Synchronous Data Transfer Encoding Clock Period
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronous data transfer between devices require either multiple physical connections or the use of a local oscillator at the slave device for clock and data recovery, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Encoding a clock period and forward data into a single encoded signal that allows the slave device to recover the data without a local oscillator, using bit sequences with specific logic levels and intervals to derive a sampling clock directly from the encoded signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clock and data are transmitted separately using techniques like SPI or I2C, then reliable synchronous data transfer is achieved, but the number of physical connections increases to two or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines clock signal and data signal into a single transmitted signal by encoding the clock period information together with the data bits. This merging of two separate transmission channels (clock and data) into one channel reduces the number of physical connections from two or more to just one, while maintaining synchronous data transfer capability through the encoded clock period information.
2Quantity of substance
If clock and data are encoded together into a single signal, then the number of physical connections is reduced to one, but a local oscillator and discrete phase-locked loop are required at the slave device for clock and data recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by encoding the clock period information directly within the transmitted data signal itself. The slave device can recover the clock signal by detecting the bit sequence patterns and timing intervals embedded in the transmitted signal, eliminating the need for external local oscillators and discrete phase-locked loops. The transmitted signal serves its own clocking function through its structured bit sequence format.
3Measurement precision
If a local oscillator is used at the slave device for clock recovery, then accurate timing is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitted signal encodes timing information through its bit sequence structure, allowing the slave device to derive accurate timing by detecting transitions and intervals in the received signal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate local oscillators and complex phase-locked loop circuits, achieving accurate timing through the signal's inherent structure rather than through additional hardware components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and apparatus for synchronous data transfer are described. The method may include encoding a clock period and data into an encoded signal, transmitting the encoded signal from a master device to a slave device, and recovering the data at the slave device without using a local oscillator. The apparatus may comprise a first integrated circuit including a master device configured to transmit an encoded signal of a clock period and data on a first port, and a second integrated circuit including a slave device where the slave device is configured to receive the encoded signal on a second port coupled to the first port and to recover the data without using a local oscillator.