Communication Link Power Management via Periodic Sideband Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face challenges in power management, particularly in battery-powered mobile applications where power consumption and thermal issues are critical, leading to increased fan noise and reduced system reliability, and there is a need for flexible power management techniques to optimize power savings and thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and integrated circuit that periodically enter a training phase to transmit training patterns over a communication link and then return to a power savings mode, using sideband signals to indicate when to enter and exit this phase, with programmable intervals and durations to optimize power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication link remains continuously active to maintain phase recovery and clock lock states, then system reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic training phases where the communication link alternates between active training mode and power savings mode. During training phases, training patterns are transmitted to maintain phase recovery and clock lock states, then the link returns to power savings mode. This periodic activation ensures reliability is maintained through regular training while significantly reducing power consumption during the power savings intervals.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the communication link enters power savings mode to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but latency in resuming normal operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary training actions during periodic training phases before the link needs to resume full operation. By transmitting training patterns and maintaining phase recovery states during these periodic training phases, the system prepares the communication link in advance, so when the link needs to resume from power savings mode, the training is already complete or near-complete, minimizing the latency for resuming normal operations.
3Reliability
If training patterns are transmitted for longer duration to ensure proper phase recovery, then reliability is improved, but the time spent out of power savings mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a training phase duration that is sufficient to achieve reliable phase recovery and clock lock states, but not excessively long. The training patterns are transmitted for a predetermined length of time that balances reliability requirements with power savings objectives. This partial action approach ensures adequate training for reliable operation while limiting the time spent out of power savings mode to minimize power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes a first and a second integrated circuit coupled by a communication link. The communication link operates in a power savings mode in which data is not transmitted over the link. Periodically, the communication link enters a training phase in which training patterns are transmitted over the communication link for a predetermined time period. The communication link returns to the power savings mode after the predetermined time period has elapsed. At least one sideband signal, separate from the communication link, and coupled between the first and second integrated circuits, is used to indicate when to enter the training phase from the power savings mode and exit the training phase and return to the power savings mode.