Two-Way Communication Circuit Direction Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-way communication systems, such as those using IEEE 1394 and HDMI, face inefficiencies due to arbitration signals, retransmission, and idle periods, particularly when the transmission unit is large or small, leading to underutilization of bandwidth and decreased transmission efficiency. Additionally, these systems often lack the ability for the slave device to control its own transmission and reception switching, which is necessary in applications like in-vehicle LAN where both host and target need to control transfer direction.
Innovation Solution
A two-way communication circuit and system that includes a controller register storing control signals for switching transmission and reception directions, managed by a communication controller, allowing periodic switching of these directions. This enables both devices to obtain transmission rights and improve efficiency by dynamically managing transmission and reception periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arbitration signal and retransmission mechanisms are used in existing two-way communication systems, then data transmission reliability is improved, but transmission efficiency and bandwidth utilization deteriorate due to idle periods and retransmission overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between transmission and reception directions using a direction switch signal that alternates between high and low levels. This periodic action allows both devices to systematically control their transmission and reception periods, eliminating idle waiting times and arbitration signals while maintaining reliable data transmission through structured turn-based communication.
2Loss of time
If transmission unit size is increased to reduce switching frequency, then overhead from direction switching is reduced, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates due to idle periods when no data is transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of transmission and reception periods by allowing each device to independently control the direction switch signal timing based on its data availability. This dynamic control eliminates fixed idle periods while maintaining efficient switching, as each device transmits data whenever available without waiting for predetermined slots, thereby maximizing bandwidth utilization without incurring switching overhead.
3Device complexity
If master device controls transmission direction switching, then transmission control is simplified, but slave device's ability to initiate transmission deteriorates, limiting application flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each device to independently control the direction switch signal based on its own data availability and transmission needs. Both the master and slave devices can autonomously initiate transmission by generating direction switch signals when they have data to send, eliminating the need for one device to control the other. This self-service mechanism maintains simple control logic while significantly improving adaptability and application flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-way communication circuit is connected to one end of a cable performing half-duplex communication. The two-way communication circuit includes a controller register storing a control signal including switch indication information switching a transmission direction and a reception direction; a communication controller managing timing depending on the control signal stored in the controller register; and a transmission and reception circuit periodically switching the transmission direction and the reception direction according to an indication by the communication controller depending on the control signal.