Single Pin Multi-Bit Addressing for I2C Slave Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hardware addressing methods require multiple external connections on integrated circuit packages for unique addressing, which becomes impractical as package sizes decrease, limiting the ability to address multiple devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method to program a multi-bit unique address using a single external connection on an integrated circuit package, where different analog voltage or current values are used in combination with a serial clock to configure unique addresses, allowing the same pin to be reused for other functions after addressing is completed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple external connections (pins) are used for hardware addressing, then unique slave addresses can be assigned to multiple devices, but the number of external connections increases and package size must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The single external connection is designed to serve multiple functions: during initialization it carries address configuration information, and during normal operation it functions as a standard I2C data pin. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated address pins while maintaining unique addressing capability across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter being transmitted on the single external connection from binary voltage levels (0V or VCC) to multi-level voltage or current values. By using different analog voltage or current levels to represent different address bits, the system can encode multi-bit address information in a single connection, resolving the contradiction between unique addressing and pin count
2Reliability
If multiple external connections are used for hardware addressing, then unique addresses can be programmed, but the pins cannot be reused for other functions
Solution Approach 1:
The single external connection is designed to serve multiple functions: during initialization it carries address configuration information, and during normal operation it functions as a standard I2C data pin. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated address pins while maintaining unique addressing capability across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The address configuration is performed during the initialization phase before normal operation begins. The single external connection is used temporarily for address programming, then immediately repurposed for its primary communication function. This preliminary action allows the pin to be reused without compromising address configuration capability
3Ease of operation
If traditional hardware addressing is used, then addressing is simple, but it requires dedicated pins that increase package size
Solution Approach 1:
The single external connection is designed to serve multiple functions: during initialization it carries address configuration information, and during normal operation it functions as a standard I2C data pin. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated address pins while maintaining unique addressing capability across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the address configuration function with the existing single external connection that would otherwise be unused or serve a different purpose. By combining address programming and normal data communication into a single pin, the package size is reduced while maintaining full addressing functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables unique addressing for multiple devices using a single pin, reducing the need for dedicated hardware addressing pins and allowing for lower power usage and multifunctionality, while maintaining the address until a reset condition.
Implementation Method 1
ones of a plurality of different analog voltage or current values may be converted to a digital representation thereof, e.g., unique three (3) bit addresses for each of the devices
Data Source
AI summary
Unique addresses for a plurality of devices may be programmed through a single external connection (pin) on each device by using a one of a plurality of different analog voltage or current values on the single external pin in combination with a serial clock of a serial data bus for each device requiring a unique binary address. The unique binary address is stored in the device after detection of certain number of clocks on the serial data bus. Once the unique binary address has been stored in the device, the single external connection may be used for another purpose such as a multifunction external connection. This unique binary address may be retained by the device until a power-on-reset (POR) or general reset condition occurs. Address detection and address load commands on the serial bus may also perform the same address definition and storage functions.