Half-Duplex Transceiver Mode Control via Dedicated Coprocessor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In serial half-duplex communication systems, particularly in industrial automation, the turn-around time from transmit to receive mode is often prolonged due to host processor control, leading to potential data loss as incoming data may be missed if the transition is too slow, especially in applications requiring low latency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a separate coprocessor that controls TX/RX mode transitions independently of the host processor, utilizing frame monitoring and timing to expedite mode changes, thereby reducing turn-around time and avoiding slow transitions associated with host processor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the host processor controls the TX/RX mode transitions of the transceiver, then the system structure is simple, but the turn-around time from transmit to receive mode is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent control paths: the host processor controls data transmission through the UART, while a separate dedicated logic circuit (state machine) controls the TX/RX mode transitions of the transceiver. This segmentation allows the mode switching function to be independent from the host processor's data processing tasks, eliminating the delay caused by host processor intervention in mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated intermediary logic circuit (state machine) is introduced between the UART and the transceiver's mode control input. This intermediary independently monitors UART operation status and automatically generates appropriate TX/RX mode control signals, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for host processor intervention in mode switching operations.
2Ease of operation
If the host processor controls the TX/RX mode transitions, then the control logic is centralized, but data loss may occur due to slow mode transition
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated logic circuit continuously monitors UART transmission status and prepares mode transition signals in advance. When the UART indicates that transmission is complete, the logic circuit immediately initiates the mode transition without waiting for host processor confirmation, ensuring that the transceiver switches to receive mode before any incoming data arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary logic circuit acts as a buffer between the UART data path and the transceiver mode control, independently managing mode transitions to prevent data loss. This intermediary ensures that mode switching is decoupled from host processor timing, guaranteeing reliable data reception even during fast transitions.
3Productivity
If the turn-around time is reduced for low latency applications, then the receive capability is improved, but the system may require more complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated logic circuit is self-sufficient in controlling transceiver mode transitions. It autonomously monitors UART status registers, determines when transmission is complete, and automatically generates the appropriate TX/RX control signals without requiring any additional control mechanisms or intervention from the host processor, achieving fast turn-around with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/software-based host processor control loop with a hardware-based dedicated logic circuit that directly controls the transceiver. This substitution eliminates the timing delays inherent in processor-based control while maintaining simple control logic through hardware-level automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
In described examples, signaling (TX/RX) to control transmit/receive mode transitions of a serial half-duplex transceiver (13) coupled externally to an integrated circuit (20) is provided by the integrated circuit (20) separately (21) from a host processor (23) of the integrated circuit (20) with which the transceiver (13) communicates. This can avoid slow transceiver (13) turn-around times that may be associated with host processor (23) control of the mode transitions.