Serial Configuration Interface for Low Logic Overhead Device Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus technologies like I2C and SMBus are economically and practically inefficient for configuring and controlling devices due to high complexity and overhead, making them unsuitable for low-cost devices that require simple configuration options.
Innovation Solution
A Serial Configuration Interface (SCI) with a low pin count and low logic overhead, employing a serial signaling protocol that allows for remote configuration of devices using a daisy chain architecture with minimal logic gates, and optionally supporting unidirectional and bidirectional data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If I2C or SMBus is used for device configuration, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential configuration function from complex bus protocols like I2C and SMBus. The SCI interface removes unnecessary communication features (bidirectional data exchange, acknowledgment protocols, start/stop bits) and retains only the core capability of serial configuration, thereby reducing logic overhead while maintaining adaptability for configuration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The SCI interface is designed as a simple, low-cost alternative to expensive, complex bus protocols. It uses minimal logic gates (approximately 150 gates per device) compared to the substantial logic required for I2C or SMBus compliance. The interface is intentionally limited in scope—suitable for configuration rather than full data communication—making it economically viable for low-cost devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full-featured bus protocols are implemented, then communication versatility is improved, but cost and economic efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the SCI interface specialized for configuration tasks rather than attempting to provide universal communication capabilities. Each device on the SCI bus is optimized with minimal logic tailored specifically for configuration mode, with different behavior in configuration mode versus run mode. This specialization reduces cost while maintaining versatility for the intended purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The SCI interface implements partial action by providing only the communication features necessary for configuration, not excessive features needed for full data communication. The protocol includes only the minimum required for configuration (serial data exchange, configuration mode entry/exit) without implementing complete bus protocol functionality, thereby reducing cost while maintaining adequacy for configuration tasks.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple configuration interface is used, then device cost is reduced, but configuration capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The SCI interface achieves universality by being able to configure multiple different device types through a single standardized protocol. Despite its simplicity, the interface can handle various configuration scenarios including single-device and multi-device configuration, different configuration modes (configuration mode and run mode), and multiple signal configurations (unidirectional and bidirectional), making it broadly applicable across different device types without requiring complex logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A serial configuration interface (SCI) used to configure a device is disclosed. A device that support SCI includes a first connector configured to receive a first signal and a second connector configured to receive a second signal. In a configuration mode, the first signal serially selects each of a set of one or more configurable options, and the second signal facilitates selection of a desired setting of a selected configurable option. The device further includes control logic configured to determine when configuration of the device is complete and in response output the received first signal via a third connector of the device.