Power State Control via Single Signal Line Pattern Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in reliably switching power states due to communication anomalies, leading to increased complexity and cost in control circuitry, especially when using multiple signal lines for control signals.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first controller managing power states via serial communication and a second controller using a single signal line for pattern-based power state switching, allowing reliable power state transitions even during communication errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple signal lines are used for control signals to reliably switch power states, then reliability of power state switching is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control signals into a single signal line by using different signal patterns (e.g., high level for a predetermined time, low level for a predetermined time, transitions between high and low levels). This merging approach allows the system to distinguish between different power state commands (power ON, power OFF, restart) without requiring separate signal lines for each control function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent encodes different control signals by changing parameters of a single signal line, specifically the duration and transition timing of high and low levels. By varying these temporal parameters, the system can represent multiple distinct commands through a single physical signal line, achieving reliable power state switching without increasing the number of signal lines.
2Reliability
If multiple signal lines are used for control signals to ensure reliable power state transitions, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control signal functions into a single signal line, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This approach lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable power state transitions through pattern-based signal encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The single signal line is designed to perform multiple functions by accepting different signal patterns that correspond to different power state commands. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated signal lines for each control operation, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If serial communication is used to instruct power state changes, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hard signal line as an intermediary backup mechanism alongside serial communication. When serial communication fails or anomalies are detected, the hard signal line can directly instruct power state changes without going through the communication protocol, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining ease of use through the primary communication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates anomaly detection mechanisms that monitor serial communication for errors before they can cause unreliable power state transitions. By detecting communication anomalies in advance and switching to alternative control methods, the system cushions against the potential harm of communication failures while maintaining the simplicity of serial communication for normal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is configured to take multiple power states including first and second power states, the electronic device comprising: a first controller controlling a power state of the electronic device; and a second controller connected to the first controller via a serial communication line and a single signal line, wherein the first controller controls the power state of the electronic device into: the first power state in response to a first command being input via the serial communication line; the second power state in response to a second command being input via the serial communication line; the first power state in response to a first pattern signal being input from the signal line; and the second power state in response to a second pattern signal being input from the signal line.