Network Processor Clock Control for Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network processors face challenges in efficiently reducing energy consumption, particularly in battery-powered devices, and require complex energy saving circuits and specialized hardware to detect connection activities, leading to increased costs and power restoration times.
Innovation Solution
A network processor with a transceiver circuit, network data processing unit, and clock signal control unit that disables or enables clock signals based on a voltage level comparison with a threshold, allowing only necessary components to operate under different clock frequencies, thereby reducing energy consumption without the need for specialized hardware to detect connection activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network processor continuously operates to maintain network connections, then network connectivity is ensured, but energy consumption increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock signal supply adjustable rather than fixed. The clock signal control unit dynamically enables or disables clock signals to the network data processing unit based on real-time detection of connection activities, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption to actual operational needs while maintaining reliability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of clock signal supply from a constant state to a variable state. By controlling the presence or absence of clock signals based on connection activity detection, the system transforms the energy consumption parameter to match actual workload requirements, reducing power usage during idle periods while ensuring full operation when connections are active.
2Use of energy by moving object
If specialized hardware is added to detect connection activities for energy saving, then energy saving capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the network processor to monitor its own connection status through existing components. The transceiver circuit, which already exists for network communication, is utilized to detect connection activities and generate status signals that automatically control the clock signal supply, eliminating the need for separate specialized detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates multi-functionality by making the transceiver circuit serve dual purposes: its primary function of network signal transmission and its secondary function of connection activity detection for energy saving control. This universal approach allows existing components to perform multiple functions, reducing overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power is shut down for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but power restoration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the continuous monitoring of connection activities by the transceiver circuit. Rather than shutting down power and requiring restoration, the system periodically checks connection status and continuously maintains minimal clock signal supply when needed, enabling rapid response to connection events without power restoration delays.
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 effectively reduces energy consumption by disabling unnecessary clock signals when no connection activity is detected, avoiding the need for costly specialized hardware and reducing power restoration times, while maintaining efficient network operation.
Implementation Method 1
compares a voltage level of the network signal with a threshold value, outputs a comparison result
Implementation Method 2
controls the second clock signal according to the comparison result. In particular, the clock signal control unit disables supply of the second clock signal to the network data processing unit when the voltage level is smaller than the threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A network processor includes a transceiver circuit, a network data processing unit, and a clock signal control unit. The transceiver circuit transmits and receives a network signal, compares a voltage level of the network signal with a threshold value, outputs a comparison result, and operates under a first clock signal. The network data processing unit is coupled to the transceiver circuit to process the network signal, and operates under a second clock signal different from the first clock signal. The clock signal control unit disables supply of the second clock signal to the network data processing unit when the voltage level is smaller than the threshold value, and enables supply of the second clock signal to the network data processing unit when the voltage level is not smaller than the threshold value. An energy saving method for a network processor is also disclosed.