Series Connection Device Addressing via Pulse String Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In series connections with multiple devices of the same structure, existing technologies require additional pins or circuitry to identify and communicate with each device efficiently, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a pulse string to determine the address of devices on a series connection, where a master device sends a pulse string that is modified by slave devices to identify their positions, allowing for communication and command execution based on their determined addresses, enabling efficient communication and command execution without the need for multiple address pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional pins or circuitry are used to identify and communicate with multiple devices on a series connection, then device identification and communication reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each slave device automatically determines its own address by counting pulses from the pulse string received from the master device. The device at position N receives exactly N pulses, allowing it to self-identify without external addressing circuitry. This eliminates the need for additional address pins or complex identification circuitry while ensuring reliable device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the address identification function from traditional pin-based or circuitry-based methods and implements it through a simplified pulse counting mechanism. By removing the need for additional address pins and complex addressing circuitry, the system achieves reliable device identification with minimal hardware overhead.
2Loss of information
If traditional addressing methods are used for multiple devices on a series connection, then device identification is achieved, but the number of required pins and circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical addressing system (multiple pins and physical circuitry) with a temporal signaling system based on pulse counting. Instead of using spatial differentiation through multiple pins, the system uses temporal differentiation through pulse duration and counting, significantly reducing the physical hardware required while maintaining complete device address information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the addressing parameter from spatial (pin assignments) to temporal (pulse count). By encoding device addresses in the number of pulses received rather than in physical pin configurations, the system maintains full address information for multiple devices while minimizing the quantity of physical pins and circuitry required.
3Loss of time
If synchronous mode of command execution is used, then command execution timing is controlled, but command execution flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between synchronous and non-synchronous command execution modes based on the execution mode command received in the command frame. This allows the master device to adapt the timing and flexibility of command execution to the specific requirements of each operation, optimizing both timing control and execution flexibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic command execution with configurable timing. Commands can be executed at regular intervals (synchronous mode) or at variable intervals (non-synchronous mode), allowing the system to maintain timing control while adapting to different operational requirements through periodic action with adjustable parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for serial communication may include a first device and a plurality of devices on a series connection. The first device may have a master circuit and the plurality devices may have a slave circuit. The master circuit may enable the first device to communicate with the plurality devices having the slave circuit on the series connection. The master circuit may enable the first device to send a command frame on the series connection. The command frame may include an execution mode command and a plurality of commands. The second devices may execute the commands within the command frame at or after the end of the command frame based on the execution mode command indicating a synchronous mode of command execution; and may execute the commands within the command frame at the ends of individual ones of the commands based on the execution mode command indicating a non-synchronous mode of command execution.