SPI Data Block Framing for Interrupt-Free Serial Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serial communication systems between Master and Slave SerDes require complex hardware configurations due to the need for interrupt signals and additional circuits, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that uses identification information to manage data blocks within frame periods, eliminating the need for interrupt signals by employing a storage unit to sequence data block transmission and reception, and utilizing time division duplex (TDD) for half-duplex communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interrupt signals are transmitted between master and Master SerDes to notify communication completion, then the master can learn whether serial communication is completed, but hardware configuration becomes complex requiring additional pins and interrupt signal generation circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication completion notification function from a separate interrupt signal mechanism and integrates it into the existing data transmission protocol. By embedding completion indicators within the data blocks themselves rather than using dedicated interrupt pins and circuits, the solution eliminates the need for additional hardware components while maintaining reliable communication status notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing data transmission channels and protocols are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both data information and communication completion status. The data blocks are designed to convey dual purposes: transferring actual data and simultaneously indicating whether the serial communication between SerDes devices has completed successfully, thereby eliminating the need for separate interrupt functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TDD method is used to handle large difference in data transmission capacity between upstream and downstream, then data transmission capacity difference can be accommodated, but communication in both directions cannot be performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation within the TDD framework by allowing flexible adjustment of time slot assignments based on real-time communication needs. The system can dynamically allocate more time slots to the direction requiring higher data transmission capacity while maintaining the ability to switch between upstream and downstream communication, adapting to varying traffic demands without requiring fixed symmetric allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic time division duplexing where communication alternates between upstream and downstream directions in structured time frames. By organizing communication into periodic cycles with configurable slot allocations, the system achieves adaptability to different data capacity requirements while maintaining orderly bidirectional communication through time-multiplexed periodic action.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] Serial communication is performed by combining different communication methods with a simple hardware configuration. [Solution] A communication device includes: a communication unit that adds identification information for identifying a data block to a set of data blocks having a serial signal group conforming to SPI transmitted from a master in synchronization with a clock, and transmits the data block to a communication partner device within one frame period of a predetermined communication protocol, or adds identification information for identifying each of a plurality of data blocks to the plurality of data blocks having each part of the serial signal group, and transmits the data block to the communication partner device in a plurality of frame periods; and a storage unit that sequentially stores one or more predetermined number of data blocks transmitted from the master, and then outputs a data block transmitted from the communication partner device in response to the predetermined number of data blocks from the master and stored therein, to transmit the data block to the master.