Two-Wire Communication Interface With Variable Frequency Clock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master/slave communication interface systems either require additional wires for synchronous communication, increasing space and cost, or are limited to fixed data rates in asynchronous systems, which are not adaptable to variable frequency requirements.
Innovation Solution
A two-wire communication interface system where a master microcontroller generates a clock signal at a variable frequency, allowing the slave microcontroller to learn and replicate this frequency for synchronous data transfer, enabling efficient and adaptable communication over a single two-wire cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous communication is implemented using separate clock and data wires, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clock signal and data signal transmission into a single two-wire communication cable. The master microcontroller transmits both clock signals and data signals over the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate dedicated clock wires and reducing system complexity while maintaining synchronous communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire communication cable serves multiple functions: it transmits both clock signals and data signals bidirectionally between master and slave microcontrollers. This multi-functional approach replaces traditional separate dedicated lines, reducing the overall number of wires required while maintaining communication integrity
2Device complexity
If asynchronous communication with fixed data rate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to variable frequency requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment capability where the master microcontroller can vary the clock signal frequency within a predetermined range. The slave microcontroller learns and adapts to the selected frequency through a clock learning mode, enabling the system to dynamically adjust data rates based on application requirements while maintaining synchronous communication
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the clock signal to achieve variable data rates. The master microcontroller selects different frequencies from a predetermined range, and the slave microcontroller adapts its operation to match the selected frequency, providing adaptability without requiring complex communication protocols
Data Source
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AI summary
One example includes a master microcontroller (12) in a communication interface system (10). The microcontroller (12) includes a transmitter (18) to generate a clock signal at a selected frequency and to provide the clock signal to a slave microcontroller (14) on a two-wire communication cable (16) during a clock learning mode. The transmitter (18) can be further configured to provide master data signal requests at the selected frequency on the two-wire communication cable (16) during a data transfer mode. The microcontroller (12) also includes a receiver (20) to receive slave data signals at the variable frequency via the two-wire communication cable (16) in response to the master data signal requests during the data transfer mode.