Two-Wire Serial Interface Protocol for RF Transmitter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serial interfaces for device control and configuration, particularly in radio frequency transmitters, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and reducing pin counts while allowing for flexible data rates and operation modes.
Innovation Solution
A two-wire serial interface protocol that combines synchronous and asynchronous data transfer, using a single clock and data line to wake up and control a slave device, such as an OOK radio frequency transmitter, with configuration and calibration capabilities, enabling efficient power management and low pin count designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single synchronous serial interface is used for device control and configuration, then the pin count is reduced, but the ability to support flexible data rates and direct functional control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges synchronous and asynchronous communication modes into a single two-wire interface. The synchronous mode handles configuration and calibration with fixed timing, while the asynchronous mode enables direct functional control with flexible data rates. This combination allows one interface to perform multiple communication functions that would otherwise require separate interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically switches between synchronous and asynchronous communication modes based on the operational requirements. During configuration and calibration phases, synchronous mode is used with fixed timing. During direct functional control, asynchronous mode is activated to allow flexible data rates and immediate response, making the interface adaptable to different operational demands.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the slave device remains in sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the response time for control operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master device initiates a wake-up sequence by asserting a wake-up signal on the serial interface before transferring control data. This preliminary action ensures the slave device is fully operational and ready to receive commands before actual control operations begin, preventing delays during critical control moments while allowing the device to remain in low-power mode during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic wake-up cycles where the slave device transitions between sleep and active states based on control requirements. During normal operation, the device remains in sleep mode to conserve power. When control operations are needed, the master device triggers a wake-up sequence, and after completing control tasks, the device returns to sleep mode, creating a periodic pattern that balances power consumption with operational responsiveness.
3Measurement precision
If synchronous protocol is used for configuration and calibration, then timing precision is improved, but the ability to perform direct functional control with arbitrary data rates is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is segmented into distinct functional modes: synchronous mode for configuration and calibration operations requiring precise timing, and asynchronous mode for direct functional control with flexible data rates. Each mode is optimized for its specific purpose, allowing the system to maintain timing precision when needed while achieving data rate flexibility during operational control phases.
4Speed
If asynchronous data transmission is used for direct control, then response speed is improved, but the ability to perform configuration and calibration with precise timing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically selects between asynchronous and synchronous communication modes based on the operational requirements. During direct functional control, asynchronous mode provides fast response speeds. During configuration and calibration phases, the system switches to synchronous mode to ensure precise timing, making the system adaptable to different performance requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a serial transmission method using a two-wire serial interface, a master device transmits a first synchronous serial signal via the two-wire serial interface to wake-up a slave device followed by an asynchronous data transmission on one of the two-wires of the two- wire serial interface. The asynchronous data signal directly controls a function of the slave device.