Oscillator Power Management in Communication Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems, such as USB communication apparatus, face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly when the communication bus is in an idle state or when incoming traffic is rejected, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication system that disables an oscillator when the communication link is idle and re-enables it upon detection of incoming traffic, along with disabling power-consuming components like receivers during idle periods, to minimize power consumption while maintaining reliable data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the oscillator remains enabled continuously to provide timing signals, then the system maintains reliable data transfer capability, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillator's operational state is dynamically adjusted based on communication link conditions. The system transitions the oscillator between enabled and disabled states according to whether data transfer is active or idle, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects idle states and disables the oscillator without external intervention. The communication apparatus monitors its own operational state and autonomously manages power consumption by controlling the oscillator based on actual data transfer needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If the oscillator is disabled during idle states to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but system responsiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects idle states and disables the oscillator in advance before significant power accumulation occurs. By proactively managing the oscillator state based on detected communication patterns, the system prepares for power savings while maintaining readiness for upcoming data transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors communication link activity and uses this feedback to control oscillator operation. The oscillator state is adjusted based on real-time detection of idle versus active communication states, creating a closed-loop control system that balances power savings with responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9886412B2Communication apparatus having an oscillator that is disabled based on idle state detection of a communication link and associated methods

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 SILICON LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

A system for communicating information includes one device that communicates information via a communication link. The system also includes a second device to communicate information via the communication link. The second device includes a receiver to receive information from the communication link. The second device also includes an oscillator that provides at least one timing signal to the receiver. The oscillator is disabled when the communication link is in an idle state. The oscillator is enabled when the communication link is in a non-idle state.