Programmable Waveform System for Disparate Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication interfaces, such as SPI, face challenges in configuring devices with disparate timing requirements, leading to the need for complex 'bit banging' software or programmable hardware, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when dealing with varied device configurations.
Innovation Solution
A configurable, programmable waveform system that allows for user-input settings of waveform parameters, including setup time, hold time, and clock frequency, to generate signals for communication with multiple target devices, using a graphical user interface and potentially selecting from a database of available waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex bit banging software or programmable hardware is used to configure communication interfaces for disparate devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but processing time and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface system that can adapt to multiple different communication protocols and device types through a single reconfigurable platform. The system uses a database of device profiles and automated waveform generation to provide multi-functionality without requiring separate hardware for each device type, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining communication compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters dynamically by retrieving device-specific timing requirements, data formats, and protocol parameters from a database, then configuring the communication interface accordingly. This allows the same hardware to adapt to different devices by modifying software parameters rather than requiring hardware reconfiguration, reducing hardware complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex bit banging software or programmable hardware is used to configure communication interfaces for disparate devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing communication parameters, timing requirements, and protocol configurations in a database for various device types. When a new device needs to be communicated with, the system retrieves pre-configured parameters from the database and applies them automatically, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration or complex real-time calculations, thus reducing processing time while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by retrieving and applying pre-configured communication templates from a database that contain timing waveforms and protocol parameters for different device types. Instead of generating configurations from scratch or using complex bit-banging software, the system copies and adapts existing proven configurations, significantly reducing processing time while ensuring communication compatibility.
3Productivity
If configurable waveform parameters are used to communicate with multiple target devices, then communication efficiency is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically selecting and configuring appropriate waveform parameters based on the target device type. The system retrieves device identification information, automatically queries the database for matching device profiles, and configures communication parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration, thereby improving communication efficiency while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a configuration management system that sits between the user and the complex waveform parameters. This intermediary automatically handles parameter selection and configuration based on device profiles stored in a database, shielding users from configuration complexity while enabling efficient communication with multiple device types through standardized parameter management.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system, method, and memory-medium provide for configuration of a programmable waveform that allows for communication with one of a plurality of different target devices. The programmable waveform comprises one or more waveform parameters and one or more waveform lines. The waveform lines may comprise control lines and/or data lines. One or more of the waveform parameters may be set in response to user input, and corresponding signals based on the waveform lines may be generated in order to communicate with a target device selected from a variety of different possible target devices. Waveform parameters may include one or more of: setup time, hold time, lead time, trail time, idle time, clock frequency, clock duty cycle, number of data bits per transmission, number of data lines, pulse width, polarity, and phase.