Communication Interface Power Management for Low-Speed Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power management designs for communication interfaces are inefficient in reducing power consumption and data transmission efficiency, especially with low-speed devices, as they enter power-saving mode only during command gaps and require time to wake up, leading to delayed command processing and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A power management method that dynamically controls the communication interface to enter or leave power-saving mode based on predetermined criteria, such as immediate command processing feasibility, allowing for power-saving during command processing and efficient wake-up times to enhance data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the communication interface enters power-saving mode during command gaps between successive commands, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission efficiency is degraded due to wake-up time delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary actions by pre-processing commands and data before entering power-saving mode. The command queue is prepared in advance, and the communication interface maintains a buffer of ready-to-transmit data, allowing immediate resumption of operation without full wake-up sequence when power-saving mode is exited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power management system dynamically adjusts the power-saving mode entry/exit timing based on real-time command processing status and device readiness. The communication interface transitions between power-saving and active states flexibly, optimizing the balance between power consumption and transmission efficiency based on actual operational conditions rather than fixed schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the communication interface enters power-saving mode after the previous command finishes, then power consumption is reduced, but command processing is delayed due to wake-up time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommand processing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Commands are pre-processed and queued in advance before power-saving mode is entered. The device maintains a command buffer and prepares subsequent commands for immediate execution, eliminating the need to wait for full wake-up completion before processing begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining a buffer of pre-prepared commands and data in the communication interface before entering power-saving mode. This buffer acts as a cushion that allows immediate operation resumption without experiencing the full impact of wake-up time delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the communication interface waits for the end of the current command before entering power-saving mode, then command processing is not interrupted, but power consumption cannot be saved during command execution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand processing continuityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The command processing is segmented into distinct phases: command reception, command execution, and power-saving mode transition. This segmentation allows the system to enter power-saving mode during the transition phase or after command completion without interrupting the main command processing flow, thereby saving power while maintaining processing continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power management system dynamically determines the optimal timing for entering power-saving mode based on the current command processing state. The system can flexibly transition to power-saving mode after command completion or during idle periods, optimizing the balance between power consumption and processing continuity based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8707071B2Power management method for controlling communication interface to enter/leave power-saving mode and related device thereof

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

One power management method of a communication interface includes: when receiving a command transmitted via the communication interface, checking if a predetermined criterion is met; and when the predetermined criterion is met, controlling the communication interface to enter a power-saving mode before an end of the received command. Another power management method of a communication interface includes: when the communication interface is operated under a power-saving mode, checking if a predetermined criterion of an executed command is met; and when the predetermined criterion is met, controlling the communication interface to leave the power-saving mode.