Modem Controller for Fast Wake from Power-Saving Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication apparatuses require a longer time to return from energy-saving mode due to the need for CPU initialization before activating circuits, which delays the transition to normal mode.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a modem that transitions between normal and power-saving modes, utilizing a voltage variation generator and communication controller to detect voltage changes on the telephone line and output signals for the modem to switch from power-saving to normal mode without CPU initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CPU activates the modem after initialization, then the modem can be properly configured and controlled, but the time required to return from energy-saving mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a modem controller as an intermediary component that can independently activate and control the modem without requiring CPU initialization. The modem controller receives activation instructions from the CPU and directly manages the modem's operation, including generating voltage variations to signal mode transitions. This intermediary architecture allows the modem to be activated quickly from energy-saving mode while the CPU remains in its initial state, thus reducing the overall return time while maintaining reliable modem configuration and control.
2Loss of time
If the modem is activated without CPU initialization, then the return time from energy-saving mode is reduced, but the modem may not be properly configured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture into two independent parts: the CPU and the modem controller. The CPU handles high-level operations and can remain in its initial state after waking from energy-saving mode, while the modem controller independently manages modem activation and configuration. This segmentation allows the modem to be activated quickly without waiting for CPU initialization, as the modem controller has its own independent control capability. The modem controller receives simple activation instructions from the CPU and handles the detailed modem configuration and mode transition processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the CPU activates all circuits sequentially, then proper system initialization is ensured, but the operational efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modem controller serves as an intermediary that handles the specific task of modem activation and circuit initialization independently from the main CPU. When the system needs to return from energy-saving mode, the modem controller can immediately activate the modem and its associated circuits without waiting for the CPU to complete its initialization sequence. This parallel processing approach maintains complete system initialization while significantly improving operational efficiency, as the time-consuming circuit activation occurs independently and simultaneously with CPU wake-up procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus is provided that includes a modem configured to transition between a normal mode and a power-saving mode, a voltage variation generator configured to generate a voltage variation on a telephone line in response to a transition instruction, a communication controller configured to connect therethrough the modem with the telephone line, and to detect the voltage variation generated on the telephone line by the voltage variation generator, the communication controller being further configured to output a transition signal to cause the modem to transition from the power-saving mode to the normal mode, in response to detecting the voltage variation on the telephone line when the modem is in the power-saving mode.