Serial Bus Protocol Transition for Mixed I2C and I3C Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interfaces optimized for specific applications, such as the MIPI CCI, are not suitable for use in other applications, leading to a need for improved communication on serial interfaces connecting different types of peripherals or devices to a processor.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method and apparatus that allow for the transmission of commands and data using different protocols on a serial bus, enabling devices to operate in various modes and protocols, such as I2C and I3C, with a transceiver and processing circuit that manage protocol transitions and data exchange, ensuring compatibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single conventional interface standard (e.g., MIPI CCI) is used for specific applications, then the interface is optimized for that application's performance requirements, but it cannot be used for other applications or device types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal serial bus interface that can operate in multiple protocols (I2C, CCI, CCIe, I3C) within a single physical interface. The host processor includes a protocol identifier that enables it to recognize and communicate with different device types using the same physical connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each device type while maintaining optimized performance for each protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy I2C devices and newer high-speed devices (CCIe, I3C) share the same bus, then device compatibility is improved, but communication efficiency and throughput may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bus communication into different operational modes (I2C mode, CCI mode, CCIe mode, I3C mode) that can be selectively activated. The host processor identifies the device type and activates the appropriate protocol mode, allowing high-speed CCIe/I3C devices to operate at full speed while legacy I2C devices continue to function on the same physical bus without degrading the performance of newer devices
Solution Approach 2:
The bus interface dynamically switches between different protocols based on the detected device type. The host processor changes its operational state from I2C mode to CCIe mode or I3C mode depending on which device is connected, enabling the system to adapt the communication characteristics to match the capabilities of the connected device while maintaining backward compatibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocols are supported on a single bus, then interface versatility is improved, but protocol transition complexity and potential communication errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host processor acts as an intermediary that manages protocol transitions and coordinates communication between devices using different protocols. It includes protocol-specific controllers and a protocol identifier that mediates between I2C, CCI, CCIe, and I3C protocols, ensuring proper signal timing, data formatting, and error handling when switching between protocols or communicating with different device types
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus are described that offer improved performance of a sensor bus. A method includes transmitting a first command on a serial bus while operating in a first mode of operation, exchanging first data with the first device in accordance with a second protocol associated with the second mode of operation, and exchanging second data with the first device in accordance with the second protocol after the first period of time. The first command may be transmitted in accordance with a first protocol to cause a first device to operate in a second mode of operation. The first device may be idle for a first period of time after the first data has been exchanged.