Single-Line Serial Interface for IC Pin Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interface transmission methods require multiple pins for data transmission between control and device terminals, hindering the miniaturization of integrated circuits due to the need for three separate pins for control, clock, and data signals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 1-bit serial communication interface using a single transmission line, where an initialization signal determines the bit length of the interface signal, allowing for reduced pin count and facilitating compact IC design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pins are used for data transmission between control and device terminals, then reliable communication is achieved, but the number of pins increases leading to larger IC size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmission functions (control signal transmission, clock signal transmission, and data transmission) into a single transmission line. The serial communication interface integrates the functions previously requiring separate SCSB, SCLK, and SDIO pins, thereby reducing the pin count from three to one while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-level coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transmission line in the serial communication interface serves multiple functions: it transmits initialization signals, interface signals, and data bidirectionally. The transmission line is universally used for control, clocking, and data transfer by time-multiplexing these functions, eliminating the need for dedicated pins for each function.
2Reliability
If three separate pins are used for control, clock, and data signals, then signal integrity is maintained, but pin cost and IC complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control signals, clock signals, and data signals into a single transmission line, reducing the interface from three separate pins to one. The serial communication protocol maintains signal integrity through structured timing and initialization sequences that coordinate the combined functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the transmission line by implementing serial communication with specific bit lengths and initialization sequences. This allows a single line to carry multiple types of information by varying the temporal and protocol parameters rather than requiring separate physical lines.
3Speed
If multiple transmission lines are used for data transmission, then transmission speed is maintained, but the number of pins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic clock signals to synchronize data transmission over the single transmission line. The serial interface employs regular timing intervals and periodic sampling to maintain transmission speed equivalent to parallel interfaces, while the single pin reduces the quantity of physical connections required.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface transmission device and method are disclosed. The interface device, located in a first device, includes a transmission interface and a receiving circuit. The transmission interface receives an initialization signal and an interface signal. The receiving circuit receives the initialization signal through the transmission interface, and acquires a bit length of the interface signal according to the initialization signal. Thereby, the first device resolves the interface signal according to the bit length.