Virtual GPIO Batch Transmission Over Serial Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting physical GPIO state and signals due to latency issues in serial data links, which hinder the conversion of command and control signals to virtual signals, especially in real-time embedded systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual GPIO finite state machines (VGI FSMs) that consolidate heterogeneous GPIO state information from multiple sources and distribute it over a data communication bus, allowing for batch transmission with timing control headers to optimize low-latency communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical GPIO pins are used for signal transmission, then real-time control accuracy is maintained, but the number of physical connections increases and GPIO pin resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual GPIO pins that copy the functionality of physical GPIO pins through software simulation. The virtual GPIO system replicates input/output capabilities, interrupt handling, and configuration options without requiring physical pin connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control accuracy through precise software-timed signal generation and recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical GPIO pin system with a software-based virtual GPIO system. Instead of relying on physical electrical connections and hardware pin configurations, the system uses software processes to simulate GPIO behavior, eliminate physical connections, and achieve the same control objectives through information processing.
2Device complexity
If virtual GPIO signals are transmitted over serial data links, then the number of physical GPIO pins is reduced, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and buffering virtual GPIO signal sequences before transmission. The system prepares signal batches in advance, pre-processes configuration data, and queues transmission tasks to minimize serialization delays. This allows the system to compensate for serial link latency through proactive signal preparation and timing synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple virtual GPIO signal transmissions into consolidated batches that are transmitted together over the serial link. By combining multiple GPIO state updates, configuration commands, and data transfers into single composite messages, the system reduces the total number of separate transmissions required, thereby minimizing cumulative latency while maintaining all necessary GPIO functionalities.
3Productivity
If batch transmission with timing headers is implemented, then transmission efficiency is improved, but message structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the batch transmission protocol into distinct, well-defined components: timing headers, signal data fields, configuration parameters, and acknowledgment sections. Each segment has a specific function and fixed format, which simplifies parsing and processing despite the overall complexity of the batch structure. This modular segmentation allows efficient handling of individual elements while maintaining coordinated batch transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for communication virtualized general-purpose input/output (GPIO) signals and control messages over a serial communication link. An apparatus includes a serial bus, and a controller configured to represent a series of signaling state of physical general-purpose input/output (GPIO) in a batch that comprises a sequence of virtual GPIO messages and control messages, generate a first header that includes timing information configured to control timing of execution of the batch, transmit the first header over a communication link, and transmit the batch over the communication link.