Differential Signal Driver Switching to Cut Receiver Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential signal generators cause unnecessary power consumption in receivers when outputting dummy signals, as the receivers cannot determine signal logic during certain states, leading to wastage of power.
Innovation Solution
A differential signal generating device with a control circuit and differential signal driver that detects the source signal and generates control signals to output either differential or non-differential signals based on predefined states, reducing power consumption by outputting a non-differential signal during inactive states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a differential signal generator continuously outputs differential signals, then signal transmission is maintained, but power consumption increases unnecessarily during inactive states
Solution Approach 1:
The differential signal generator dynamically switches between differential signal output and dummy signal output based on the state of the source signal. When the source signal is in an active state, differential signals are output for reliable transmission. When the source signal is in an inactive state (such as during vertical or horizontal blanking intervals), the generator transitions to outputting dummy signals, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining signal transmission capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the output signal parameters based on the source signal state. During active states, the output is a full differential signal with proper voltage levels and transitions. During inactive states, the output transitions to dummy signals with altered parameters (such as maintaining constant voltage levels without transitions), which reduces the power consumption of the receiver while preserving the differential signal interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If differential signals are output during inactive states, then signal interface is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs at the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary signal transitions and voltage variations from the differential signal output during inactive states. By outputting dummy signals that maintain the differential interface structure but eliminate active signal content, the receiver is prevented from consuming power on processing meaningless signal changes, while the interface remains compatible and ready for active transmission when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A differential signal generating device includes a control circuit and a differential signal driver receiving a single-ended signal. The control circuit receives a source signal and generates a control signal corresponding to a first mode when the source signal conforms with a first pre-defined state, and corresponding to a second mode when the source signal conforms with a second pre-defined state. Variations of the source signal are related to signal content of the single-ended signal. The differential signal driver is coupled to the control unit for receiving the control signal therefrom. The differential signal driver outputs a differential signal output according to the single-ended signal when the control signal corresponds to the first mode. The differential signal driver outputs a non-differential signal output when the control signal corresponds to the second mode.