Network Control Unit Power Segmentation for CPU Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing apparatuses face issues with network performance speed, controller option performance, network process load on the CPU, and complexity in network process units due to limitations in the PCI bus architecture, leading to inefficiencies in power saving modes and network processing.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a main control unit, power control unit, memory control unit, and network control unit, where the network control unit receives and transfers packets independently, using a system bus and separate power units to optimize power management and network processing, reducing the load on the CPU and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the network control unit processes packets independently using a separate power unit, then network performance speed is improved and CPU load is reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple power units and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent power units: a first power unit that supplies power to the main control unit during normal operation, and a second power unit that supplies power to the network control unit and memory control unit. This segmentation allows the network control unit to operate independently even when the main control unit is in a low-power state, thereby improving network performance while managing device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network control unit acts as an intermediary between the network and the main control unit. It receives packets, performs initial processing, and transfers data to memory independently of the main control unit's power state. This intermediary role reduces the CPU load on the main control unit while maintaining system functionality, resolving the contradiction between improved productivity and increased device complexity.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the system enters power saving mode with the main control unit powered down, then power consumption is reduced, but network response time increases due to the need to boot up the main system
Solution Approach 1:
The network control unit and memory control unit are powered by a separate second power unit that remains active even when the main control unit is in a low-power state. This preliminary action ensures that the network interface and memory are ready to receive and store packets before the main control unit wakes up, thereby reducing network response time while maintaining power saving mode benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The network control unit performs self-service by independently managing packet reception and data transfer to memory without requiring the main control unit to be active. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain low power consumption while avoiding the time penalty of booting up the entire system for each network packet, effectively resolving the contradiction between power consumption and network response time.
3Device complexity
If the main control unit handles all network processing, then device complexity is minimized with a single control unit, but network process load on the CPU increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented between the main control unit and the network control unit. The main control unit handles high-level system control, while the network control unit handles packet reception and data transfer. This segmentation reduces the network processing load on the CPU while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through functional division rather than complete separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network control unit is designed with multi-functionality, handling both network packet reception and data transfer to memory. This universal approach allows a single dedicated unit to perform multiple network-related tasks that would otherwise burden the main control unit, thereby reducing CPU load while adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a main control unit that serves as a main component for device control and to which power is supplied from a first power unit; a power control unit that controls the first power unit and to which power is supplied from a second power unit; a memory control unit that accesses a memory that stores therein a computer program and data and to which power is supplied from the second power unit; and a network control unit that receives packets through a network and transfers the packets to the memory through the memory control unit and to which power is supplied from the second power unit.