Low-Power Interconnect Link Training for Mobile Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load/store communication protocols, such as PCIe™, are not power-efficient and have complex link management schemes that do not scale down well for mobile devices, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and system performance.
Innovation Solution
A low-power interconnect technology that combines a conventional PCIe™ protocol stack with a low-power physical unit, such as M-PHY, to enable efficient power management and optimized link training, while maintaining performance by leveraging existing PCIe™ components and architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional PCIe protocol is used for high-speed communication, then communication performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link training that adapts communication parameters based on actual channel conditions and performance requirements. The system can dynamically adjust link width, link speed, and power states (L0, L1, L2, L3) to optimize the balance between communication performance and power consumption, rather than using fixed high-performance settings continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple communication parameters including link width (x1, x2, x4, x8, x16), link speed (2.5 GT/s, 5.0 GT/s, 8.0 GT/s, 16.0 GT/s), and power states to achieve different performance-power tradeoffs. The link training protocol negotiates and selects optimal parameter combinations based on device capabilities and system requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex link management schemes are used to support multiple form factors, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal link training and management protocol that works across multiple form factors (desktop, mobile, embedded) and application scenarios. The same LTSSM state machine and training protocol handle diverse configurations including different link widths, speeds, and power states, eliminating the need for separate management schemes for each form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the link management functionality into distinct modular components: detection state, configuration state, recovery state, and operational states (L0, L1, L2, L3). Each state has specific, well-defined functions and transition conditions, making the overall complex system manageable through clear state boundaries and independent state handling logic
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a converged protocol stack can be used to unify communications from a first communication protocol to a second communication protocol to provide for data transfer across a physical interconnect. This stack can be incorporated in an apparatus that includes a protocol stack for a first communication protocol including transaction and link layers, and a physical (PHY) unit coupled to the protocol stack to provide communication between the apparatus and a device coupled to the apparatus via a physical link. This PHY unit may include a physical unit circuit according to the second communication protocol. Other embodiments are described and claimed.