Control Circuit Link Inactivity During Power State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face instability issues when exiting a low-power state, leading to potential system failures, data transmission errors, and reduced link speeds due to increased crosstalk and decreased signal-to-noise ratios during the transition to a full-power state.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system with a control circuit that detects the transition from a low-power to a full-power state and keeps communication links inactive until stability is confirmed, using power and clock stability registers to ensure a specified event is detected before enabling link negotiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If communication links are enabled immediately upon exiting low-power state, then link negotiation can proceed without delay, but electrical instability and signal interference occur due to crosstalk during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by asserting a delay signal before enabling communication links to remain inactive. This delay signal is generated based on detection of the low-power state exit event, and it keeps the links inactive for a predetermined period to allow electrical stabilization. This preliminary delay prevents signal interference during the unstable transition period while still enabling subsequent link negotiation.
2Reliability
If delay modules are added to gate off internal logic during power transitions, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the delay functionality directly into the existing link control logic rather than adding separate delay modules. The link inactive assertion is controlled by a delay signal that is generated and managed within the existing control circuitry, allowing the same control structure to handle both the delay function and the link negotiation control, thereby avoiding additional complexity.
3Productivity
If link negotiation is attempted during the unstable period, then productivity is maintained, but data transmission errors and system failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively asserting the communication links to remain inactive before the unstable period ends. This preliminary action prevents link negotiation attempts during the vulnerable transition period when crosstalk and signal interference are present, thereby avoiding data transmission errors and system failures that would occur if negotiation were attempted immediately.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces instability and ensures stable operation by maintaining communication links inactive until both power and clock stability are verified, preventing adverse effects like data transmission errors and system failures during the transition.
Implementation Method 1
As currents rush through electrical traces on such devices, electromagnetic fields are generated around the traces. These fields may interfere with the operations of the devices
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include at least one processor, and an information handling resource communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. The information handling system may be configured to cause the information handling resource to enter a low-power state, and further configured to cause the information handling resource to enter a full-power state. The information handling system may also be configured to cause at least one communication link of the information handling resource to remain inactive until detection of a specified event.