MO-MACLL Hardware Offloads MAC/LL Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless Sensor/Actuator Networks (WSAN) face challenges in minimizing power consumption, particularly during wireless idle periods due to the incompatibility between design flexibility and low-power consumption requirements for Medium Access Control/Link Layer (MAC/LL) protocols, leading to significant power consumption from CPU dynamic power and leakage during idle times.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Maximally Offloaded MAC/LL (MO-MACLL) architecture that offloads MAC/LL functions from the CPU to hardware circuits, utilizing an Always-On Domain (AON) and a Power Managed Domain (PM) to minimize CPU intervention and software memory footprint, enabling continuous CPU sleep periods and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If MAC/LL protocol is implemented as software on CPU, then design flexibility is improved, but power consumption during idle periods increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the software-based MAC/LL implementation on CPU with a dedicated hardware circuit that implements the same protocol functions. This substitution eliminates the need for CPU execution during idle periods, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining protocol functionality. The hardware circuit can be powered down or placed in low-power state during idle periods, unlike the CPU which must remain active to execute software instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the system into two distinct parts: a hardware circuit dedicated to MAC/LL protocol processing and a CPU that runs the operating system and application software. This segmentation allows the MAC/LL functions to be handled independently by the hardware circuit, freeing the CPU to enter low-power states during idle periods while maintaining protocol operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If CPU processes MAC/LL functions, then adaptability is improved, but CPU idle-time power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidCPU idle-time power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the CPU's software-based MAC/LL processing with a dedicated hardware circuit. This replacement allows the CPU to be completely disengaged from MAC/LL protocol processing, enabling the CPU to enter deep idle states with minimal power consumption while the hardware circuit handles protocol functions independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hardware circuit is designed to autonomously handle MAC/LL protocol processing without requiring CPU intervention during normal operation. The circuit self-manages protocol state transitions, packet processing, and wireless communication timing, freeing the CPU from these tasks and enabling it to consume minimal power during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If MAC/LL is implemented in software, then ease of operation is improved, but wireless idle period power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidwireless idle period power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based MAC/LL implementation with a hardware circuit that automatically manages wireless communication protocols during idle periods. This substitution eliminates the need for CPU execution of MAC/LL software during these periods, thereby reducing power consumption while the hardware circuit continues to maintain protocol compliance and readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10531382B2Offloading MAC/link layer functions

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A wireless device having processor circuitry; and a hardware circuit configured to implement, during an active steady-state of a Medium Access Control/Link Layer (MAC/LL) with scheduled channel access, a MAC/LL function without processor circuitry intervention, wherein the steady-state is a state that is control packet transmission free for managed connections in connection oriented communications or a continuous broadcast or scan operation in connectionless communications.