Predefined Static Enumeration for SOUNDWIRE Bus Initialization

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing SOUNDWIRE protocol for audio data communication in mobile devices requires a time-consuming iterative process for device enumeration, which consumes power and generates duplicative commands, particularly undesirable in battery-powered devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a predefined static enumeration system where slave devices are provided with pre-defined device numbers, reducing the need for an iterative enumeration process and minimizing power consumption by eliminating duplicative messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the iterative enumeration process is used to assign device numbers to slave devices, then data collision is avoided, but power consumption increases and initialization time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collision avoidanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring slave devices with predefined device numbers before they connect to the SOUNDWIRE bus. This eliminates the need for the master device to perform iterative enumeration and assign device numbers dynamically, thereby reducing power consumption and initialization time while maintaining data collision avoidance through the uniqueness of predefined numbers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the device number assignment function from the runtime enumeration process and moves it to the device manufacturing stage. By taking out the enumeration step from the operational phase, the system eliminates duplicative commands and power consumption associated with iterative assignment, while the predefined numbers ensure reliable collision-free communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the iterative enumeration process is used to assign device numbers to slave devices, then unique device identification is achieved, but initialization time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique device identificationVSAvoidinitialization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring slave devices with predefined device numbers before they connect to the SOUNDWIRE bus. This eliminates the need for the master device to perform iterative enumeration and assign device numbers dynamically, thereby reducing power consumption and initialization time while maintaining data collision avoidance through the uniqueness of predefined numbers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the iterative enumeration process is used to assign device numbers to slave devices, then proper device addressing is ensured, but duplicative commands are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice addressingVSAvoidcommand complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the device number assignment function from the runtime enumeration process and moves it to the device manufacturing stage. By taking out the enumeration step from the operational phase, the system eliminates duplicative commands and power consumption associated with iterative assignment, while the predefined numbers ensure reliable collision-free communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3216172B1Predefined static enumeration for dynamic enumeration buses

Publication Date: 2023.02.22 QUALCOMM INC

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

Predefined static enumeration systems and processes for dynamic enumeration buses are disclosed. In one aspect, the dynamic enumeration bus may be a SOUNDWIRE™ bus. Slave devices are provided predefined device numbers which are provided to a master. The master uses the provided predefined device number to populate an address table. By providing the predefined device numbers, an iterative enumeration process may be reduced or eliminated, saving time and/or power.