Idle Packet Power Management for Serial Link Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed serial links in communication and computer systems experience increased power consumption due to constant data transmission and reception, leading to higher die temperatures and power usage, and existing power management schemes introduce latency when transitioning between power states.
Innovation Solution
A physical interface layer transmits and receives a predetermined 'idle packet' with constant data when other layers do not require data transmission, allowing circuit portions to be clock gated or powered down, reducing power consumption by using Error Correcting Codes (ECC) and Cyclic Redundancy Codes (CRC) to identify idle packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the serial link interface continuously transmits and receives data to maintain high performance, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between active data transmission periods and idle sleep periods. The interface enters a low-power state during idle periods while maintaining the capability to quickly resume data transmission when needed, thus reducing overall power consumption while preserving transmission performance when active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the interface state changeable between active and sleep modes based on data transmission requirements. The interface dynamically adjusts its power consumption level by transitioning to a sleep state during idle periods and waking up when data transmission is required, optimizing the balance between performance and power usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the serial link enters sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then power usage is reduced, but latency increases due to wake-up time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining interface components in a partially active state during idle periods, keeping certain circuits ready or in a low-power standby mode rather than fully shutting down. This preliminary preparation allows the interface to wake up faster when data transmission is needed, reducing latency while still achieving power savings during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A predetermined network packet is utilized for power reduction in either or both of a transmitter and receiver when information is not needed. Upon detection of the predetermined network packet type, various portions of the transmitter and/or receiver may be clock gated or powered down.