Dual-Interface I/O Module Wake-Up for Low-Power Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
I/O modules consume energy when monitoring transmission lines during phases of no communication, leading to unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An I/O module with dual interfaces that transitions between power saving and communication modes based on signal availability, using a second interface to indicate data availability and enabling selective activation of the first interface for data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first interface continuously monitors transmission lines for data availability, then data communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the interface functionality into two separate interfaces: a first interface for data transmission and a second interface for signaling data availability. This segmentation allows the first interface to enter low-power mode while the second interface remains active to monitor for data availability signals, thus maintaining communication reliability while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the second interface to signal data availability in advance before actual data transmission occurs on the first interface. This preliminary action allows the receiving device to prepare for data reception only when necessary, avoiding continuous monitoring and reducing power consumption while ensuring reliable data communication.
2Speed
If the first interface remains in communication mode to receive data, then data exchange speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the first interface operates periodically - switching between communication mode and power saving mode based on data availability signals received via the second interface. This periodic activation maintains fast data exchange when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The first interface dynamically transitions between different operational states (communication mode and power saving mode) based on real-time data availability. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize the balance between data exchange speed and energy consumption by activating the high-speed interface only when data is available for transmission.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the first interface transitions to power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but data reception readiness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The second interface acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between power saving mode and data reception readiness. While the first interface is in power saving mode, the second interface remains active to receive data availability signals, ensuring that the system can quickly transition to data reception mode when needed without compromising reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An input/output module that comprises a first interface and a second interface. The I/O module sends first process data to a control module via the first interface and/or receives second process data from the control module via the first interface. The I/O module also sends a first signal indicating availability of the first process data to the control module via the second interface and/or receives a second signal indicating availability of the second process data from the control module via the second interface. The I/O module is further configured to cause the first interface to transition from a power saving mode, in which the first interface is not ready to receive data, to a communication mode, in which the first interface is ready to receive data, when the first interface is in the power saving mode and the second signal is received via the second interface.