Hybrid Serial-Parallel Interface for Low-Power Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional serial interfaces, such as CDR-based interfaces, consume significant power due to the CDR circuit and reference oscillator, especially at high frequencies, and switching to low power modes results in unacceptable startup latency and power wastage.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid interface that dynamically switches between serial and parallel communication modes, sharing pins and eliminating the CDR component, thereby reducing power consumption and latency by utilizing a parallel interface with negligible startup latency and no reference oscillator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a CDR-based serial interface is used, then high-frequency data transmission is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically switches between serial mode (for high-frequency transmission) and parallel mode (for low-frequency transmission), adapting the communication protocol to the current data rate requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use the power-efficient parallel mode during low-speed operations while maintaining the capability for high-speed serial communication when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the CDR circuit and reference oscillator from the interface architecture. By eliminating these power-consuming components entirely and using a simplified parallel interface for low-speed communication, the system achieves significant power savings without requiring the complex clock recovery mechanisms needed in traditional serial interfaces.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the interface is switched off to reduce power consumption, then power savings are achieved, but startup latency becomes unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel interface is designed to be immediately available and operational without requiring preliminary initialization of complex clock recovery circuits. Since the parallel mode does not depend on CDR or reference oscillator startup, the system can transition to operational state instantly when needed, eliminating the startup latency problem.
3Use of energy by moving object
If low power mode is implemented by running circuitry at lower frequencies, then some power savings are achieved, but significant power reduction is not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between serial and parallel communication modes based on the required data transmission rate. For low-speed applications, the parallel mode provides sufficient bandwidth while consuming minimal power, and for high-speed requirements, the serial mode delivers the necessary throughput. This dynamic mode selection optimizes both power efficiency and transmission efficiency for different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a hybrid interface for serial and parallel communication. An embodiment of a method includes initializing a first apparatus for transmission of data to or reception of data from a second apparatus, switching an interface for the first apparatus to a first mode for a parallel interface, the parallel interface including a first plurality of pins, and transmitting or receiving parallel data in the first mode via the first plurality of pins. The method further includes switching the interface of the first apparatus to a second mode for a serial interface, the serial interface including a second plurality of pins, the first plurality of pins and the second plurality of pins both including an overlapping set of pins, and transmitting or receiving serial data in the second mode via the second plurality of pins.