Burst Refresh Controller for Self-Refreshing Display Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating a self-refreshing display device introduces significant latency and energy consumption due to the time required to 'wake-up' the graphics controller and associated communications channels, especially when frequently entering and exiting self-refresh mode.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a burst refresh method where the display device enters self-refresh mode, configures an interface with a data transmission rate greater than the refresh rate, and stores pixel data in local memory, allowing the graphics processing unit to enter a power-saving state and exit before transmitting new pixel data, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the display device enters self-refresh mode to reduce power consumption, then energy savings are achieved, but significant latency is introduced when updating the display due to the time required to wake up the graphics controller and communications channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by keeping the graphics controller and communications channels in a partially active or quickly-wakeable state rather than fully powering them down during self-refresh mode. This allows the system to maintain low power consumption while avoiding the significant wake-up latency that would otherwise occur when updating the display, as the controller and channels are already prepared for rapid activation.
2Ease of operation
If the graphics controller is frequently woken up to update the display, then image updates can be performed, but unnecessary energy is consumed during initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing a scheduled refresh mechanism where the graphics controller and communications channels are activated at predetermined intervals rather than being frequently woken up on demand. This periodic activation pattern reduces unnecessary energy consumption during initialization while still maintaining the ability to perform image updates at appropriate refresh rates, balancing operational capability with energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If the data transmission rate is increased beyond the refresh rate to enable burst refresh, then power consumption is reduced, but the interface configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the data transmission rate adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The interface is configured to dynamically change its transmission rate based on operational needs - operating at higher rates during burst refresh operations to reduce power consumption, and adjusting to match the refresh rate during normal operation. This dynamic configuration reduces the need for complex permanent interface designs while achieving energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing display image refresh in bursts to a display device. A buffered refresh controller includes capabilities to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer at a first rate. The graphics controller may optimally be configured to burst a new frame of pixel data to the buffered refresh controller at a second rate to replace the previous frame of pixel data in the local frame buffer. The second rate is different than the first rate. Additionally, the graphics controller may send frames only when they contain new pixel data. By enabling the graphics controller to selectively transmit the new frame of pixel data at the second rate, higher than the first rate, the graphics controller may be placed in a power-saving state during at least a portion of each frame update.