Variable-Clock Data Transmission for Lower Electromagnetic Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital data transmission methods over lines face significant electromagnetic interference issues, particularly at higher frequencies, which increase the effort required to suppress interference and can be problematic in environments with multiple electromagnetic sources.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a variable frequency clock signal for transmitting digital data, broadening the frequency band and reducing interference energy per frequency, achieved through a radar sensor with a transmitter, receiving antennas, and an analog-to-digital converter, allowing for efficient and cost-effective interference reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If digital data is transmitted at higher speeds, then productivity is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the clock signal frequency variable over time instead of fixed. The frequency is modulated according to the data being transmitted, which dynamically changes the spectral distribution of electromagnetic emissions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high transmission speeds while distributing interference energy across a broader frequency range, reducing peak interference at any single frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the clock signal dynamically. By modulating the clock frequency based on the data pattern, the system transforms the fixed-frequency interference problem into a variable-frequency transmission system. This parameter change spreads the electromagnetic energy spectrum, reducing the concentration of interference at specific frequencies while maintaining high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If shielding and ground planes are used to suppress interference, then resistance to electromagnetic interference is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to electromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshielding and ground planes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful concentrated electromagnetic interference into a beneficial spread-spectrum signal. By deliberately modulating the clock frequency, the system transforms what would be narrowband interference into broadband transmission, which is inherently more resistant to interference and requires less complex shielding. The harm of electromagnetic radiation is converted into a benefit of improved noise immunity through frequency diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If serial transmission is used to reduce connection effort, then ease of operation is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases due to higher frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection effortVSAvoidinterference signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the serial transmission dynamic by varying the clock frequency over time. This dynamic frequency modulation allows serial transmission to maintain ease of operation with single-wire connections while reducing the electromagnetic interference problem. The frequency variation spreads the energy spectrum, preventing the concentration of interference that would otherwise occur at fixed high frequencies required for fast serial communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach simplifies the transmission process, reduces interference emission and susceptibility, and is suitable for environments with high electromagnetic interference, using a single physical channel and minimizing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

amplifying the clock signal and emitting the amplified signal via a transmitting antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receiving a reflection of the emitted signal using a receiving antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2633626B1Transmission method and system
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2633626B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2633626B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2633626B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transmitting digital data via a line, comprising steps of providing a clock signal and transmitting the digital data synchronously to the clock signal, wherein the clock signal comprises a frequency that can change over time.