Analog Neuron Power Control via Input Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog-neuron apparatuses operate continuously, leading to wasteful power consumption, and systems controlled by digital clocks do not effectively manage power usage in response to input signals.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for an analog-neuron with a synapse circuit that performs arithmetic processing on input signals, incorporating a power control unit to detect the arrival or loss of input signals and control power supply accordingly, including an input signal detection mechanism and power control means to stop or resume power to the synapse circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the analog-neuron apparatus operates continuously, then the neuron circuit can process input signals immediately, but power is consumed wastefully
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the power supply to the synapse circuit based on the arrival of input signals. The power control unit supplies power only when an input signal arrives and stops power supply when no signal arrives, transforming the continuous operation into periodic operation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fast signal processing only when needed while eliminating wasteful continuous power consumption.
2Productivity
If power is supplied continuously to the synapse circuit, then arithmetic processing can be performed without delay, but energy is consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by linking power supply to the synapse circuit with the arrival of input signals. The power control unit monitors signal arrival and periodically activates power supply only when processing is needed, maintaining high productivity during active periods while eliminating energy loss during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through the power control unit that automatically adjusts power supply based on input signal arrival detection. The synapse circuit serves itself by being activated only when its processing capability is needed, eliminating the need for external continuous power supply and reducing wasteful energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the neuron activation is controlled by digital clock, then power consumption is reduced in standby state, but it cannot respond effectively to input signal arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the power control unit that detects input signal arrival and adjusts power supply accordingly. The system monitors the actual presence of input signals and uses this feedback information to control power supply, enabling effective response to signal arrival while maintaining low power consumption when no signals are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control unit enables the neuron circuit to serve itself by automatically activating power supply in response to input signal arrival without external control. This self-service mechanism allows the system to adapt dynamically to signal conditions while maintaining energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction between power saving and signal responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of analog-neuron includes a synapse circuit for performing arithmetic processing for multiplying an input signal that arrives at an input terminal by a weight value, a synapse output holding means for holding an output signal of the synapse circuit, and a power control unit for controlling whether to supply power at least to the synapse circuit or to stop supplying power in response to whether the input signal has arrived at the input terminal or has been lost.