Communication Apparatus Power Saving Mode DMA Data Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication circuit chips face limitations in power saving modes due to continued power supply to memory circuits, leading to significant power consumption and performance limitations, as they cannot instantly execute instructions when exiting the power saving mode without prior data retention.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a power saving mode that powers down memory circuit units during low power consumption and uses a DMA module to backup and restore data from an external device's memory when entering and exiting the power saving mode, reducing unnecessary power usage by only powering up necessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is provided to memory circuit units during power saving mode, then data can be retained for instant execution, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the memory circuit unit from the powered state during power saving mode, disconnecting it from the power supply while maintaining external memory connectivity. This allows the system to retain data externally without consuming power internally, resolving the contradiction between data retention and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the microcontroller temporarily stores data in external memory during power saving mode, and a data restoration process transfers this data back to internal memory upon wake-up. This intermediary approach allows data persistence without requiring continuous internal memory power supply.
2Use of energy by moving object
If memory circuit units are powered down completely, then power consumption is reduced, but instruction execution capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the DMA module automatically restore data from external memory to internal memory upon wake-up from power saving mode. This pre-restoration ensures that when the microcontroller needs to execute instructions, the necessary data is already in place, eliminating delays and maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that data availability is preserved across power state transitions. Through automatic data restoration via DMA, the system ensures seamless transition from power saving mode to operational mode without interruption to instruction execution flow.
3Productivity
If data is restored quickly from external memory, then productivity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the DMA module to automatically handle data restoration without requiring microcontroller intervention. The system self-manages the data transfer process upon wake-up, reducing the burden on the main processor and simplifying the overall control logic despite the added complexity of external memory integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus having power saving mode includes memory circuit unit and DMA module. The memory circuit unit is used for storing instruction and data information to be executed by microcontroller (or control circuit) of communication apparatus, and the DMA module is used to backup the instruction and data information and store such information into a memory of an electronic device when the communication apparatus receives a broadcast synchronization signal periodically sent from another communication device. During the power saving mode, the memory circuit unit is powered down. When leaving the power saving mode, the memory circuit unit is powered on, and the DMA module retrieves the instruction and data information from the memory of the electronic device and write such information into the memory circuit unit.