Low Power Data Streaming Logic Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices that transmit data with packet acknowledgments require continuous power consumption, reducing battery life in battery-powered units, as they need to maintain circuitry for flow control and acknowledgments during transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device uses a logic unit to handle acknowledgments, allowing the main processor to sleep during transmission by using a memory access unit (DMA) to manage packet delivery and response messages, enabling the processor to wake up only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet acknowledgments are used during data transmission, then data delivery reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous circuitry operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission control functions by separating the main processor from the transmission management tasks. The main processor prepares and transmits data packets, while a separate logic unit handles acknowledgment processing and retransmission control. This segmentation allows the main processor to enter low-power sleep modes while the logic unit continues to manage transmission reliability, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable data delivery and reducing power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If the main processor remains active to handle acknowledgments, then transmission control accuracy is improved, but battery life is reduced due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a logic unit as an intermediary between the main processor and the transmission interface. This logic unit acts as a mediator that autonomously handles acknowledgment processing, determines whether retransmission is needed, and controls the transmission interface accordingly. The main processor can therefore enter sleep mode while the logic unit maintains accurate transmission control, resolving the contradiction between transmission control accuracy and battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic unit is designed to autonomously handle transmission management tasks including processing acknowledgments, determining retransmission needs, and controlling the transmission interface without requiring main processor intervention. This self-service capability allows the main processor to enter low-power states while the logic unit independently maintains accurate transmission control, thus extending battery life while preserving transmission reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
To save power, a controller formats data packets for transmission to a remote device and then enters a low power mode. A direct memory access unit reads the formatted data packets and presents them to a communication interface for transmission to the remote device. A hardware logic unit matches acknowledgement and no-acknowledgement responses from the remote device for directing further packet transmission. When the hardware logic unit cannot match a response from the remote device it signals the controller to wake up for further processing.