Dynamic Clock Frequency Control for Network Switching Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network switching devices face increased power consumption with enhanced performance, making it challenging to balance power savings and performance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A network switching device with a mode management system that allows independent operation mode switching between different power consumption levels for interface and switching blocks, and a clock signal frequency adjustment mechanism to optimize power usage based on performance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the level of integration and operating clock frequency of semiconductor integrated circuits are increased to increase packet processing capability, then the performance of the network switching device is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching between normal mode and low-power mode based on traffic conditions. The device transitions from static high-performance operation to dynamic adaptive operation, adjusting clock frequency and processing capability according to actual network demands, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high performance and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (clock frequency, processing speed) of the semiconductor integrated circuits dynamically. By adjusting these parameters between high and low states depending on traffic load, the system achieves both high performance when needed and low power consumption during low-demand periods, resolving the performance-power consumption trade-off.
2Use of energy by moving object
If semiconductor integrated circuits are designed with reduced performance or functionality to achieve low-power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the performance requirement cannot be fulfilled
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing circuits with fixed reduced performance for power saving, the patent implements dynamic operation modes that can switch between high-performance and power-saving states based on actual traffic conditions, ensuring performance requirements are met when needed while achieving power savings during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network switching device into functionally independent interface blocks and switching blocks, each capable of independent operation mode switching. This segmentation allows selective power management where only active blocks consume full power, while inactive blocks operate in low-power mode, resolving the contradiction between overall power consumption and required performance capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operation mode of interface blocks and switching blocks is changed independently, then flexible control of power consumption is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into independent interface blocks and switching blocks, each with its own mode management capability. This segmentation enables independent operation mode switching for each block, providing flexible power control while distributing the management complexity across modular units rather than requiring centralized complex coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A network switching device includes packet switching means and clock signal providing means. The packet switching means receive packets sent from any of the plurality of lines, determines forwarding destinations for the received packets, and forwards the received packets. The packet switching means operates synchronized with a provided clock signal. The clock signal providing means provides the clock signal to the packet switching means. The clock signal providing means is capable of switching a frequency of at least a portion of the clock signal for being provided to the packet switching means to multiple different values.