Multiple-channel transmission over a single-wire bus
AssigneeSTMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
InventorFrançois Tailliet
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are described that enable concurrent transmission of multiple data signals including clock, synchronization, and power over a single-wire bus between a master device and one or more slave devices. A first transmission channel from the master device to the slave device may modulate the width of periodic pulses between a first voltage level and a second voltage level with respect to a reference potential. A second transmission channel may modulate the amplitude of at least one of the first and second voltage levels to at least one third voltage level. Concurrent communications between a master device and one or more slave devices over a single-wire bus can be achieved.
Claims31
A method for transmitting a combined signal at least of a synchronization signal and a plurality of data signals over a single-wire bus between a master device and at least one slave device, wherein:
- a first data transmission channel from the master device to a first slave device modulates a width of periodic pulses between a first voltage level and a second voltage level with respect to a reference potential;
- and
- a second data transmission channel modulates an amplitude of at least one of the first or second voltage levels between their respective voltage level and at least one third voltage level different from the first and second voltage levels and from the reference potential in the combined signal, wherein the first and second data transmission channels carry information other than clock and synchronization information.
A method of communicating with one or more devices over a single-wire bus, the method comprising:
- generating, by a first device, a base signal having periodic pulses;
- encoding, by the first device, a first data communication signal onto the base signal by modulating a width of the periodic pulses between a first voltage level and a second voltage level with respect to a reference potential;
- encoding, by the first device, a second data communication signal onto the base signal by modulating an amplitude of at least one of the first or second voltage levels between their respective voltage level and at least one third voltage level different from the first and second voltage levels and from the reference potential, wherein the first and second data communication signals carry information other than clock and synchronization information;
- and
- providing the base signal and first and second data communication signals to the single-wire bus.
A first device adapted to communicate with one or more electronic devices over a single-wire bus, the first device comprising a processor and data communication apparatus configured to:
- generate a base signal having periodic pulses;
- encode a first data communication signal onto the base signal by modulating a width of the periodic pulses between a first voltage level and a second voltage level with respect to a reference potential;
- encode a second data communication signal onto the base signal by modulating an amplitude of at least one of the first or second voltage levels between their respective voltage level and at least one third voltage level different from the first and second voltage levels and from the reference potential, wherein the first and second data communication signals carry information other than clock and synchronization information;
- and
- provide the base signal and first and second data communication signals to the single-wire bus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.