Ethernet EEE Refresh Jitter and Frame Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the demand for higher data rates in Ethernet networks increases, conventional approaches lead to significant power consumption, posing a challenge for battery life in portable devices and introducing noise and interference during low power idle modes, which affects communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system and method for jitter and frame balance/rebalance in EEE refresh cycles involve generating new frames or modifying existing signals with desired frequency distributions and spectral densities, applying jitter, and using random or pseudo-random bit patterns to reduce noise and interference, enabling efficient low power idle mode operations while maintaining synchronization and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional approaches are used to achieve higher data rates in Ethernet networks, then data transmission performance is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements Low Power Idle (LPI) mode where the Ethernet link enters a low-power state during periods without data transmission, periodically refreshing synchronization information at reduced power levels. This allows the system to alternate between active high-speed transmission and passive low-power states, resolving the contradiction between maintaining data rate capability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operational parameters by transitioning the Ethernet link between different power states (active and LPI modes) based on traffic conditions. During LPI mode, the system adjusts timing parameters, refresh intervals, and synchronization frequencies to maintain functionality at reduced power levels, effectively managing the trade-off between performance and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If link partners enter low power idle mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but noise and interference during refresh cycles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful periodic refresh signals into beneficial synchronized refresh cycles. By carefully controlling the timing and distribution of refresh traffic, the system transforms what could be noisy periodic interruptions into structured, predictable synchronization events that maintain link integrity while minimizing interference. The refresh cycles are designed to balance power savings with necessary signal activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing link partners before entering LPI mode and establishing refresh schedules in advance. This preliminary synchronization ensures that when the link enters low-power state, both ends are aligned, reducing the need for corrective interference during refresh cycles and minimizing noise generation while maintaining reliable operation.
3Reliability
If periodic refresh frames are transmitted during LPI mode to maintain synchronization, then link reliability is improved, but periodic energy and noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements controlled periodic refresh cycles during LPI mode where synchronization information is exchanged at optimized intervals. Rather than continuous transmission, the system uses structured periodic refresh frames that maintain link reliability while minimizing the duration and frequency of active transmission periods, thereby reducing overall periodic energy consumption and noise interference compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Ethernet network link partners may be configured for operation in a low power mode. The link partners may generate new frames and/or signals and/or may modify characteristics of existing frames and/or signals to be communicated via one or more channels of an Ethernet link during the low power mode. The new and/or modified frames and/or signals may be utilized as refresh frames and/or signals to control communication during low power mode and/or to enable refresh and/or synchronization of the link partners. The new and/or modified frames and/or signals may be generated and/or modified based on a desired frequency distribution and/or spectral density. New and/or modified frames and/or signals may comprise jitter, random and/or pseudo random bit patterns and/or varied bit patterns and/or energy levels. Data packets and/or active idle symbols may be forced during low power mode to mitigate undesired periodic energy.