Power Delivery Bus Message Routing for Low-Power Module Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In modular computing systems, communication between non-adjacent devices is limited when devices are in a low-power state, as traditional data buses become inactive, restricting the transmission of messages and events across the power delivery bus.
Innovation Solution
A modular computing system with a host unit and modules connected via Universal Serial Bus type C connectors, utilizing a message delivery routing table to facilitate communication across the power delivery bus, allowing messages and events to be transmitted even when devices are in a low-power state by repurposing the power delivery bus for messaging protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If devices are in a low-power state to conserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but communication capability between devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery bus is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power delivery signals and communication messages. The routing table stores message routing information that maps communication events to the power delivery bus, allowing the same physical bus to serve dual purposes: delivering power specifications and transmitting communication events between devices even in low-power state
Solution Approach 2:
The routing table acts as an intermediary structure that enables communication over the power delivery bus. It stores message routing information that mediates between the communication need and the available power delivery infrastructure, allowing indirect communication paths to be established through the power bus without requiring active data bus connections
2Use of energy by moving object
If the data bus is deactivated in low-power state to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but message transmission between non-adjacent devices is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery bus is repurposed to carry communication messages in addition to its primary power delivery function. The routing table enables this by storing message routing information that directs communication events through the power bus, making the power bus a universal communication channel that works regardless of data bus state
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the traditional data bus for communication, the invention inverts the approach by using the power delivery bus for communication purposes. The routing table enables this inversion by mapping communication messages to the power delivery infrastructure, allowing messages to travel through the opposite channel from what is conventionally used
3Device complexity
If communication is limited to adjacent devices only, then system complexity is reduced, but functionality between non-adjacent devices is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The routing table serves as an intermediary that enables indirect communication between non-adjacent devices. It stores message routing information that maps source and destination device identifiers to appropriate routing paths, allowing messages to be forwarded through intermediate devices without requiring direct communication channels between all device pairs
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into multiple hops through intermediate devices. The routing table enables this segmentation by storing routing information that breaks down long-distance communication into smaller segments, where each device along the path handles only adjacent communication while collectively enabling end-to-end communication across the system
Data Source
AI summary
An example modular computing system may include a host unit. The host unit may include a port that includes a data bus and a power delivery bus. The system may further include a controller to populate a message delivery routing table. The message delivery routing table may include a first address for a first module directly connected to the host unit by the port and a second address for a second module indirectly connected to the host unit by the first module. The controller is to communicate with the second module across the power delivery bus based upon the message delivery routing table.