SERDES Interface for MAC and Physical Layer Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face signal interference and increased costs due to the use of multiple interfaces for medium access control (MAC) and physical layer circuits, which complicates signal transmission and layout design on printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

A communication system utilizing a SERDES interface for both control commands and physical layer data transmission between the MAC and physical layer circuits, eliminating the need for additional interfaces like MDC and MDIO, thereby maintaining signal integrity and reducing costs by simplifying board design and reducing the number of interfaces required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple interfaces (MDC, MDIO, SERDES) are used for MAC and physical layer communication, then signal transmission functionality is achieved, but signal interference occurs and layout complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission functionalityVSAvoidlayout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control command transmission and physical layer data transmission into a single SERDES interface. The MAC circuit sends control commands to the physical layer circuit via the SERDES interface, and the physical layer circuit responds by sending physical layer data back through the same interface, eliminating the need for separate MDC and MDIO interfaces and reducing layout complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SERDES interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles both control command transmission from MAC to physical layer and physical layer data transmission from physical layer to MAC. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple interfaces (MDC, MDIO, SERDES) are used for MAC and physical layer communication, then signal transmission functionality is achieved, but signal interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission functionalityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining control command transmission and physical layer data transmission into a single SERDES interface, the patent eliminates the harmful interaction between multiple separate interfaces. The unified interface approach prevents signal interference that would occur between multiple concurrent interfaces while maintaining complete communication functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple interfaces (MDC, MDIO, SERDES) are used for MAC and physical layer communication, then communication functionality is maintained, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing cost by merging multiple interface functions into a single SERDES interface. This consolidation reduces the number of interface circuits, pins, and associated components needed, directly lowering bill of materials cost and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining full communication functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SERDES interface is designed as a universal interface that handles both control commands and physical layer data, replacing multiple specialized interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and interface infrastructure needed, leading to lower manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional interfaces (MDC, MDIO) are added for control commands, then control functionality is improved, but chip size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidchip size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements control functionality by enabling the SERDES interface to handle both control commands and physical layer data transmission. This universal interface approach provides complete control functionality without requiring separate dedicated control interfaces, thereby avoiding the increase in chip size that would result from adding MDC and MDIO interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11290579B2Communication system, communication method, and mac circuit

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A communication system includes a medium access control circuit and at least one physical layer circuit. The at least one physical layer circuit is coupled to the medium access control circuit. The medium access control circuit sends a control command to the at least one physical layer circuit via a SERDES interface. In response to the control command, the at least one physical layer circuit sends physical layer data to the medium access control circuit via the SERDES interface.