Serial data communication between integrated circuits

摘要

Serial data is exchanged in a serial communication circuit comprising an encoder for producing a first pulse signal having a programmable pulse duration which is representative of a data value. A decoder restores the data value from the first pulse signal received from the encoder. A first data line is connected between an output terminal of the encoder and an input terminal of the decoder. A controller programs the pulse duration at the encoder based on the data value, and restores the data value at the decoder based on the first pulse signal duration. A complementary pulse signal is simultaneously transmitted with the first pulse signal on a second data line. Since the serial data transmitted has a duration-encoded single-pulse format, EMI prevention is maximized, and transmission is therefore relatively noise-free. A simple data verification and error detection is also achieved by comparing the received first data signal and complementary data signal. An acknowledge signal can optionally be sent back to the transmitter if the restored data values are equal. In this manner, erroneous transmission of data resulting from outside noise can be avoided during serial communication.