Network Adapter Chip Power Down via Off-Chip Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face challenges in completely powering down network adapter devices without causing stress or increased power drain, as turning off supply voltages can affect long-term reliability and result in significant power consumption during the power-down state.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an off-chip voltage source with PNP transistors to reduce and control supply voltages within a network adapter chip, allowing for minimal current draw during power-down by signaling a reduced power mode, thereby minimizing power consumption and maintaining device reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the 3.3V supply voltage is turned off to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but long-term reliability deteriorates due to stress damage on I/O cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the supply voltage level rather than completely turning it off. The voltage regulator transitions between different voltage states (fully powered, partially powered with reduced voltage, and powered down) based on operational needs. This allows the system to reduce power consumption while maintaining sufficient voltage to prevent stress damage on I/O cells during transitions, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy loss and reliability.
2Loss of energy
If conventional power down methods are used (disabling clock signals, turning off transceivers), then power consumption is reduced, but current draw remains significant at about 27 mA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the voltage regulator to output different voltage levels. In the powered down state, the regulator stops switching and outputs zero volts, completely eliminating current draw to the NAC. This is achieved by transitioning the regulator from a switching state to a non-switching state, effectively changing the electrical parameter of voltage output to resolve the contradiction between power consumption reduction and current draw elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage regulator adaptive and responsive to power management signals. The regulator dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the powered down indication signal, transitioning between active switching mode and inactive zero-voltage mode. This dynamic behavior allows the system to achieve complete power isolation when needed, resolving the contradiction between reducing power consumption and eliminating current draw.
3Speed
If the voltage regulator continues switching in reduced power mode, then quick wake-up is enabled, but power consumption increases due to continuous switching activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage regulator adaptive and responsive to power management signals. The regulator dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the powered down indication signal, transitioning between active switching mode and inactive zero-voltage mode. This dynamic behavior allows the system to achieve complete power isolation when needed, resolving the contradiction between reducing power consumption and eliminating current draw.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the controlled switching of the voltage regulator. The regulator operates in periodic switching cycles during active mode and transitions to a non-switching state during powered down mode. This periodic control mechanism allows the system to balance between quick wake-up capability (maintaining switching readiness) and power consumption reduction (stopping switches), resolving the contradiction between speed and energy loss.
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 enables safe and efficient power-down of network adapter chips with minimal current draw, reducing power consumption and avoiding potential reliability issues associated with conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
An off-chip voltage source, which may include at least a first transistor and a second transistor, may reduce a 5V supply voltage to lower supply voltages, such as a 3.3V supply voltage, a 2.5V supply voltage, and/or a 1.2V supply voltage.
Implementation Method 2
A current through the voltage source may be reduced to approximately zero amperes based on the signal indicating the reduced power mode.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of a method and system for safe and efficient power down and drawing minimal current when a device is not enabled may comprise receiving within a network adapter chip (NAC) a signal that indicates a reduced power mode. Based on this signal, the NAC may control an off-chip voltage source that provides reduced voltage to circuitry within the NAC. The off-chip voltage source, which may comprise a first PNP transistor and a second PNP transistor, may reduce a voltage to a first voltage and a second voltage. The NAC may also reduce current through the off-chip voltage source to approximately zero amperes and an output voltage of the off-chip voltage source to approximately zero volts. The first voltage and/or the second voltage may be fed back to control the output voltage and current of the off-chip voltage source.