Semiconductor ID Assignment via Broadcast Packets on Shared SD Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting multiple devices to a host apparatus using an SD interface face challenges such as increasing complexity of configuration and potential address overlap, particularly when managing a growing number of embedded devices.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device and host apparatus configuration that assigns unique device IDs to each electronic device through a broadcast packet, updating device IDs sequentially as the packet traverses the connected devices, eliminating the need for separate signal lines and simplifying initialization processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate signal lines are used for each device to assign device IDs, then device ID assignment can be performed individually, but the configuration complexity increases and the number of required signal lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the device ID assignment function into a shared broadcast packet that is transmitted through a common bus. Instead of using separate signal lines for each device, multiple devices receive the same broadcast packet simultaneously, and each device extracts its own ID from the packet data. This combining approach reduces the number of required signal lines while maintaining reliable device ID assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast packet serves multiple functions: it carries device ID information, enables device identification, and facilitates initialization. By making the packet structure universal and multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated signal lines for each device, thereby reducing configuration complexity while ensuring accurate device ID assignment.
2Productivity
If device IDs are assigned sequentially through broadcast packets, then initialization speed increases and OS activation is not required, but there is a risk of device ID overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where devices monitor the broadcast packet content and detect whether a device ID has already been assigned. Each device checks the packet data to determine if its assigned ID is unique, and if overlap is detected, the system can trigger re-assignment or error handling. This feedback loop ensures device ID uniqueness while maintaining fast initialization without requiring OS activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are connected to a host apparatus, then system functionality increases, but the number of required signal lines and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the broadcast packet structure universal, allowing it to serve multiple devices simultaneously through a single communication channel. The packet contains device ID information that can be extracted by any number of connected devices, enabling the system to scale to multiple devices without proportionally increasing the number of signal lines. This multi-functional packet design supports enhanced system functionality while keeping the physical connection structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a device. The device includes a decoder, a generation circuit, a register, and a modifier. The decoder analyzes a command of a received packet. The generation circuit generates a unique device number in accordance with information in the packet. The register holds the generated unique device number. The modifier updates and outputs the packet. When a packet issued by a host is a command packet, among broadcast packets which return to the host through one or more devices, for determining the unique device number, the command packet includes parameters of an initial value and final value of device number.