Communication Apparatus Clock Supply Control for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses do not effectively reduce power consumption in power saving mode, as they continue to supply clock signals to functional blocks even when not in use, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that allows the communication circuit to operate in multiple modes, including a power saving mode where the clock signal is stopped, and resumes only when a predetermined signal is received, thereby reducing power consumption by minimizing clock signal supply to unnecessary function blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the communication circuit operates in power saving mode with continuous clock signal supply, then the communication circuit can quickly resume normal operation, but power consumption is not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by stopping the clock signal during power saving mode and only resuming it when a predetermined signal is received. This allows the system to alternate between clock-stop states (power saving) and clock-running states (operation ready), achieving both low power consumption and quick resume capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the ability to quickly resume clock signal supply when a predetermined signal is detected, even though the clock is stopped during power saving mode. This preparation ensures that the communication circuit can immediately respond to incoming signals without prolonged delay.
2Reliability
If the clock signal is continuously supplied to the communication circuit, then the communication circuit maintains full operational readiness, but unnecessary energy is consumed during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by stopping the clock signal during idle power saving periods and only activating it when communication is needed. This periodic on-off clock supply reduces energy loss while maintaining operational readiness through quick resume capability upon receiving predetermined signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the clock signal supply from continuous operation and separates it into conditional supply based on operational needs. By taking out the clock signal during power saving mode and only supplying it when predetermined signals indicate communication is required, the system eliminates unnecessary energy consumption while preserving essential functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a communication circuit, a clock supply circuit, a CPU and a memory storing a program which, when executed by the CPU, causes the communication apparatus to function as a control unit which causes the communication circuit to operate in one of a first mode in which the communication circuit performs a normal communication with the external apparatus and a second mode in which the communication circuit operates with lower power consumption than in the first mode. In the second mode, the control unit controls the clock supply circuit so as not to supply the clock signal to the communication circuit. While the communication circuit is operating in the second mode and the clock signal is not being supplied to the communication circuit, the control unit controls the clock supply circuit to start supply of the clock signal to the communication circuit in response to a predetermined signal.