Data-Carrying Alert Signals for Asymmetric Vehicle Sensor Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technologies consume high peak power due to active receiver components monitoring for alert signals during low-power idle mode, especially in high-speed data applications, and result in frequent data overhead from frequent transitions between low-power and normal modes, which is inefficient for asymmetric data links with varying data throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing data transmission using data-carrying alert signals that modulate alert signals to carry data, allowing for asymmetric data communication with a power-efficient echo canceller, reducing the complexity and power consumption of echo cancellation, and enabling devices to operate in low power mode while receiving data-carrying alert signals without the need for equalization or echo canceller training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If receiver components remain active to monitor alert signals during low-power idle mode, then data transmission can be detected, but peak power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alert signal monitoring function from the main data reception path by using a separate, simplified alert signal detector that operates independently from the main receiver components. This allows the main receiver to remain in low-power mode while a minimal-power circuit monitors for wake-up alerts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alert signal as a separate communication channel that mediates between the low-power idle state and full data transmission mode. The alert signal serves as an intermediate step that triggers the transition from low-power to full-power operation only when necessary.
2Loss of energy
If devices frequently transition between low-power and normal modes, then power savings are achieved during idle periods, but data overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alert signal transmission with the existing data communication infrastructure, allowing alert signals to be carried on the same physical medium as data signals. This consolidation reduces the need for separate signaling channels and minimizes overhead associated with mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alert signal transmission at standardized intervals (e.g., every 1000 symbols) rather than continuous transmission. This periodic approach reduces the total number of alert signals that need to be processed and transmitted, thereby reducing overhead while maintaining reliable wake-up detection.
3Device complexity
If symmetric data link is used, then communication standards are simplified, but power consumption increases for asymmetric traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry into the communication system by implementing directional alert signal monitoring where only the receiving end needs to monitor for wake-up alerts while the transmitting end can remain in low-power mode. This asymmetric approach optimizes power consumption for asymmetric traffic patterns while maintaining compatibility with standardized communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide for data transmission using alert signals to carry data, which can be used in such applications as data network communications between sensors (e.g., cameras, motion, radar, etc.) and computing equipment within vehicles (e.g., smart and autonomous cars).