Memory Controller Signal Timing Without Terminating Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic apparatuses, such as mobile PCs, consume excessive power due to the continuous use of a terminating voltage required to raise signal levels, reducing battery usage time despite employing power-saving techniques.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus design that eliminates the need for an independent terminating voltage by using a resistor connected in series between the memory controller and memory to match impedance and control signal timing, thereby reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a terminating voltage is applied to raise the signal level of control signals, then the processing speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by enabling the terminating voltage only during active operation modes and disabling it during standby modes. The control signal transmission occurs periodically according to the operating clock, and the terminating voltage is supplied only when needed for signal level adjustment during these periodic operations, rather than continuously. This resolves the contradiction by providing the voltage boost only when processing speed is required, not during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the terminating voltage supply configurable and variable based on operating mode. The system can dynamically switch between different voltage supply states (enabled/disabled) depending on whether the electronic apparatus is in active or standby mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between processing speed and power consumption based on real-time operational requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the signal voltage is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but signal reflections occur due to impedance mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a terminating voltage that acts as a mediator between the low-voltage signal and the transmission line impedance requirements. This terminating voltage is supplied through a resistor to the transmission line, creating an intermediate impedance matching condition that prevents reflections while allowing the main signal voltage to remain low for power savings. The terminating voltage serves as a bridge that reconciles the conflicting requirements of low power consumption and signal integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces power consumption and increases battery usage time by eliminating the need for a terminating voltage, while maintaining signal integrity and preventing signal distortion.
Implementation Method 1
a resistor, which is connected in series between the memory controller and the memory to match impedance and to eliminate any signal overshoot and/or undershoot
Implementation Method 2
a transmission line disposed between the memory controller and the memory for transmitting the control signal to be transmitted from the memory controller to the memory
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus is provided with an arrangement of discrete circuit elements designed to reduce power consumption. Such an arrangement comprises a memory; a memory controller to generate a control signal which controls the memory according to a predetermined operating clock; and a transmission line disposed between the memory controller and the memory to allow the control signal to be transmitted to the memory, wherein the timing of the control signal is controlled by a change of the operating clock.