Serial Packet Sync Encoding for VoIP Pin Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, the need arises to minimize the number of pins on integrated circuits to reduce costs while synchronizing packet sync information between media access controllers (MAC) and VoIP processing agents, as existing parallel interface methods are costly and inefficient in separate integrated circuit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A serial packet synchronization method is implemented using a serial packet sync encoder and transmitter to encode and transmit a bit sequence representing packet sync information via a single pin, allowing for efficient communication of transmission bandwidth availability and grant arrival indications between MAC and VoIP processing agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a parallel interface is used to convey packet sync information, then the VoIP processing agent can receive bandwidth availability indications, but the number of pins required increases (e.g., five pins for queue identification)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel interface (multiple pins transmitting multiple bits simultaneously) to a serial interface (single pin transmitting bits sequentially over time). This dimensional change from spatial parallelism to temporal sequencing resolves the contradiction by maintaining information transmission reliability while reducing pin count from five to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from parallel (multiple simultaneous signals) to serial (sequential single signal). By altering the time dimension of data transmission and using encoding/decoding mechanisms, the system maintains the same information throughput while reducing the physical pin requirement, directly addressing the contradiction between reliable transmission and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the DOCSIS MAC and VoIP processing agent are distributed into separate integrated circuits, then product configurations become more flexible, but the cost of integrated circuits increases due to more pins required
Solution Approach 1:
By switching from parallel to serial communication, the patent enables distributed circuit architecture without increasing pin count. The serial interface allows separate integrated circuits to communicate efficiently using minimal pins, thus maintaining manufacturing ease while achieving the adaptability benefits of distributed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces serial encoding and decoding as intermediary processes that enable efficient communication between distributed MAC and VoIP processing agents. These intermediaries translate between parallel internal operations and serial external communication, allowing flexible product configurations without the cost penalty of increased pin counts.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pins are used to communicate packet sync information, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but the circuit complexity and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving from spatial parallelism (multiple pins) to temporal sequencing (single pin over time). The serial transmission maintains synchronization accuracy through structured encoding with preambles and bit sequences, while reducing circuit complexity by eliminating the need for multiple parallel signal paths and their associated synchronization circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A serial packet sync encoder is used to encode a serial packet sync datastream. In an embodiment, the serial packet sync datastream is made up of the packet sync vector and a unique preamble bit sequence that is preselected. In another embodiment, the serial packet sync datastream is made up of a non-unique bit sequence. A serial packet sync transmitter is used to transmit the serial packet sync datastream. A serial packet sync receiver is provided for receiving the serial packet sync datastream. In an embodiment, the serial packet sync transmitter and the serial packet sync receiver are shift registers. In this way, the serial packet sync datastream can be transmitted and received using only a single pin. The serial packet sync datastream is useful for providing an indication that an event, such as a grant arrival, has occurred. A preamble comparator is provided to compare the received serial packet sync datastream and the preselected preamble to determine if the two match. In cases where a match is made, the packet sync vector is written into a holding register for access from other applications and or system components such as a digital signal processor.