Static Data Bus Address Allocation via Voltage State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for uniquely identifying identical integrated circuit components on a communication bus, such as in automotive sensor networks, face challenges like requiring additional wires and risking communication failures due to faulty components in serial chain connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use static address selection terminals, detecting circuits, and communication circuits to assign unique addresses to integrated circuit nodes without a dedicated serial chain, utilizing available I/O connections and determining address identifiers based on the state of these terminals, which can be in a floating, power supply, or ground voltage state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a serial chain connection (daisy chain) is used to assign unique addresses to IC devices, then unique identification can be achieved, but additional wires are required and communication failure risk increases when a component is faulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the address selection function from the data communication bus by using dedicated address selection terminals that are electrically connected to power supply and ground voltage sources. This separation eliminates the need for additional daisy chain wires while maintaining unique address assignment capability through voltage state detection during a configuration phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage state detection as an intermediary mechanism to translate physical voltage states (floating, power supply, ground) into unique address identifiers. This mediator enables reliable address assignment without requiring fragile serial chain connections, as each IC independently determines its address based on its own terminal voltage states.
2Device complexity
If static address assignment is performed using available I/O connections, then no additional wires are needed, but determining unique addresses from identical ICs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating unique address configurations through different voltage states at specific address selection terminals of each IC. Even though ICs are identical, their local voltage states during configuration phase differ based on terminal connections, enabling unique address determination without modifying the IC structure or adding wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs address assignment during a preliminary configuration phase before normal data communication begins. The detecting circuit determines voltage states and assigns addresses in advance, storing them for subsequent use. This preliminary action ensures unique identification is established without affecting normal operation and without requiring additional hardware.
3Reliability
If dynamic address assignment is used to differentiate identical ICs, then unique identification can be achieved, but assembly complexity increases and deterministic identification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each IC to self-determine its unique address by detecting the voltage states at its own address selection terminals during configuration phase. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external dynamic assignment procedures, simplifying assembly while ensuring deterministic identification through hardware-based voltage state detection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a data bus node integrated circuit comprising at least one static address selection terminal and a detecting circuit for detecting a state of the address selection terminal. The IC also comprises a communication circuit for data communication over a data bus. This circuit is adapted for determining a node address identifier taking the detected state of the at least one static address selection terminal into account. The detecting circuit is adapted for detecting the state of the address selection terminal by determining whether the address selection terminal is in a floating state, a power supply voltage state or a ground voltage state.