieve high-speed data transfer, then bandwidth and data transfer capacity are improved, but the number of connection pins required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system segments data into multiple packets that are transmitted sequentially through a single communication path. Each packet contains a header with destination device information, allowing the controller to communicate with multiple devices through time-division multiplexing rather than requiring parallel communication channels for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a spatial parallelism approach (multiple pins for simultaneous communication) to a temporal approach (single pin with time-multiplexed communication). By adding the time dimension to the communication protocol, the system achieves multi-device support through a single communication path.
2Device complexity
If ring-type communication path is used to reduce pin requirements, then the number of connection pins is reduced, but data transfer efficiency and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system implements continuous data transmission by maintaining a persistent communication frame that circulates through the ring. Devices can insert or extract packets from the circulating frame without interrupting the overall data flow, ensuring continuous useful action along the communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares communication frames in advance with predetermined packet structures and error correction codes. Devices monitor the circulating frame and are ready to extract or insert packets immediately when their address is detected, eliminating waiting time and maintaining high transfer efficiency.
3Reliability
If error correction codes are added to packet headers to ensure reliable data transfer, then data transfer reliability is improved, but communication frame size and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses specific error correction code parameters (such as CRC with predetermined polynomial) that provide adequate reliability for the application while minimizing the overhead ratio. The error correction mechanism is optimized to balance reliability requirements against the additional bits required in the packet header.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a controller and a plurality of devices serially connected to the controller by a communication path. Each device has a different identifying address from each other device. The communication path connects the controller to the plurality of devices in a loop. The communication path is configured to transmit a communication frame as a differential serial signal. The communication frame includes a plurality of packets. Each packet in the plurality of packets has a fixed data length. Each device is configured to insert data into, and extract data from, a packet in the communication frame.