Serial Stream Filter for Multiplexed Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods require expensive and complex port duplicating hardware to enable system testing with multiple serial communication entities over a single serial port, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A serial stream filter processes and forwards framed data from multiple sources to different recipients, allowing multiple test entities to communicate through a single serial port by multiplexing and demultiplexing serial streams, using temporary exclusive control of the port to maintain data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If port duplicating hardware is used to enable multiple serial communication entities, then communication capability is improved, but hardware cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the serial communication stream by identifying and separating framed data from non-framed data. The serial stream filter divides the incoming serial stream into different portions based on framing detection, allowing different recipients to receive only the data relevant to them. This segmentation eliminates the need for physical port duplication while maintaining multiple communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial stream filter acts as an intermediary device between the single serial port and multiple recipients. It receives the serial stream, processes it to extract framed data, and selectively forwards data to different recipients. This intermediary approach allows one port to serve multiple entities without requiring complex duplicating hardware.
2Device complexity
If a single serial port is shared by multiple entities, then hardware cost is reduced, but data integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining temporary exclusive control of the serial port before sending framed data. This ensures that no other entity can interfere with the data transmission during critical periods. The exclusive control is acquired in advance of the actual data sending operation, preventing data corruption or loss of framing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial stream filter uses feedback mechanisms to detect framing in the incoming serial stream and dynamically adjust its filtering behavior. By continuously monitoring the stream for frame delimiters and protocols, the filter can accurately identify framed data boundaries and maintain data integrity even when multiple data sources are multiplexed onto a single port.
3Productivity
If multiple serial data sources are multiplexed onto a single port, then resource utilization is improved, but data separation and routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serial stream filter applies local quality by treating different portions of the serial stream differently based on their characteristics. Framed data is extracted and routed to specific recipients, while non-framed data is handled separately. This local differentiation simplifies the routing logic compared to a universal complex switching mechanism, as each data type is processed according to its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter extracts framed data from the multiplexed serial stream by detecting frame delimiters and protocol patterns. Once extracted, the framed data is separated from the rest of the stream and routed to the appropriate recipient. This extraction approach simplifies routing by focusing on identifying and isolating specific data types rather than managing complex switching for all data.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide for the combining and filtering of serial data from multiple serial data sources. At least one of the serial data sources frames serial data into packets. The serial data source that frames serial data drives a serial port in an exclusive manner. Another serial data source also provides data to the serial port. As the serial data comes from the sources, the serial port generates a stream of serial data that is sent to a serial stream filter. The serial stream filter extracts the packet from other serial data and selectively forwards the packet and the other serial data to one or more recipients.