Dual Wakeup Interrupt Controllers for Low Power State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processing circuitry in a reduced power state fails to respond to interrupts, as it is unable to receive indications of events that require attention.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising processing circuitry and two wakeup interrupt controllers with different interfaces, allowing the transfer of information defining wakeup events before entering a low power state, with the selected controller causing the circuitry to exit the low power state in response to these events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If processing circuitry enters a low power state, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to respond to interrupts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The interrupt control functionality is segmented into two separate controllers: a first wakeup interrupt controller that remains active during low power states to receive and evaluate interrupt requests, and a second wakeup interrupt controller that handles interrupts when the processing circuitry is fully operational. This segmentation allows the system to maintain interrupt response capability while in low power state without requiring the entire processing circuitry to remain active, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced power consumption and maintained interrupt responsiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single wakeup interrupt controller is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different power states and interrupt scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second wakeup interrupt controllers are designed with universal functionality to handle various types of interrupt requests and support multiple power states. The controllers can operate independently or in coordination, allowing the system to adapt to different power management scenarios and interrupt patterns. This multi-functionality provides the necessary adaptability without requiring overly complex control logic, as each controller follows a standardized design that can handle diverse interrupt scenarios.
3Speed
If processing circuitry remains fully operational, then interrupt response time is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first wakeup interrupt controller is configured to evaluate interrupt requests before the processing circuitry fully exits the low power state. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether an interrupt requires immediate attention and to begin preparation for wake-up operations in advance, reducing the effective interrupt response time without requiring the processing circuitry to remain fully operational during the low power state, thus maintaining fast response while minimizing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses comprising processing circuitry, a first wakeup interrupt controller connected to the processing circuitry via a first interface, and a second wakeup interrupt controller connected to the processing circuitry via a second interface, and methods of operating such apparatuses, are disclosed. Prior to the processing circuitry entering a low power state, information defining at least one wakeup event is transferred from the processing circuitry to a selected wakeup interrupt controller. Whilst the processing circuitry is in the low power state, the selected wakeup interrupt controller receives event indications. If one of these event indications is a defined wakeup event, then the processing circuitry is caused to exit the low power state.