Transmission Output Circuit for Switchable Serial Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with various interfaces from different vendors face challenges in data exchange due to differing interfaces, necessitating a solution that can accommodate multiple interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A transmission device comprising a first selector, a second selector, a first control signal generator, a first driver, and a second driver, which selects and outputs signals and their inversions to set voltages on output terminals, allowing for various interface configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device uses a fixed interface configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different vendor interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission device is designed to support multiple interface standards (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485) through a universal architecture that includes selectors and control signal generators. This allows a single device to perform multiple interface functions rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface configuration is made dynamic through the use of selectors (first selector 31, second selector 32) that can switch between different signal paths based on control signals. This dynamic switching capability allows the device to adapt its interface behavior in real-time according to the required communication standard.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface types are supported, then interface versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface support functionality is segmented into independent modular components: first selector 31 for signal path selection, second selector 32 for differential signal selection, first control signal generator 41 for RS-232 control, and second control signal generator 42 for RS-422/485 control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Control signal generators act as intermediaries between the microcomputer and the selector/driver circuits. The first control signal generator 41 generates control signals for RS-232 operation, while the second control signal generator 42 generates control signals for RS-422 and RS-485 operation, mediating the complex interface requirements through standardized control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage levels are fixed for each interface, then the interface operation is reliable, but the device cannot switch between different interface standards
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes its electrical parameters (voltage levels, signal differential configuration) based on the selected interface standard. The drivers (first driver 33, second driver 34) are configured to output appropriate voltage levels for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 based on control signals, allowing the same hardware to reliably operate at different electrical specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission device of the disclosure includes a first selector configured to select one of a first signal and a second signal, and output the selected signal; a second selector configured to select one of an inversion signal of the first signal, the second signal, and an inversion signal of the second signal, and output the selected signal; a first control signal generator configured to generate a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal, based on the first signal, the second signal, and a third signal; a first driver configured to set a voltage of a first output terminal, based on an output signal of the first selector and the first control signal; and a second driver configured to set a voltage of a second output terminal, based on an output signal of the second selector and the second control signal.