Optical Transceiver Channel Grouping for Clock-Synced Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in managing increasing bandwidth requirements due to high power consumption by high-speed components in transceivers, which are dependent on continuous data streams for clock synchronization, leading to inefficiencies in power usage during varying traffic patterns.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method using parallel links with synchronized clock signals in groups of channels, allowing for dynamic activation and deactivation of channels based on data traffic, independent of data streams, to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous data streams are used to maintain clock synchronization in transceivers, then clock synchronization is maintained, but power consumption increases during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The data stream is segmented into separate synchronization packets and data packets. The synchronization packets contain clock information necessary for maintaining synchronization, while data packets carry actual data traffic. This allows the synchronization function to be maintained independently of data traffic volume, enabling power saving when no data needs to be transmitted while preserving clock synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring continuous data streams for synchronization, the invention uses periodic synchronization packets transmitted at controlled intervals. These periodic packets maintain clock synchronization between transmitter and receiver without requiring constant data flow, allowing the system to enter low-power states during periods when no data transmission is needed while maintaining synchronization readiness.
2Productivity
If high-speed components are used to meet increasing bandwidth requirements, then data transmission capacity increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on traffic requirements. High-speed components can be fully activated when bandwidth is needed and transitioned to low-power states when traffic is minimal. The separation of synchronization and data functions enables this dynamic behavior, as synchronization can be maintained with minimal power while data transmission capacity is scaled according to actual needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of transmission, the method comprising: sending, in two or more groups of channels, data and at least one clock signal over an optical link to a receiver, wherein each group in the two or more groups of channels comprises: at least one channel for sending at least one data packet of the data; and a channel for sending a clock signal of the at least one clock signal, wherein the clock signal is synchronized with the at least one data packet in the group of channels.