Tone Pattern Generator for Serial Data Handshaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IEEE1394 standards lack a simple and inexpensive system for performing speed and connection handshaking between Beta signal systems, relying on complex serializer/deserializer technology for dual simplex signaling.
Innovation Solution
A tone pattern generator, such as a flip-flop, generates a tone pattern signal between 49 MHz to 62 MHz, and a selecting system like a multiplexer selectively transmits this signal or data input, with a serializing device and clock device ensuring accurate differential transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serializer/deserializer technology is used for dual simplex signaling in Beta ports, then connectivity and speed handshaking can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toning function from the complex serializer/deserializer system and implements it separately using a dedicated tone pattern generator. This allows the handshaking function to be performed by a simpler, dedicated circuit rather than requiring the full SerDes infrastructure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The selecting system (multiplexer) provides multi-functionality by being able to switch between transmitting tone patterns for handshaking and transmitting actual data. This single component handles both the connectivity establishment phase and the data transmission phase, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If serializer/deserializer technology is used for dual simplex signaling in Beta ports, then connectivity and speed handshaking can be achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flip-flop based tone pattern generator that produces tone patterns through simple clock cycling rather than requiring expensive, complex SerDes circuitry. This approach uses inexpensive, easily manufacturable components to achieve the same handshaking function, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the required reliability for connectivity establishment.
3Device complexity
If a tone pattern generator is used instead of serializer/deserializer, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but signal transmission capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The selecting system (multiplexer) acts as an intermediary between the simple tone pattern generator and the differential transmission interface. It mediates between the simplified generator circuitry and the required transmission protocol, ensuring that even though the generator itself is simple, the final transmitted signal maintains the required reliability and capability for proper handshaking and data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method performs speed and connection handshaking between Beta signal ports and/or a Bilingual ports in a serial data interface system. A tone pattern generator (e.g., a flip-flop) can be used to generate a tone pattern signal representing approximately 49 MHz to approximately 62 MHz. A selecting system (e.g., a multiplexer, a digital multiplexer, or the like) selectively transmits either the tone pattern signal or a data input signal. These signals include a driver control signal. A serializer serializes either the tone pattern signal or the data input signal. A clock device (e.g., a clock divider) drives the tone pattern generator and the serializer. A driver receives and differentially transmits, along a twister-wire pair, either the serialized tone pattern signal or the serialized data input signal.