DSP Functionality Adjustment for Automotive Network Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern automobiles, electronic control units (ECUs) face challenges in energy consumption and heat generation due to the complexity of digital signal processing in communication networks, particularly in asymmetrical duplex communications where higher and lower data rate channels require different processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the reduced functionality level of a digital signal processor (DSP) in one network node and communicate this to another node via protocol data units (PDUs), allowing the DSP to operate at a lower functionality level by disabling certain processing blocks, thereby conserving resources and reducing power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DSP operates at full functionality level to handle asymmetrical duplex communications, then data communication capability is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality adjustment of the DSP by enabling it to operate at different functionality levels (full or reduced) based on the communication mode. The system dynamically switches between asymmetrical and symmetrical operation modes, adjusting DSP processing capabilities in real-time to match actual communication requirements, thereby reducing power consumption when full functionality is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the DSP by introducing a functionality level parameter that can take different values (full functionality or reduced functionality). This parameter change allows the same hardware to adapt to different communication scenarios, enabling energy-efficient operation in symmetrical mode while maintaining full capability when required.
2Productivity
If DSP operates at full functionality level, then processing capability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts DSP processing capability based on communication mode requirements. In symmetrical duplex mode, the DSP operates at reduced functionality level with lower processing demand and consequently lower heat generation. In asymmetrical mode, full processing capability is restored when needed, optimizing the balance between productivity and thermal management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different PHY chips are used for different bandwidth requirements, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PHY chip universal by enabling it to handle both asymmetrical and symmetrical duplex communications using the same hardware platform. The single PHY chip design incorporates configurable DSP functionality that can be adjusted to meet different communication requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized chips and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
4Use of energy by moving object
If DSP functionality is reduced, then power consumption decreases, but communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves this contradiction through dynamic functionality adjustment. The DSP operates at reduced functionality level during symmetrical communication to save power, but can be dynamically upgraded to full functionality when asymmetrical communication is detected or required. This dynamic adaptation ensures that communication capability is never permanently limited, while power consumption is optimized during stable symmetrical operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method and a device are disclosed. A method for performing operations in a communications network is disclosed. The method involves, determining, at a first network node in a communications network, that a DSP of a receiver of a network node in the communications network can operate at a reduced functionality level, and communicating the determination from the first network node to a second network node in the communications network in a protocol data unit (PDU), wherein the DSP of a receiver of a network node that can operate at a reduced functionality level is a DSP of a receiver of one of the first network node and the second network node.