Link Width Switching With State Refresh for Lower-Power Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface devices face high power consumption due to static bandwidth states during data transmission, leading to bandwidth waste and inefficient power management, particularly in port protocols that support multiple data types.
Innovation Solution
Implement a link width switching method involving dynamic adjustment of transmit lanes based on bandwidth changes, using logical layer blocks and state refresh patterns to synchronize devices, enabling flexible switching between service and idle states, and utilizing electrical idle exit and fast lock patterns to optimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the port maintains a fixed bandwidth state during data transmission, then the interface device can operate stably, but bandwidth waste occurs and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link width switching that allows the interface device to adjust its bandwidth state in real-time based on actual data transmission requirements. The system transitions from a static fixed bandwidth configuration to a dynamic adaptive configuration, enabling the link width to be adjusted between different states (e.g., x16, x8, x4, x2, x1) to match the current data load, thereby reducing power consumption when full bandwidth is not needed while maintaining operational stability through controlled transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the interface device by introducing link width as a variable parameter that can be adjusted during operation. The system monitors data transmission requirements and modifies the link width parameter accordingly, switching between different bandwidth configurations to optimize the balance between performance and power consumption, rather than maintaining a fixed parameter setting.
2Loss of energy
If the link width is dynamically adjusted based on bandwidth changes, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism that mediates between the transmitting and receiving devices during link width switching. This intermediary layer coordinates the state transitions, ensuring both devices agree on the new link width before actual data transmission begins. The synchronization protocol acts as a mediator that manages the complexity of dynamic adjustment by providing a structured communication framework for negotiating and confirming bandwidth changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization actions before actual link width switching occurs. The transmitting device sends a link width switching command to the receiving device in advance, allowing both devices to prepare for the upcoming state change. This preliminary action ensures that both devices are synchronized and ready for the new bandwidth configuration before data transmission resumes, reducing the risk of data loss or synchronization errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data types are transmitted through the same port, then data versatility is improved, but bandwidth management becomes inefficient leading to power waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic bandwidth allocation that adapts to the mixed data transmission workload. Instead of allocating fixed bandwidth for different data types, the system dynamically adjusts the link width based on the actual bandwidth requirements of the current data stream, whether it's general data, video data, or other types. This dynamic approach allows the system to handle multiple data types efficiently by scaling the bandwidth to match the instantaneous needs, improving both versatility and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A link width switching method includes: sending a logical layer block to a second device, where the logical layer block includes a link width switching command, and the link width switching command is used to adjust a state of a transmit lane from a first device to the second device; and sending a state refresh pattern to the second device, where the state refresh pattern is used for the link width switching command to synchronously take effect between the first device and the second device.