Single-Wire Module Detection Using Charge-and-Sample Voltage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-wire interface (SWI) connections between primary and secondary devices face challenges in rapidly detecting the presence of an SWI module in the secondary device using only pre-existing components with minimal communication overhead.
Innovation Solution
The method involves connecting the SWI to a supply voltage during a charging phase and then to a voltage detection circuit during a sampling phase, where voltage measurements are taken to determine if an SWI module is present based on the transition from supply voltage to a steady-state voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional multi-wire bus connections are used, then data transfer and power delivery can be performed, but device complexity and connection cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single-wire interface is designed to perform multiple functions including power delivery, data transfer, and module detection all through one connection wire. This eliminates the need for separate detection circuits or communication channels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable detection capabilities through the unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational characteristics (voltage changes during normal charging and communication) to perform self-detection of module presence. By monitoring voltage transitions that naturally occur during charging phases and half-duplex communication, the system can detect modules without requiring additional dedicated detection hardware or procedures
2Productivity
If detection operations are performed using pre-existing components, then product cost is reduced, but detection speed may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs detection operations during already-scheduled charging phases and communication intervals. By utilizing the natural voltage transitions that occur during these pre-planned operations, the system achieves rapid module detection without requiring separate detection circuits or additional time slots, thereby improving detection speed while avoiding increased device complexity
3Measurement precision
If communication overhead is minimized, then detection efficiency improves, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where voltage measurements taken during charging and communication phases are analyzed to determine module presence. The half-duplex communication protocol provides feedback signals that indicate module status, allowing precise detection while minimizing additional communication overhead by utilizing existing communication channels efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A primary device includes a single-wire interface, SWI, for a single-wire connection to a secondary device; and a processor, configured to selectively connect the SWI to a supply voltage during a charging phase and to a voltage detection circuit during a subsequent sampling phase, during which the voltage detection circuit detects one or more voltages at the SWI; and determine whether an SWI module is present in the secondary device based on the detected one or more voltages.