Display Controller Power Management via Buffer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices with large display screens require large frame buffers, which are costly, power-consuming, and space-consuming, posing challenges for compact and efficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A display system comprising a display controller with a memory storage device and a control module that enters power-saving modes based on the filling and emptying states of the display buffer, reducing power consumption by adjusting power and clock signals accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a large frame buffer is used to support large display screens, then the display capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame buffer is divided into multiple segments or banks, allowing the display controller to activate only the necessary portions at any given time. This segmentation enables the system to support large display screens while consuming less power by keeping parts of the frame buffer in low-power states when not currently being read or written.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame buffer operates in dynamic power modes, transitioning between active and low-power states based on current display requirements. The display controller dynamically adjusts the power state of frame buffer segments, activating them only when data transfer is needed and placing them in low-power mode during idle periods, thus supporting large screens without continuous high power consumption.
2Area of moving object
If a large frame buffer is used to support large display screens, then the display capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame buffer is divided into multiple segments or banks, allowing the display controller to activate only the necessary portions at any given time. This segmentation enables the system to support large display screens while consuming less power by keeping parts of the frame buffer in low-power states when not currently being read or written.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple frame buffer segments are organized in a nested or hierarchical structure, where smaller active portions are embedded within the larger overall buffer capacity. This allows the system to provide large display support while maintaining a compact physical footprint by only fully activating the necessary buffer segments.
3Area of moving object
If a large frame buffer is used to support large display screens, then the display capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame buffer is divided into multiple segments or banks, allowing the display controller to activate only the necessary portions at any given time. This segmentation enables the system to support large display screens while consuming less power by keeping parts of the frame buffer in low-power states when not currently being read or written.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame buffer operates in dynamic power modes, transitioning between active and low-power states based on current display requirements. The display controller dynamically adjusts the power state of frame buffer segments, activating them only when data transfer is needed and placing them in low-power mode during idle periods, thus supporting large screens without continuous high power consumption.
4Reliability
If the display controller continuously refreshes the display screen, then the display functionality is maintained, but the power consumption increases during idle states
Solution Approach 1:
The display controller implements periodic refresh cycles with variable duty cycles, allowing it to maintain display functionality while reducing power consumption during extended idle periods. The controller can extend the refresh interval or enter low-power modes between refresh cycles when the display content remains unchanged, thus maintaining reliability while reducing average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame buffer operates in dynamic power modes, transitioning between active and low-power states based on current display requirements. The display controller dynamically adjusts the power state of frame buffer segments, activating them only when data transfer is needed and placing them in low-power mode during idle periods, thus supporting large screens without continuous high power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for power management of a display system. A display controller couples to a memory storage device. A frame buffer in the memory storage device is filled with frames of information for display on a display device. The frames of information transfer to a display buffer in the display controller. The display controller transmits the frames of information from the display buffer to the display device. When frame information is not being transferred to the display controller, the display controller and the memory storage device may separately enter a power saving state. In power saving state, the display controller may continue to transmit frame information to the display device; however, power and a clock signal to components of display controller may be limited. When the display buffer is almost empty, the display controller exits power saving state to fill the display buffer.