Time-Division Multiplexed Communication Without Master Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-division multiplexed (TDM) communication systems require complex signaling and master-slave configurations, leading to increased complexity, power consumption, and space requirements, especially when multiple slave devices are integrated into a single device.
Innovation Solution
A simplified TDM communication system that uses a controller to provide a clock signal and frame synchronization, allowing slave devices to automatically determine their time slots without special signaling from a master device, eliminating the need for command lines and master logic in slave devices, and enabling a daisy-chained frame synchronization signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex signaling and master-slave configurations are used in TDM communication systems, then data transmission capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the master device and command line from the TDM communication system. Each slave device independently determines its time slot based on frame synchronization signals from previous devices in the chain, removing the need for centralized master control and reducing system complexity while maintaining data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each slave device in the chain independently determines its own time slot allocation by counting frame synchronization signals received from previous devices. This self-service mechanism eliminates dependency on master device signaling and command lines, reducing system complexity while preserving full data transmission functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If master-slave configurations with multiple slave devices are used, then communication functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power-consuming master device and command line infrastructure from the system. Slave devices determine time slots autonomously using simple frame synchronization signal counting, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining multi-device communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Each slave device independently manages its own time slot allocation by counting frame synchronization signals, eliminating the need for continuous master device signaling and command transmission. This self-service approach reduces power consumption while preserving full communication adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If master logic is integrated into slave devices, then operational flexibility is improved, but device space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts master logic functionality from slave devices, eliminating the need for complex master control units within each slave. Time slot determination is achieved through simple frame synchronization signal counting, reducing device space requirements while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Slave devices perform self-configuration by autonomously counting frame synchronization signals to determine their time slots, eliminating the need for integrated master logic. This self-service mechanism reduces device space requirements while preserving full operational flexibility for multi-device communication
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified bus arrangement using only three signal lines allows TDM data to be conveyed to or from a number of slave-only devices without the use of separate command line(s) and without any of the slave-only devices having to operate as a bus master or even support a master operating mode.