Intermittent Decoder Power Control for Mobile AV Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data processors designed for intermittent operation are ineffective in reducing power consumption for continuous AV reproduction and playback of compressed data, such as audio and video, due to increased leak currents and power consumption associated with high clock frequencies and heavy wiring loads in advanced semiconductor systems.
Innovation Solution
A data processor architecture that includes a first data storage for compressed data, a decoder for real-time decoding, a second data storage for decoded data, a DA converter for analog signal conversion, and controllers for managing intermittent operation and power supply to reduce upstream power consumption by executing processes faster than real-time and controlling clock and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the decoder operates continuously to decode compressed data in real-time, then the AV reproduction can be viewed and listened continuously, but the power consumption increases due to increased clock frequency and heavy wiring loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing into three distinct storage components: first data storage for compressed data, second data storage for decoded data, and third data storage for audio data. This segmentation enables the system to decode data in batches rather than continuously, allowing intermittent operation of the decoder while maintaining continuous AV reproduction capability through the coordinated operation of multiple storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary decoding of compressed data into decoded data and stores it in the second data storage before actual playback is needed. This preliminary action allows the decoder to operate in advance, decode multiple frames of data, and then enter an intermittent state where the DA converter continues playing back previously decoded audio data without requiring continuous decoder operation, thereby reducing power consumption during playback.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the decoder performs intermittent operation to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption decreases, but the AV reproduction cannot be viewed and listened in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DA converter as an intermediary component between the decoder and the audio output. The DA converter acts as a buffer that can operate independently of the decoder's intermittent operation. It receives decoded audio data from the second data storage and continuously converts it to analog signals for playback, ensuring real-time audio reproduction even when the decoder is in an intermittent, low-power state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of different components based on the playback state. During intermittent operation, the decoder operates at reduced clock frequency or in batch mode to minimize power consumption, while the DA converter maintains continuous operation at full speed to ensure real-time audio output. This parameter differentiation allows the system to achieve both low power consumption and real-time reproduction capability.
3Productivity
If the clock frequency is increased to enhance throughput, then the decoding speed improves, but the leak currents increase resulting in higher offset current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating the decoder in intermittent cycles rather than continuously at high clock frequency. The decoder operates in batches to decode multiple frames of compressed data, then enters a low-power idle state. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to achieve necessary throughput during active decoding periods while minimizing the time spent at high clock frequencies, thereby reducing cumulative leak currents and offset current consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processor comprises a decoder for decoding the compressed data into decoded data while reading the compressed data from a first data storage, a second data storage for storing therein the decoded data, a DA converter for converting the decoded data into an analog signal while reading the decoded data in real-time, a first controller for controlling the decoder to perform intermittent operation by executing a process between reading the compressed data and storing the decoded data at a speed faster than real-time, a clock/power controller for making a restriction of power consumption of the decoder and the first controller in downtime of the intermittent operation, a second controller for outputting a control signal in accordance with the storage state of the decoded data, and an activation controller for controlling the clock/power controller to lift the restriction in response to reception of the control signal.