DC Path Sleep Wake Control for PHY Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Power over Data Lines (PoDL) systems, the Physical Layers (PHYs) must remain powered to receive wake-up signals during sleep mode, consuming power and being undesirable for low power consumption applications, as existing methods require the data path to enable and disable PHYs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where sleep and wake-up signals are transmitted solely through the DC path, allowing the PHYs to be disabled during sleep mode, using DC voltage signaling between a master and slave in a non-PoDL system, enabling power conservation by shutting down the data path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the data path is used to transmit sleep and wake-up signals, then the system can communicate effectively, but the PHYs must remain powered consuming additional energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the DC power path as an intermediary channel to transmit sleep and wake-up signals. Instead of relying on the data path (PHY) which requires power, the DC path serves as a mediator that can carry control signals without requiring the PHY to be active. This allows the system to maintain reliable communication for power management while keeping the PHY disabled during sleep mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC power path is given a dual function: it continues to provide power delivery while also serving as a communication channel for sleep and wake-up signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated signal paths, allowing the system to achieve reliable signal transmission without requiring additional powered components.
2Reliability
If the PHY remains powered during sleep mode to receive wake-up signals, then wake-up functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC path acts as an intermediary that delivers wake-up signals directly to the controller without requiring the PHY to be powered. This mediator approach allows wake-up functionality to be maintained while the PHY remains in a low-power state, eliminating the standby power loss that would otherwise occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up signal reception function is extracted from the PHY and relocated to the controller, which can be awakened through the DC path. This separation allows the PHY to be completely powered down during sleep mode while still maintaining wake-up capability through the alternative DC signaling path.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the DC path is used for signaling instead of the data path, then power consumption is reduced by disabling PHYs, but the signaling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The DC path is utilized for dual purposes: power delivery and signaling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signaling infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in complexity. The same existing DC infrastructure is repurposed to carry both power and control signals, minimizing additional hardware requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing DC power delivery infrastructure to provide signaling functionality without requiring additional dedicated signaling hardware. The DC path serves itself by carrying both power and control information, reducing the need for external or separate signaling mechanisms and thereby limiting complexity increases.
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
Enables PHYs to be disabled during sleep mode, conserving power by using only the DC path for signaling, allowing the system to wake up without the data path, particularly beneficial for battery-powered devices.
Implementation Method 1
DC power from Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) is transmitted over a single twisted wire pair to a Powered Device (PD)
Implementation Method 2
The same twisted wire pair also transmits/receives differential data signals, typically in accordance with the Ethernet protocols
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a master and a slave coupled via a wire pair for transmitting differential data. The master and slave are each powered by a local DC power supply. In a normal mode, a DC voltage and differential data are supplied over the same wire pair. The differential data is processed by a PHY AC-coupled to the wire pair. To enter a low power sleep mode, such as due to a temporary non-use of the system, the master interrupts the DC voltage on the wire pair, which signals to the slave to enter the sleep mode. The system is woken up by reapplying the DC voltage to the wire pair to signal to the slave to wake up. Only the DC path, and not the data path, is used for signaling the sleep mode and awake mode, so the data path can be disabled to conserve power.