SoundWire Slave Synchronization via 2D Frame Re-alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital audio systems using the SoundWire standard require a large number of frames for synchronization between a master and slave device, leading to slow attachment and potential data loss during synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that rapidly synchronize a slave device with a master device by searching for an 8-bit static sync word in a two-dimensional frame, re-aligning the frame, and determining the number of columns and rows, allowing for reduced frame requirements and efficient data reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of frames are used for synchronization, then the slave device can reliably synchronize with the master device, but the attachment time increases and data loss occurs during synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by proactively searching for the 8-bit static sync word in advance within the two-dimensional frame structure before full synchronization is established. By preparing the synchronization information in advance through parallel searching in even-numbered columns and determining frame boundaries ahead of time, the system reduces the number of frames needed for actual synchronization, thereby decreasing attachment time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the synchronization process into distinct phases: searching for the 8-bit static sync word in even-numbered columns, determining the number of columns and rows, re-aligning the frame, and establishing full synchronization. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the search phase using parallel processing to quickly identify sync words and frame boundaries, reducing the overall synchronization time required
2Reliability
If a large number of frames are used for synchronization, then the slave device can reliably synchronize with the master device, but data loss occurs during the synchronization period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the 8-bit static sync word and frame boundary identification before full data transmission begins. By establishing synchronization information in advance through searching even-numbered columns and determining frame dimensions, the slave device is ready to receive data immediately, minimizing the period during which data could be lost and reducing the number of frames that would otherwise be consumed during synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional sequential synchronization mechanisms with a parallel searching approach. Instead of sequentially processing frames to find synchronization points, the system parallelizes the search for 8-bit static sync words across multiple even-numbered columns simultaneously, dramatically reducing the time required to establish synchronization and thereby reducing data loss during the attachment process
3Productivity
If parallel searching in multiple columns is performed, then synchronization speed increases, but the complexity of the synchronization algorithm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parallel searching process into manageable units by focusing specifically on even-numbered columns rather than all columns. This segmentation strategy divides the search space into discrete, non-overlapping segments (columns 0, 2, 4, 6, ...) that can be searched independently and simultaneously, maintaining algorithmic clarity while achieving parallel processing speedups. The segmentations reduces complexity compared to searching all columns while still providing significant productivity improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the parallel search effort specifically in even-numbered columns where the 8-bit static sync word is expected to appear, rather than uniformly searching all columns. This localized approach optimizes the search process by directing computational resources to the most promising locations, increasing synchronization speed while keeping the algorithm complexity manageable through focused rather than universal searching
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for synchronizing a slave device with a master device are disclosed. The method includes arranging a bitstream of data into a two-dimensional frame having a plurality of columns and rows. The method further includes searching the columns for an occurrence of an 8-bit static sync word having a constant sync value. The total number of columns of the two-dimensional frame is equal to the number of columns of a group containing the 8-bit static sync word. The method also includes re-aligning the two-dimensional frame by shifting and re-numbering the column having the 8-bit static sync word to column zero. The method also includes determining the number of rows of the re-aligned frame and synchronizing the slave device with the master device based on the re-aligned frame and the number of columns and rows of the two-dimensional frame.