Hybrid Serial Parallel Interface Reduces Power Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CDR-based serial interfaces consume significant power due to the CDR circuit and reference oscillator, especially at lower frequencies, leading to unacceptable startup latency and power wastage, while low power modes do not result in substantial power savings.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid interface that dynamically switches between serial and parallel communication modes, sharing pins and eliminating the CDR component, reduces power consumption by utilizing a parallel interface with negligible startup latency and no reference oscillator, thereby reducing communication latency and bandwidth overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a CDR-based serial interface is used, then data communication capability is provided, but power consumption is significant and startup latency is unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically switches between parallel and serial modes based on operational requirements. During initialization and low-speed operations, it operates in parallel mode to avoid CDR startup latency and reduce power consumption. When high-speed serial communication is needed, it transitions to serial mode, thus adaptively optimizing both power usage and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface is segmented into two distinct modes: parallel mode for initialization and low-speed operations, and serial mode for high-speed data transfer. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, with parallel mode providing immediate responsiveness and serial mode delivering high-performance communication when required.
2Speed
If CDR and reference oscillator components are used for serial interface, then high frequency communication is enabled, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on frequency requirements. For low-speed communications, it operates in parallel mode without CDR or reference oscillator, minimizing power consumption. When high-frequency serial communication is required, it activates these components only during the necessary serial mode operation, thus optimizing the trade-off between speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface changes its operational parameters by switching between parallel and serial modes. In parallel mode, it operates at lower frequencies with simplified circuitry. When high-frequency communication is needed, it transitions to serial mode with appropriate parameter adjustments, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics to match the communication requirements.
3Loss of time
If parallel interface is used, then startup latency is negligible and power consumption is reduced, but communication speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is segmented into phases: initialization phase using parallel mode for rapid setup with negligible latency, and data transfer phase using serial mode for high-speed communication. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the strengths of each interface type at the appropriate stage of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary initialization and configuration operations in parallel mode, where startup latency is negligible. This preliminary action prepares the system for subsequent high-speed serial data transfer, ensuring that the more power-intensive and higher-speed serial mode is only activated when necessary for the actual data payload transmission.
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.