Transmitter Timing Circuit for Asynchronous Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In serial asynchronous communication, the frequency drift between transmitter and receiver oscillators necessitates frequent re-synchronizations, leading to inefficiencies and potential transmission errors due to differing local oscillator frequencies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a transmitter with a timing circuit that associates each symbol with a varying symbol transmission period, increasing from synchronization point to the next, allowing for bit-braking and reducing electromagnetic emission through frequency-modulated oscillators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If constant symbol transmission periods are used, then the communication protocol is simple, but frequent re-synchronizations are required due to frequency drift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication protocol complexityVSAvoidsynchronization stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant symbol transmission periods to variable symbol transmission periods. The symbol transmission period is dynamically adjusted based on the position within a frame structure, increasing progressively during the frame. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to tolerate oscillator frequency drift without requiring frequent re-synchronizations, as the varying periods create a unique pattern that can be detected and used to maintain synchronization throughout the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If frequent re-synchronizations are performed, then synchronization stability is maintained, but communication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization stabilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing synchronization at the beginning of each frame using a synchronization signal. Once synchronized, the variable symbol transmission period pattern is maintained throughout the entire frame without requiring intermediate re-synchronizations. This preliminary synchronization action, combined with the distinctive varying period pattern, allows the receiver to maintain synchronization for the duration of the frame, thereby improving communication efficiency by eliminating frequent re-synchronization interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency-modulated oscillators are used, then electromagnetic emission is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic emissionVSAvoidoscillator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the symbol transmission period parameter within a frame structure. Instead of using frequency-modulated oscillators that would change the oscillator frequency, the patent varies the symbol transmission period according to a predefined pattern (e.g., increasing linearly or exponentially within a frame). This parameter change achieves spectrum spreading and reduces electromagnetic emission at any single frequency while maintaining simpler oscillator hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful emissions and maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9100163B2Transmitter, receiver, method for transmitting and method for receiving
Publication Date: 2015.08.04 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US9100163B2 patent drawing
  • US9100163B2 patent drawing
  • US9100163B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a transmitter is described comprising an input configured to receive a plurality of symbols to be transmitted and a timing circuit configured to associate each symbol with a symbol transmission period of a predefined sequence of symbol transmission periods, wherein the symbol transmission periods of the sequence of symbol transmission periods are at least partially different.