Camera Sensor Clock Gating to Reduce Idle Power Leakage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power leakage occurs in extended reality (XR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) devices due to components being connected and running concurrently, even when not all sensors are utilized, leading to unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing individual clock control for each hardware component using dedicated clock sources and clock gating to reduce power leakage by activating only necessary components and clock-gating inactive ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If all sensors and hardware components are connected and running concurrently to ensure system readiness and responsiveness, then the device can quickly respond to any sensor data processing needs, but power leakage increases due to unnecessary power consumption from inactive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock control into individual components, with each sensor having its own dedicated clock source. This allows selective activation of only the necessary components based on actual usage needs, rather than keeping all components running concurrently. The clock gating mechanism enables fine-grained control over power delivery to individual sensors and hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic clock control where the clock source can be selectively enabled or disabled based on real-time sensor usage detection. The system transitions from a static all-on configuration to a dynamic configuration where components are activated only when needed, optimizing the balance between response speed and power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If individual clock control is implemented for each hardware component to reduce power leakage, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases due to multiple dedicated clock sources and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal clock control mechanism that serves multiple functions: it provides timing signals to active sensors, gates power to inactive sensors, and manages overall system power optimization. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the fine-grained control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clock gating mechanism as an intermediary between the power supply and individual sensor components. This intermediary layer enables selective activation without requiring direct complex control wiring to each sensor, simplifying the overall architecture while achieving fine-grained power management.
3Loss of energy
If clock gating is applied to inactive sensors to eliminate power leakage, then energy efficiency improves, but reliability may be affected due to potential issues with clock signal management and component activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors sensor usage status and adjusts clock gating accordingly. When a sensor becomes active, the feedback loop detects this change and restores the clock signal to maintain proper operation. This feedback control ensures that reliability is maintained while achieving energy efficiency through clock gating of inactive sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary clock gating actions before sensor inactivity is detected, proactively shutting down clock signals to prevent power leakage. The system anticipates potential reliability issues by maintaining proper clock synchronization infrastructure and can quickly reactivate components when needed, ensuring both energy efficiency and system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects presented herein relate to methods and devices for data processing including an apparatus, e.g., a CPU. The apparatus may obtain an indication of a set of sensors that are connected to at least one clock source at a device. The apparatus may also detect whether each of the set of sensors is an active sensor or an inactive sensor. Further, the apparatus may select a clock configuration for a set of hardware components at the device based on the detection of whether each of the set of sensors is the active sensor or the inactive sensor, where the clock configuration is associated with the at least one clock source. The apparatus may also output an indication of the selected clock configuration for the set of hardware components at the device.