Serializer-Deserializer Sensor Configuration for Plug-and-Play Driver Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing serializer/deserializer (SerDes) devices are not designed for modular applications, requiring dedicated drivers for initialization, which complicates installation and operation, making them unsuitable for plug-and-play readiness.

Innovation Solution

A SerDes sensor system with a controller circuit that identifies a sensor identifier from an internal memory, loads the appropriate driver using a lookup table, and transmits sensor calibration data to initialize the sensor circuit, enabling self-boot and modular operation with minimal hardware and firmware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated drivers are loaded during initialization, then the SerDes device can operate properly, but the installation and operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper operationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The SerDes device automatically identifies itself and loads the appropriate driver without external intervention. The device reads its own device ID from internal memory, matches it with stored driver information, and loads the correct driver autonomously during initialization, eliminating the need for manual driver installation and making the system plug-and-play ready

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Driver information is pre-stored in the SerDes device's internal memory along with device IDs. During manufacturing, the device is pre-configured with multiple driver options and their corresponding identifiers, so that during operation, the device can quickly identify and load the appropriate driver without requiring external provisioning or manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If SerDes devices are designed for modular applications, then plug-and-play readiness is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SerDes device incorporates a universal driver loading mechanism that can handle multiple device types and configurations through a single standardized interface. The device stores multiple driver options in internal memory and uses a generic driver selection process that works across different sensor circuits, making the system modular and plug-and-play ready without requiring device-specific customization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized communication interface acts as an intermediary between the sensor circuit and the controller circuit. This interface includes predefined protocols for device identification, driver selection, and data transmission, allowing different sensor types to be connected without modifying the controller, thus reducing overall system complexity while enabling modular operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4625189A1Serializer-deserializer sensor system configurations
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 ANALOG DEVICES INC
  • EP4625189A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4625189A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4625189A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure include a serializer, a method, and/or a non-transitory computer readable medium for receiving an indication indicating the sensor circuit is connected to a controller circuit, identifying a sensor identifier associated with the sensor circuit from an internal memory of the serializer, transmitting the sensor identifier from the serializer to the controller circuit to a deserializer to identify and load a sensor circuit driver associated with the sensor identifier, transmitting sensor calibration data from the memory circuit on the sensor circuit to the controller circuit, and transmitting sensor data to the deserializer.