Dual-Buffer FIFO Architecture for Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
First-In-First-Out (FIFO) buffers and low-power static random-access memory (SRAM) designs often consume excessive power due to unnecessary toggling of layers, as they are typically larger than required.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a dual-buffer system with a first buffer of lesser depth and a second buffer of greater depth, connected by multiplexers that manage data flow and clock signals to minimize power consumption by disabling unnecessary layers during data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large-depth FIFO buffer is used to handle data surges, then data processing reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary layer toggling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FIFO buffer into two separate buffers: a first buffer with smaller depth for normal operation and a second buffer with larger depth for handling data surges. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary buffer capacity during normal operation, reducing unnecessary layer toggling and power consumption, while maintaining the ability to handle data surges when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the first buffer and second buffer based on operational conditions. When the first buffer becomes full or data surges are detected, the system dynamically transitions to using the second buffer. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption by using the smaller first buffer during normal operation while having the larger second buffer available when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a dual-buffer system with multiplexers is implemented to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer in the patent serves multiple functions: it controls data flow between the first buffer and second buffer, manages clock signal distribution, and coordinates buffer switching based on operational conditions. By making the multiplexer multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate control components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving power efficiency improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first buffer, a second buffer, and a multiplexer. The first buffer receives and stores first data when the first buffer is not full, and performs a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) operation on the first data. The second buffer receives and stores second data when the first buffer is full, and performs the FIFO operation on the second data. The multiplexer is electrically connected between the first buffer and the second buffer. The multiplexer receives the first data from outside of the electronic device, or it receives the second data from the second buffer. A depth of the first buffer is less than that of the second buffer.