Timing Controller Data Transmission with Real-Time Bit Error Rate Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data transmission protocols between a timing controller and a source driver in flat panel display devices lack a bit error rate test (BERT) function, making it difficult to sense the bit error rate in real time, which is crucial for maintaining high signal quality and low Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) levels, especially as display resolution increases.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that incorporate a BERT function by transmitting pseudo random binary sequence (PRBS) patterns during a BERT operation mode, comparing them with bit streams in the source driver, and using linear feedback shift registers to sense and present the bit error rate, allowing real-time error detection and display on the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data transmission protocols (RSDS, mini-LVDS) are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but signal quality decreases rapidly as transmission rate increases and EMI level becomes higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission protocol parameters by implementing a BERT test mode that transmits pseudo-random binary sequences instead of normal data, allowing error rate measurement at different transmission rates to optimize the balance between speed and signal quality
2Measurement precision
If BERT function is added for real-time error sensing, then bit error rate detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BERT test pattern transmission uses the existing data transmission channel and processing circuits, making the error detection function share the same hardware infrastructure as normal data transmission, thereby minimizing additional complexity while achieving precise error rate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by transmitting test patterns through its own data transmission channel and comparing received patterns with expected patterns, enabling autonomous error detection without requiring external testing equipment
3Reliability
If Point-to-Point Differential Signaling is used, then signal quality is maintained at high transmission rates, but the number of signal lines increases with the number of source drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a BERT test pattern as a copy of the expected data sequence to verify transmission integrity, allowing error detection without requiring additional physical test channels or increasing the number of signal lines
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transmitting data between a timing controller and a source driver, and more particularly, a data transmission method and apparatus between a timing controller and a source driver, which has a bit error rate test (BERT) function for sensing an error rate in real time when data is transmitted and received between the timing controller and the source driver.