Communication Interface with Switchable Protection Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices capable of communicating via multiple protocols face space constraints due to the need for multiple communication units, each requiring separate interfaces, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage from voltage ranges outside the defined protocols.
Innovation Solution
A device with a signal interface and two communication units, where a protection unit is used to enable or disable signal connections between the interface and transceivers, allowing for shared interface usage and protection against voltage ranges outside the defined protocols, integrated into a single IC for compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication units are implemented for different protocols, then communication versatility is improved, but device space and interface availability are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication units (first communication unit with first transceiver, second communication unit with second transceiver) are merged to share a common device interface. The protection unit acts as a switching mechanism that enables either the first or second communication unit to connect to the shared device interface, thereby reducing the total interface space required while maintaining support for multiple communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The device interface is designed to be universal and multi-functional, serving both the first communication unit and the second communication unit. Through the protection unit's switching capability, a single device interface can handle communications for different protocols by connecting to the appropriate transceiver, thus improving space utilization while maintaining protocol versatility.
2Area of stationary object
If communication units are shared, then space is saved, but protection against voltage ranges outside defined protocols is required
Solution Approach 1:
The protection unit serves as an intermediary component positioned between the device interface and the communication units. It includes voltage protection circuitry that mediates the electrical connection, protecting the communication units from voltage spikes or ranges outside their defined protocols while enabling safe sharing of the device interface. The protection unit can detect unsafe voltage conditions and prevent them from reaching the transceivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection unit incorporates protective measures in advance before voltage damage can occur. It includes voltage clamping circuits, surge protection, or other protective mechanisms that are pre-configured to cushion against voltage extremes. This beforehand protection allows the communication units to safely share the device interface without risking damage from protocol-mismatched voltage ranges.
3Ease of manufacture
If protection circuits are integrated into a single IC, then manufacturing cost and space are reduced, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first communication unit, second communication unit, protection unit, and control logic are integrated into a single integrated circuit (IC). This merging of multiple functional blocks into one chip reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale, eliminates the need for multiple separate components, and simplifies assembly. The integration also reduces the overall space required while the internal modular architecture manages the complexity of coordinating multiple communication protocols and protection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device comprising two communication units, wherein one of the two communication units additionally comprises a protection unit configured to protect against excessive electrical voltages. The state of the protection unit can be changed to enable or disable the protection. Furthermore, an associated method is disclosed.