Transition Interval Coding for Flexible Single-Pin Serial Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serial communication protocols face limitations in flexibility due to restrictive electrical and timing requirements, especially in pin-limited applications where single pin protocols are used, necessitating improved communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for serial communication that determine the width of intervals defined by transitions on a communication link, using threshold intervals to decode data symbols, allowing for flexible transmission and reception of information without requiring accurate timing, and enabling m-ary coding beyond binary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional serial communication protocols are used with restrictive electrical and timing requirements, then communication reliability is improved, but communication flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for data encoding from fixed timing intervals to variable transition intervals. By encoding data in the number of transitions (1, 2, or 3 transitions) rather than relying on precise timing, the system achieves both reliability through clear transition counting and flexibility through adaptive communication rates. The receiver can adjust its operation based on the actual transition count, enabling adaptation to different signal qualities without sacrificing reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed timing requirements are imposed on serial communication, then data transmission accuracy is improved, but communication speed and adaptability to different signal qualities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic communication rates that adapt to signal quality. In systems with good signal integrity, the protocol can transmit data faster by using fewer transitions per symbol. In systems with poor signal integrity, it slows down by using more transitions, providing robust error handling. This dynamic adjustment maintains data transmission accuracy across varying conditions while optimizing communication speed for each specific environment.
3Device complexity
If single pin serial communication is used to reduce pin count, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical and timing requirements become more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal serial communication protocol that can operate effectively across different electrical characteristics and signal qualities using a single pin. The transition-based encoding scheme works reliably whether the signal is strong or weak, fast or slow, making the protocol universally applicable to various single-pin applications without requiring additional pins or complex electrical configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-wire transmission protocol utilizes transition interval coding in which a value of a transmitted symbol is determined by comparing an interval length between the voltage transition associated with the transmitted symbol and a prior voltage transition on the communication link, to a threshold transition interval provided to the receiving device during the transmission sequence that includes the transmitted symbol. If the interval length of the symbol is below the transition interval threshold, the symbol is determined to be a first value and if the interval length of the symbol is above the transition interval threshold, the symbol is determined to be a second value. The transition interval threshold is provided in a start sequence that includes at least two transitions. The threshold transition interval width is based on one or more transition intervals determined during the start sequence.