EEE Link Wakeup Timing for Time-Sensitive Ethernet Traffic

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The variable delay caused by Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) in transitioning communication links affects the synchronization and timing of time-sensitive communications in automotive and industrial networks, compromising the precision of clock synchronization and camera control commands.

Innovation Solution

A communication device is configured to transition the communication link from a low power mode to a normal mode prior to a scheduled time-sensitive communication, using a preemptive wakeup mechanism to ensure the link is ready when needed, thereby avoiding variable delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) low power mode is used, then power consumption is reduced, but variable delay is introduced in transitioning to normal mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvariable delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter performs preliminary actions by sending alert signals during alert windows before the actual data transmission. This allows the receiver to wake up in advance and prepare for incoming time-sensitive packets, reducing the variable delay associated with EEE mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the timing requirements of packets. For time-sensitive communications, the system transitions from static low-power mode to dynamic mode switching using alert windows and wake signals, allowing flexible adaptation to different timing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If EEE quiet-refresh cycle is used, then power consumption is reduced during quiet time periods, but synchronization precision is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsynchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic alert windows within the quiet-refresh cycle to maintain synchronization capability. During these periodic intervals, the receiver is awake to receive alert signals and wake signals, ensuring that time-sensitive packets can be transmitted with predictable timing while still benefiting from power savings during non-alert periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of time

If receiver stays awake to receive time-sensitive packets, then timing precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming precisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter sends alert signals as preliminary actions during alert windows to notify the receiver of upcoming time-sensitive packets. This allows the receiver to remain in low-power mode during most quiet time periods while only waking up when necessary, achieving both power savings and timing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12538233B1Wakeup mechanism for energy efficient ethernet (EEE) with time-sensitive communications

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD

AI summary

A communication device determines that a communication link will be used for a time-sensitive communication at a future time. In response to determining that the communication link will be used for the time-sensitive communication at the future time, the communication device transitions the communication link from a low power mode to a normal mode prior to the future time so that the communication link is in the normal mode when the future time occurs. The normal mode is for communicating packets via the communication link, and the low power mode reduces power consumption of the communication device as compared to the normal mode.