Data Speed Switching Scheme for Wired Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high-speed serial data interfaces face inefficiencies in switching between different data transmission modes, particularly in transitioning between high-speed and low-power modes, which hampers fast mode changes and efficient power savings during data transmission bursts.

Innovation Solution

A new data speed switching scheme that employs a non-return-to-zero coding scheme for high-speed serial data transmission and a return-to-zero coding scheme for transmission mode change signals, allowing the receiver to switch between various data transmission modes, including low-power and high-speed modes, by using a transmission mode change signal that is only sent when speed changes are necessary, and is decoded by both optical and electrical transceivers to adjust settings accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional switching schemes are used between power modes, then power saving between data transmission bursts is achieved, but the switching time is too long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter sends a mode change indication signal before actually switching to low-power mode, allowing the receiver to prepare and switch modes in advance. This preliminary notification enables both devices to coordinate their mode transitions, reducing the overall switching time while maintaining power savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses bidirectional communication where the transmitter indicates mode changes and the receiver acknowledges and responds. This feedback mechanism ensures both devices are synchronized during mode transitions, enabling fast switching between high-speed and low-power modes without data loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If fast mode transitions are implemented, then switching time is reduced, but the complexity of the switching scheme increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching timeVSAvoidswitching scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mode switching process is divided into distinct phases: the transmitter sends a mode change indication, the receiver processes this indication and switches modes, then acknowledges the change. This segmentation of the switching process into manageable steps reduces overall complexity while achieving fast transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated mode change indication signal acts as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver during mode transitions. This separate control channel simplifies the switching logic by providing clear, explicit instructions for mode changes rather than requiring complex interpretation of data streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the receiver is powered down for power saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but data transmission capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver dynamically switches between powered-down and active states based on the mode change indication signals from the transmitter. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption by powering down during low-activity periods while maintaining the ability to quickly resume data transmission when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter provides preliminary notice of upcoming low-power modes through mode change indication signals, allowing the receiver to power down in advance. This advance notification ensures the receiver can enter power-saving mode without missing data, maintaining transmission capability when needed while saving power during appropriate intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2186242B1Changing hardware settings based on data preamble
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2186242B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2186242B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2186242B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for a new data speed switching scheme for a wired data interface. The method features receiving high-speed serial data over a physical link using a first coding scheme in a receiver; receiving a transmission mode change signal transmitted with sequential information about a change in a data transmission mode of the receiver using a second coding scheme and switching the data transmission mode of the receiver in response thereto. The data transmission modes may include at least one low-power mode where no data transmission is possible and the receiver is powered down. The at least one low-power mode may include two different power down states, each having different wake-up times. The data transmission modes may also include at least one high speed mode where data transmission is possible and the receiver is on. The at least one high speed mode may include several high speed modes, each having different data transmission rates.