MRAM Frame Buffering with Magnetic Field Sensor for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses face increased power consumption when displaying still images, as they require continuous signal reception from graphics processors, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pixel self-refresh (PSR) method with a frame buffer memory using magnetic random access memory (MRAM) and a magnetic field sensor to store and manage frame data, allowing for reduced power consumption by deactivating the graphics processor during still image display and controlling data storage based on external magnetic field intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a frame memory is added to store image data for pixel self-refresh, then power consumption is reduced, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame buffer memory with the signal controller into a single integrated device. The signal controller includes a frame buffer memory unit, control unit, and magnetic field sensor unit all within one device structure, eliminating the need for separate frame memory components while enabling pixel self-refresh functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the control unit for display signals and the frame buffer memory storage unit. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating dedicated separate components for frame buffering.
2Use of energy by moving object
If MRAM is used for frame buffer memory, then power consumption and size are reduced, but sensitivity to external magnetic fields increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field sensor unit that detects external magnetic fields and provides feedback to the control unit. This intermediary sensing mechanism allows the system to monitor magnetic field conditions and take protective actions, such as pausing frame buffer operations, to prevent data corruption from strong external magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensor continuously monitors the magnetic field environment and feeds this information back to the control unit. Based on the feedback, the control unit can dynamically adjust operations to protect MRAM data integrity, such as preventing write operations when strong external magnetic fields are detected.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the graphics processor is deactivated during still image display, then power consumption is reduced, but image quality and stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines in advance whether the displayed image is a still image and proactively stores the frame data in the frame buffer memory before deactivating the graphics processor. This preliminary action ensures that the display can continue using stored data without requiring continuous graphics processor updates, maintaining image stability while saving power.
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
The solution reduces the size and power consumption of display driving apparatuses while ensuring stable image display by using MRAM for frame buffering and a magnetic field sensor to manage data storage, thereby optimizing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor configured to detect an external magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
frame buffer memory comprising magnetic random access memory (MRAM) and storing at least one piece of frame data
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic random access memory (MRAM)-based frame buffering apparatus are provided that may reduce a size and power consumption thereof by using a pixel self-refresh (PSR) method. The MRAM-based frame buffering apparatus includes a frame buffer memory including magnetic random access memory (MRAM). The frame buffer memory stores at least one piece of frame data. The MRAM-based frame buffering apparatus further includes a magnetic field sensor configured to detect an external magnetic field; and a frame buffer controller configured to control the storing of the at least one piece of frame data according to the intensity of the detected external magnetic field.