Shared Memory Switching for Transmission Path Delay Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing transmission devices require large-capacity memories for delay adjustment between 0-system and 1-system transmission paths, leading to increased costs due to the necessity of expensive memory components.

Innovation Solution

A transmission apparatus with a memory configuration that switches connection based on path delay differences, using a smaller memory for initial delay adjustment and a larger auxiliary memory only when necessary, reducing overall memory capacity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large-capacity memories are used for delay adjustment in each transmission path, then uninterrupted switching between 0-system and 1-system paths is achieved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuninterrupted switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the delay adjustment function into a single shared memory unit that serves both 0-system and 1-system transmission paths. Instead of having separate large-capacity memories for each path, one memory is used to buffer signals from either path, achieving the same uninterrupted switching capability with reduced total memory capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single memory unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can buffer signals from the 0-system path, buffer signals from the 1-system path, and provide delay adjustment for either path as needed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated large-capacity memories for each transmission path.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If separate large-capacity memories are allocated for 0-system and 1-system paths, then path delay adjustment is achieved, but memory capacity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelay adjustment precisionVSAvoidmemory capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic memory allocation where a single memory unit is flexibly assigned to buffer signals from either the 0-system or 1-system path based on real-time switching requirements. The memory connection control unit dynamically connects the memory to the appropriate path, allowing precise delay adjustment without requiring simultaneous large-capacity memory for both paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single memory unit is pre-configured with sufficient capacity to handle the maximum required delay adjustment for either transmission path individually. By preparing the memory in advance with adequate capacity and using it alternately for different paths, the system achieves precise delay adjustment without needing doubled memory capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12170607B2Transmission apparatus, transmission system and delay adjustment method
Publication Date: 2024.12.17 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP
  • US12170607B2 patent drawing
  • US12170607B2 patent drawing
  • US12170607B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transmission apparatus performs communication with a transmission side transmission apparatus via a transmission path of an active system and a transmission path of a standby system. The transmission apparatus includes: a memory configured to have a capacity that is as large as delay caused due to a maximum path difference between the transmission path of the active system and the transmission path of the standby system is allowable; and a memory connection control unit configured to switch connection of the memory and cause a signal of the transmission path of the active system or the transmission path of the standby system to be accumulated in the memory.