Compressed-Burst GPU Frame Transmission for Display Power Saving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphics processing systems synchronize the frame transmission rate with the display panel update rate, limiting the potential for power conservation and efficient use of high-bandwidth interconnects.
Innovation Solution
Decouple the frame transmission rate from the display panel update rate by utilizing high-bandwidth interconnects and compression techniques like VESA DSC to transmit frames in compressed bursts, allowing for extended vertical blanking periods and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the frame transmission rate is synchronized with the display panel update rate, then the display refresh is maintained, but power conservation opportunities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic burst transmission of frame data followed by extended idle periods (vertical blanking intervals). Instead of continuous synchronized transmission, the GPU transmits compressed frame data in periodic bursts at higher rates, then enters low-power states during the extended intervals between transmissions, enabling power conservation while maintaining display refresh functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission rate parameter dynamically - using high transmission rates during active frame transmission periods and zero or minimal transmission rates during extended vertical blanking intervals. This parameter variation allows the system to achieve both high productivity during transmission and low power consumption during idle periods
2Productivity
If compression techniques like VESA DSC are used to transmit frames in compressed bursts, then transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compression techniques (VESA DSC) as an intermediary process between frame generation and transmission. The compression engine acts as a mediator that transforms raw frame data into compressed formats, enabling more efficient transmission through the interconnect while the display controller handles decompression, thus distributing the complexity across multiple components
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the GPU transmits frames at a higher rate than the display refresh rate, then power conservation is enabled during vertical blanking intervals, but synchronization with display updates must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compression of frame data before transmission, preparing the compressed data in advance during the vertical blanking interval. This preliminary action allows the GPU to transmit the complete compressed frame before the display needs to refresh, ensuring that the display receives complete frame data in time for synchronized updates while allowing the GPU to enter power-saving states afterward
Data Source
AI summary
A graphics processing unit (GPU) of a processing system transmits pixel data for a frame to a display in a compressed burst, so that the pixel data is communicated at a rate that is higher than the rate at which the display scans out the pixel data to refresh the frame at a display panel. By transmitting pixel data for the frame in a compressed burst, the GPU shortens the time spent transmitting the pixel data and extends the time before the next frame of pixel data is to be transmitted. During the extended time before the next frame of pixel data is to be transmitted, the GPU saves power by placing portions of the processing system in a reduced power mode.