US 7,032,056 B2 · Encoding of message onto strobe signals

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in an electronic system where data is transmitted over signaling conductors from one electronic component to another using strobe signals accompanying the data. The edge or transition of the strobe signals identifies when, in a window of time, the receiving electronic component should latch the data. In many such systems, data is transmitted over the signaling conductors in the form of a plurality “beats”, of data, proper timing to latch each beat of data being identified by a transition of the strobe signal. Faults in components or errors in transmission must be handled. The present invention discloses apparatus and methods to communicate conditions relevant to data transmitted without requiring additional signaling conductors. The present invention discloses selecting a message from a plurality of messages, encoding the selected message, and transmitting the encoded message on existing strobe lines to communicate the condition encountered.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A method for communicating a message from a first component to a second component in an electronic system, the method comprising the steps of:

determining, on the first component, the message that must be communicated to the second component relevant to a block of data transmitted over a signaling bus;
and
transmitting an encoded message respondent to the message from the first component to the second component via a strobe signal associated with the signaling bus, the strobe signal normally providing the second component signal transitions used by the second component to latch data from the signaling bus.

An electronic system comprising:

A first component;
a second component coupled to the first component by a signaling bus and at least one strobe signal conductor associated with the signaling bus;
the first component having the ability to encode a first message and transmit the first message to the second component via the at least one associated strobe signal conductor;
The second component having the ability to receive the first message, decode the first message, and use the first message to latch data transmitted on the signaling bus;
the first component having the ability to encode a second message respondent to a condition relevant to a block of data to be transmitted on the signaling bus from the first component and transmit the second message to the second component via the at least one associated strobe signal conductor;
and
the second component having the ability to receive the second message, decode the second message, and use the second message to take action other than to latch in data on the signaling bus.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Encoding of message onto strobe signals

Life of this patent

Encoding of message onto strobe signals

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25