Inter-Processor Communication Channel Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with systems-on-a-chip (SOCs) and radio capabilities face increasing power consumption issues, which are detrimental for mobile devices as they reduce battery life, especially when equipped with features like Bluetooth and WiFi.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an inter-processor communication channel with power-down functionality, including a first integrated circuit in a low power state, a separate inter-processor communication channel, and a power management unit that uses sideband signals to selectively power up the first IC, allowing for dynamic clock scaling and reduced processing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first IC monitors the communication interface continuously, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management unit generates advisory signals in advance to notify the first IC when power-down is possible, allowing the first IC to enter low-power state proactively before communication is needed, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining communication reliability through timely wake-up
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface transmits feedback signals indicating communication status and power conditions to the power management unit, which then generates appropriate advisory signals to control the power state of the first IC, creating a closed-loop system that balances reliability and power consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the first IC enters low power state, then power consumption is reduced, but communication responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power management unit acts as an intermediary between the communication interface and the first IC, receiving communication status from the interface and generating advisory signals to the first IC, enabling coordinated power management that maintains responsiveness while reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating advisory signals before the first IC needs to wake up for communication, allowing the IC to enter low-power state confidently without compromising responsiveness, as the advisory mechanism ensures timely activation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate IPC channel is used instead of the communication interface, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two separate channels: the communication interface for data transmission and the IPC channel for power management signaling. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each channel, enabling flexible power management while maintaining clear functional separation that manages complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power management functionality is extracted from the main communication interface and implemented through a separate IPC channel with dedicated advisory signals. This extraction allows the communication interface to focus on data transmission while the IPC channel handles power control, improving flexibility without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for implementing an inter-processor communication channel including power-down functionality. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC coupled to the first IC via a communication interface, wherein the first IC is in one or more low power states and unable to monitor the communication interface. The apparatus may further comprise an inter-processor communication (IPC) channel coupled between the first and second ICs, wherein the IPC channel is separate from the communication interface and wherein the second IC generates at least one advisory signal to the first IC via the IPC channel.