Signalling protocol for signalling start of reset processing in serial ATA bus protocol

摘要

A method for transmitting a unique signal pattern on a serial bus to indicate the need for processing to re-establish synchronous communications on said bus, especially at power up, awaken from sleep or upon a fault such as loss of synchronization. The method comprises sending one or more silent intervals on a bus which normally requires transmission of data or fill characters at all times to maintain synchronization. The silent interval(s) have a predetermined duration and a predetermined sequence of durations if the durations of each interval are different and more than one interval is used. The predetermined pattern is known to all transceivers coupled to the bus. A long silent interval of a predetermined duration which is also known to all transceivers is sent at the end of the unique pattern to indicate the end of transmission thereof. A low power receiver monitors the bus at all times and listens for silent intervals and measures the durations thereof. This data is compared to stored data which defines the pattern of the unique signal, and reset processing is started when the pattern is recognized.