Serial Chained Device Signal Forwarding Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic systems face challenges with increased functionality due to the complexity and cost of connectors and electrical wiring, particularly in confined spaces like vehicles, where mechanical spacing issues and limited access for testing or repair are concerns.

Innovation Solution

A circuit system that selectively forwards transmissions between serially chained devices using a multistream generator to encode video data into a packet format, reducing the need for multiple connectors and cables by using a serial chain topology, and includes a stream disaggregator to route packets to specific displays based on identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and electrical wiring are used to increase functionality, then the system can support more components and features, but the system complexity, cost, and mechanical spacing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a serial chain topology where each device can function as both a terminator and a repeater, allowing the same physical infrastructure to support multiple devices and functionalities without requiring separate dedicated connections for each component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple data streams from different sources are merged into a single serial chain transmission medium, allowing video data, control signals, and power to be combined in one communication pathway rather than requiring separate cables for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and electrical wiring are used to increase functionality, then the system can support more components and features, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication functions into a single serial chain infrastructure, reducing the total number of connectors, cables, and assembly steps required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The serial chain devices can be configured to perform multiple functions (terminator or repeater) depending on system requirements, allowing flexible scalability without requiring different hardware configurations for different functionality levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and electrical wiring are used to increase functionality, then the system can support more components and features, but the mechanical spacing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmechanical spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple signal paths into a single serial chain transmission line, eliminating the need for multiple separate connectors and associated mounting space, thereby reducing mechanical spacing requirements in confined areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and electrical wiring are used to increase functionality, then the system can support more components and features, but the accessibility for testing or repair decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidaccessibility for testing or repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The serial chain architecture allows the system to be divided into discrete device segments that can be independently accessed, tested, and replaced, improving maintainability compared to complex interconnected wiring systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces mechanical constraints and space requirements, lowers system complexity and costs, and enables efficient transmission of high-resolution video data to multiple displays with reduced cabling, improving operational efficiency and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

An energy detector coupled to the first system port and the local port is configured to generate the energy detected signal in response to a detection of energy of one of the first system input signal and the local input signal received by the transceiver in the second mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11329844B2Selected mode signal forwarding between serially chained devices

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

In described examples, a circuit is adapted to receive an input signal at a local port or a first system port. A transceiver is configured to enter a first mode in response to a local wakeup signal and is configured to transmit a system wakeup signal at a second system port in response to the local wakeup signal. A controller is configured to generate the local wakeup signal in response to an energy detected signal. An energy detector is coupled to the first system port and the local port and is configured to generate the energy detected signal in response to a detection of energy of one of the first system input signal and the local input signal received by the transceiver in the second mode.